Every contour line in your print was measured by satellite. The paper, ink, and framing should be equally precise. Here's exactly what goes into a Topo Prints piece.
"A topographic map is a scientific document first, a work of art second — and when both are done right, it lasts for generations."
Our poster and giclée prints use a heavyweight enhanced matte paper — smooth, bright white, with a subtle tooth that holds fine contour detail without bleeding. Acid-free and lignin-free, this paper won't yellow or degrade over time. The same class of stock used by fine art print houses and gallery exhibitions.
We print with archival pigment inks — not dye-based consumer inks. Pigment inks embed color particles into the paper fiber rather than sitting on top, producing prints with exceptional color depth and resistance to fading. Under normal display conditions, colors remain true for decades.
Canvas prints are produced on a poly-cotton blend stretched over solid wood stretcher bars. The image wraps around the edges for a clean, frameless look. Sealed with a satin finish coating for UV protection and durability. Arrives with mounting hardware — ready to hang.
Framed prints arrive assembled and ready to hang. Each frame is built from solid wood with a clean, contemporary profile. The print is protected behind shatter-resistant acrylic glazing and backed with acid-free materials. Professional mounting hardware is pre-installed.
Every contour line in your print represents real, measured terrain. Not a stylized approximation — the actual shape of the Earth.
USGS 3DEP (3D Elevation Program) and global SRTM datasets — the same elevation data used by federal agencies for flood mapping, infrastructure planning, and scientific research.
1-arc-second (approximately 30 meters) — detailed enough to capture individual ridgelines, valleys, and drainage patterns with precision.
Custom contour extraction algorithms trace lines of equal elevation from the raw terrain model. Each render is unique — generated for your specific location, at your chosen detail level.
Our rendering follows cartographic principles developed over 150 years — from the Swiss Alpine Club's 1860s survey maps to Eduard Imhof's terrain visualization techniques at ETH Zürich.
Avoid direct sunlight to preserve color fidelity. Framed prints with acrylic glazing offer additional UV protection.
Keep away from high-moisture areas. Archival paper performs best at 30–50% relative humidity.
If framing a poster yourself, use acid-free materials and UV-filtering glass or acrylic to maximize longevity.
Handle unframed prints by the edges or with clean cotton gloves. Natural oils from skin can mark matte paper over time.
From satellite data to finished print — the three-step process behind every Topo Prints piece.
All sizes and formats with transparent pricing. Free worldwide shipping on every order.
The history and appeal of contour line art — from USGS surveys to modern wall décor.
Design your topographic print — it's free to create and preview.
Start Creating