Frequently Asked Questions

Topographic art transforms elevation data into visual artwork using contour lines — the same lines you see on hiking maps. Each line represents a specific elevation, so when stacked together, they create a portrait of the terrain's shape. At Topo Prints, we use public elevation data to generate minimalist contour art of any location on Earth.

Contour lines connect points of equal elevation. If you walked along a contour line, you'd stay at the same altitude the entire time. When contour lines are close together, the terrain is steep; when they're far apart, it's gentle. Our prints use multiple contour intervals stacked together, creating a visual fingerprint of the landscape's shape.

Our elevation data comes from Mapzen Terrain Tiles (hosted on AWS Open Data), which merge public elevation datasets: USGS 3DEP in the United States, SRTM and GMTED2010 worldwide, EU-DEM in Europe, national lidar models in several countries, and ETOPO1 for the sea floor. Detail depends on the region and on the size of the area you choose. Full credits are on our About page.

Three things: 1) Real data — every line is traced from real, measured elevation data, not stylized illustration. 2) True customization — you pick the exact location and framing, generated on demand. 3) Global coverage — anywhere on Earth, from famous peaks to your childhood home. Most "custom map art" uses generic templates; our prints are genuinely unique.

Ordering is simple: 1) Search for any location on Earth using our map interface. 2) Adjust the view to frame the area you want. 3) Customize the contour detail level, line style, and colors. 4) Preview your design in real-time. 5) Choose your print size and checkout. Your print is generated on-demand and ships within 3-5 business days.

Any location on Earth with terrain features. Our elevation data covers the entire globe, from Himalayan peaks to Scottish highlands to your hometown. Mountains, valleys, coastlines, islands, and even subtle rolling hills all work well. The more dramatic the elevation change, the more striking the print — but even gentle terrain creates beautiful, minimalist art.

Yes! You can customize several aspects of your print: contour line color (choose from presets or enter any hex color), background color, contour density (how many elevation levels to show), line thickness, and the exact area to frame. Preview all changes in real-time before ordering.

Yes, designing is completely free. You can search locations, adjust framing, customize colors, and preview your print as many times as you want. You only pay when you're ready to order. We want you to explore and find the perfect design.

Absolutely! Topographic prints make meaningful gifts for hikers, travelers, mountain lovers, or anyone with a connection to a specific place. Just enter the recipient's shipping address at checkout. We can include a gift note — add it in the order comments. Consider gifting the location of a first hike, wedding venue, hometown, or favorite vacation spot.

We offer 4 product types in 4 sizes:

Posters: 12×16" ($29), 16×20" ($35), 18×24" ($39), 24×36" ($49)
Giclée prints: 12×16" ($49), 16×20" ($59), 18×24" ($69), 24×36" ($89)
Framed posters (most popular): 12×16" ($99), 16×20" ($119), 18×24" ($139), 24×36" ($219)
Canvas prints: 12×16" ($59), 16×20" ($69), 18×24" ($79), 24×36" ($119)

All products use museum-quality giclée printing. Frames are solid wood, ready to hang. Canvases are gallery-wrapped on 1.5" wooden bars.

We use giclée printing on 189gsm museum-quality archival paper. Giclée is the industry standard for fine art reproduction, using pigment-based inks that resist fading for 100+ years. The paper has a subtle matte finish that reduces glare while preserving detail. Prints ship flat in rigid mailers to prevent damage.

Yes! Our most popular option is the framed poster — prints arrive in a solid wood frame, ready to hang. We also offer unframed posters (if you prefer to frame it yourself) and gallery-wrapped canvas prints stretched on wooden bars. All options ship protected and ready for display.

Prints are made to order and typically ship within 3-5 business days. Delivery time depends on your location: US orders arrive in 5-7 days, international orders in 10-15 days. All prints ship flat (not rolled) to ensure quality. We partner with Printful for professional production and worldwide fulfillment.

Yes, we ship worldwide. Prints are produced and fulfilled through Printful's global network of print facilities, so your order ships from the facility closest to you. This reduces shipping time and environmental impact. International shipping typically takes 10-15 business days.

Because every print is made to order, we can't accept returns for change of mind, so please check your preview carefully before ordering. If your print arrives damaged, defective, or misprinted, we'll replace it free: just contact us within 30 days of delivery and include a photo of the issue.