MAOS Maps, Explained: What We Make, How We Customize, and Why It’s Different

At MAOS Maps, we believe that the most meaningful keepsakes begin with a real sense of place. Our map-embedded frames and custom topographical art bring cherished locations to life so you can celebrate the landscapes that have shaped your memories. Read on for a comprehensive exploration of what we make, how our hands-on customization process works, and what sets the MAOS Maps experience apart.

What We Make: Turning Geography into Art and Keepsakes

Custom TopoPhoto Frames: When Memory Meets Terrain

Our signature TopoPhoto frames are custom-designed pieces that combine your own photo with a precisely 3D-mapped representation of the very spot where the moment happened. Picture a wedding photo with the mountain vista you proposed on—not just in the background, but built into the frame in sculpted detail.

• Frame Slim – Custom: A lightweight frame with a modern profile, including both wall-mount and tabletop kickstand. Great for milestone moments or as a conversation starter on an entryway shelf.
• Frame LED – Custom: Featuring integrated ambient lighting that brings the landscape features to life, even in the evening. Especially unique for displaying in living rooms or as a nightlight in bedrooms.
• Special editions for national parks or iconic cities (like Zion, Chicago, or Seattle), perfect for the traveler or urban explorer.

Standalone Custom TopoMaps: Art You Can Feel

For those who want the pure, tactile experience of topography, our TopoMaps are physical 3D sculptures of landscapes that matter most. These are perfect for desktop display, gallery walls, or as impressive office decor. Sizes range from small tiles to full wall installations.

• TopoMap - Custom: Select any spot on Earth, define the boundaries, and specify your size.
• [DEPOSIT] TopoMap - Custom Project: For truly ambitious visions, build vast map murals from interconnected tiles, framed as one seamless artwork.
• Pre-designed editions featuring National Park icons or city skylines.

Magnets, Coasters & Gift Cards: Small-Scale, Big Impact

For the thoughtful gifter or those with limited space, our product family extends to smaller items:

• Custom TopoPhoto magnets—mini memories for your fridge or filing cabinet.
• High-quality coaster sets with real-world terrain: stylish and functional, with conversation-worthy stories embedded in every line.
• MAOS Maps Gift Cards for those who want to give the gift of place, letting the recipient pick the destination that matters most.

How Our Customization Process Works

Every MAOS Maps piece is custom-built in the United States and personally handled from first click to careful inspection before shipping. Here’s how our collaboration with you unfolds:

1. Choose Your Canvas

• Is your vision focused on reliving a specific moment? Start with a TopoPhoto frame that blends your imagery with landscape.
• If you’re a design enthusiast, start with a custom TopoMap to celebrate, say, your favorite mountain range, lake, or city skyline.
• For offices or large-format installations, begin with a custom project deposit for a map mural that fits your space.

2. Define the Exact Location

On our website, simply zoom or pan an interactive map to any place on earth—be it your home, wedding venue, favorite trail, or a city neighborhood. You’ll be able to select a red boundary box that sets the final mapped area. For larger projects or uniquely-shaped regions, our team is always happy to guide you in selecting coverage that feels just right.

3. Specify the Size and Format

• Options range from a petite 2" x 2" tile to impressive 10" x 10" and larger displays. If you have an ambitious wall in mind, our "multi-tile" custom project process ensures your map is split across perfectly aligned pieces.
• Pick your frame finish (Slim, LED), orientation, and style touches where applicable.

4. Upload Your Meaningful Photo (for TopoPhoto Only)

If you’re ordering a TopoPhoto frame, uploading a high resolution image is crucial for print clarity. Our team can advise on image quality—generally, 2000 x 3000 pixels or above works well for most standard frame sizes.

5. Digital Terrain Modeling & Artistic Prep

We convert public, high-resolution elevation data into detailed models, amplifying the natural features so the sculpted ridges, valleys, and slopes are easily visible in your artwork. Usually, a 1.5x vertical exaggeration is applied so the character of your chosen place truly stands out on a table or wall.

6. Precision 3D Printing & Quality Assurance

• We use Bambu Lab 3D printers with live video monitoring and AI-powered defect detection to catch issues in real time.
• Print settings are finely tuned: 0.10mm layer heights and 0.20mm layer widths mean even subtle topographical details show up faithfully.
• Our preferred material—PLA plastic—is made from renewable feedstocks like corn starch or sugarcane, offering significantly less environmental impact vs. traditional petroleum-based plastics.
• Every map is manually inspected for accuracy, surface finish, and strength before being sent to final assembly.

7. Finishing & Shipping

Frames are assembled by hand. LEDs (for those who opt for this modern touch) are fitted for seamless illumination. Most custom items ship in 5 to 10 business days; large installations may take 3 to 5 weeks from final design approval.

What Sets Us Apart: The MAOS Maps Difference

Designed and Built in the USA

• Our small-team approach means each project is handled with a level of care that mass-produced imports simply can’t match.
• With manufacturing close to home, we respond to your questions quickly and efficiently. You’re never just an order number.

Real-World Accuracy Meets Emotional Artistry

• These aren’t stylized illustrations. The contours, peaks, and rivers in your piece follow the real landscape data—the same terrain hikers cross, kayakers paddle, or city-dwellers use as landmarks every day.
• When framed with a photo, every piece offers both an emotional and geographical story.

Truly Collaborative Custom Projects

• We pride ourselves on individual service. If you’re not sure about size, orientation, or want help matching your wall or gallery space, we’re ready to help every step of the way.
• Whether for a large office installation or a meaningful family gift, scale, budget, and logistics are always tailored to your needs.

Detail-Focused Craftsmanship and Eco-Conscious Materials

• We take our printing precision seriously: real elevation, real data, and crisp detail.
• Our use of PLA plastic considers environmental impact without sacrificing print quality or durability. For more ideas on sustainable design and 2025 trends, see our post on eco-conscious materials in modern décor.

Gifts and Keepsakes That Resonate

• We frequently see customers use TopoPhoto and TopoMaps as heartfelt gifts: for anniversaries, weddings, travel adventures, or to mark life’s big moments.
• Because it's rooted in real location, every recipient immediately understands the story and feels connected to the art in a personal way. For inspiration, check out our anniversary gift ideas for nature-loving couples.

Who Our Work Speaks To

• Couples and newlyweds looking to memorialize engagement spots, wedding venues, or honeymoon destinations.
• Families who want to capture their hometown, a favorite hiking trail, or the place they grew up.
• Outdoor and adventure enthusiasts building a personal gallery of summits and trips.
• Retailers and corporate offices in search of eye-catching, story-driven wall installations that spark connection and pride.

Tips for Choosing the Right Product

• For a centerpiece that combines people and place, choose a TopoPhoto frame in your preferred style (Slim or LED). Make it personal: first hike, engagement, new home, favorite city block.
• To build a modern wall display, pick a single TopoMap - Custom tile or mix-and-match with different locations. For large walls, get in touch about starting a full custom project—our design support can help with planning and layout.
• Want a unique, personalized gift without going big? Go for a TopoPhoto magnet, coaster set, or a gift card for total flexibility.

How MAOS Maps Custom Projects Work (for Large Installations)

1. Determine your wall size and the landscape coverage you’d like. For example, a signature cityscape for a corporate lobby, or a mountain view in an outdoor store.
2. Estimate total tiles by dividing your space by tile size (typically 200mm per tile). Our multi-tile process ensures the finished mural fits your exact space.
3. Start with a custom project deposit, then collaborate directly with our team for design, layout, and scheduling. Most big projects are completed within 3 to 5 weeks.

Bringing Place, Memory, and Meaning Together

At MAOS Maps, it’s not just about capturing a point on a map—it’s about living with the landscapes that matter to you. Whether you’re a newlywed, a traveler, or someone who wants their home to reflect places of meaning, our process is personal, precise, and always rooted in your real story. You’re supporting a small business with real passion for place and memory, custom-designed and hand-finished in the USA every time.

Ready to give your memories dimension? Visit MAOS Maps to start designing your own topographical keepsake or reach out with your dream project—we’re here to bring it to life.