CNC Carved and Laser Engraved Topographic Map

I live in Argentina, and I love to hike, bike, ski and camp in Patagonia... That´s why I decided to create a wooden 3D map of this beautiful region of the planet! And it is an actual representation of the real topography!

I will do my best to write in English my first Instructable... Hope you can enjoy it!

Start by choosing a terrain with notorious elevation changes (like mountains). You can use a map, guide, Google Earth, an image, a photo or simply your memory of that gorgeous vacations

You will be using a computer with Internet connection

A CNC router (no matter what size)

A laser engraver machine (optional)

A nice flat and dry wooden board of any species, with roughly the dimensions of the final idea

Some softwares that CNC machines use, or save the data in a Pendrive and go to a local shop or makerspace

Copy this link on your browser:

https://jthatch.com/Terrain2STL/

(or type Terrain2stl)

And search the Globe until you get the right location of your interest

Follow the instructions and download the file

You will get a compress STL file with a 3D representation of the area

Wether if you use a CNC router or you go to a local makerspace, you will have access to Vectric software for CNC machining. This program will allow you to determine every detail and simulate the result, and finally generate a G code so the CNC router will know what to do on the wooden board. If you want, you can use Fusion 360 to get the Gcode!

I´m not going into details, but after positioning the board and checking some parameters, you will start seeing how the CNC start moving and cutting, revealing the 3D shape of the place you have chosen!

This is a long procedure, so plan your strategies in advance. My work took 6 hours of machining!

Once the CNC ended its job, you will need to cut the board in any shape and dimensions you like. I chose to keep the 3D carving in the center and a frame all around.

I cut the excess with a table saw (you can use any tool you consider)

Now you have a beautiful work of art! You can stop here or you can go further with laser engraving!! Lets go!

I measured the perimeters of the board and traslate that info to Lightburn, the software I use to generate G codes for my diode lasers. Of course you can rely on a friend, shop or makerspace with laser machines.

I decided to engrave the names of the little towns around the area, an arrow pointing North, the logo of the 40 route and the path of this mytical route!

I made a layer for each trace so I can check the alignment correctly and go one by one.

Now that you have in your hands a piece of art, you need some feet or stand to show it!

I use Fusion 360 to design a simple yet effective foot that I can print on my 3D printer. Actually I printed 2 of them.

I used Rust Oleum poliurethane spray to go into every detail. Two coats will do the job! This is an easy and effective way to protect your work of art!

So happy with the finished product!! I planned a road trip to do with my family, so I packed the map, drive 2.5k kilometers, camp and hike all over Patagonia, and by the time we reached Villa La Angostura village, I donate the map to Tourist Information Center!

So, if you happened to travel to Argentina and visit that lovely village, go check my work!

Thanks for reading my first Instructable!!

Have a nice life and keep making stuff!