The maps start as data - just millions and millions of points with known locations and elevations. From there the data is loaded into computer programs where shaded relief (shading so it appears 3-d) and color are added. The coloration process is what takes the longest - usually many hours over the course of several days or weeks - until the colors are "just right". Different colors are assigned to different elevations and blended into one another to get subtle color shifts as the terrain changes.
Topographics make a wonderful addition to a living or working space - they bring a sense of place, community, adventure, and discovery. They show our existing world as a known reference, yet concurrently present it as art.
Please click the link below to continue to the Topographics gallery, and to also see the beginnings of a new Planimetrics gallery.