Hi, I'm completely new to 3D printing and want to explore this technology as it may help my goal of creating relief maps. I want to create very detailed relief maps of local mountains so that hikers, climbers, back country skiers can see exactly what the terrain of a particular mountain is like before going on an expedition. All the existing products I've been able to find seem to have very low 'relief'... ie. 2-4 inches of depth. I'd like to see much greater exaggeration of elevation and an detailed map overlay on the model (vacuum thermoforming printed terrain sounds interesting). I imagine the footprint of the finished piece should be 2ft x 3ft minimum... possibly to lay flat under glass (not necessarily hung on a wall). The key is that it can be used for route planning, more than just something cool to look at.

Again, I know very little about 3D printing and the possibilities it provides in relation to the goal. Any information on the subject from those in the know is appreciated!

Cheers.