About
At Origin Maps, we are driven by a passion for crafting the finest maps that intertwine art and geography to create truly heartfelt and unique wooden topographic maps. Our meticulously carved landscapes commemorate your most cherished memories, moments, and victories, allowing you to share and showcase them proudly.
From the National Park where you proposed, to your faraway homeland, or your farm that is your fortress, our maps embody the energy, spirit and memories of these special places.
Hi, I'm Tim, and my journey into the world of maps and geography started with a fascination for Australia's rich landscapes.
Every place holds a tapestry of stories and experiences, which ignited my passion for blending memories and emotions with geography. The idea for Origin Maps sprouted when I crafted a custom wooden map as a gift for my parents' anniversary. Seeing how moved they were by the artwork, I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
As I continued honing my craft and refining techniques, the overwhelming response from friends and family encouraged me to share these extraordinary creations with a wider audience. Today, Origin Maps takes pride in producing all maps and frames in-house, and has crafted over 500 maps for clients across Australia, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the EU.
Our stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces have become a favourite for those who seek the perfect gift for their significant others on special occasions like their husbands' 60th birthdays or their 5-year wedding anniversary.
When you choose Origin Maps, you can rest assured that I personally oversee the creation of each map, ensuring it captures the essence of cherished memories and becomes a heartfelt symbol of your love and appreciation.
Explore the ever-growing gallery or order a fully custom piece of any location, and let us help you craft a cherished keepsake that will hold a special place in your heart forever.
Cheers, Tim
1. Confirming Map Extent
The first step, is to confirm the map extent with you.
We review topographic data of the area, along with any other important information such as locations you would like to be included, property boundaries, and street data.
From this, we provide you with recommendations on the map extent.
* We can internally source all of this data, so you don't need to worry about providing this information.
2. Sourcing & Processing Data
We use various public repositories for topographic and street data. For example NASA data for large scale maps, and then for more zoomed in maps, we use data from local governments to achieve a higher resolution map.
This data then needs to be cleaned and processed to make it suitable for laser engraving and cutting.
3. Drafting
We email you a digital draft of your map.
At this point we can talk about any adjustments you would like (by email or on the phone), and incorporate them into the second draft. This way, we can get the piece just how you want it.
Some common adjustments include changes to the labeling, and changes to the legend title.
* Standard custom orders include up to 3 drafts.
4. Fabrication - Laser Cutting
Next the plywood for your map is treated. Depending on the style, this will involve sanding, painting, and varnishing.
Your digital file is also completed, and sent to the laser. Here the various sheets of treated plywood are engraved and cut .
5. Fabrication - Assembly
Your map is now at the final stage of fabrication!
The many layers are carefully aligned and glued together, and then placed into a frame of Tasmanian Oak. This hardwood frame has been cut, sanded, stained, and oiled.
6. Dispatch
Lastly, your piece is carefully and securely packaged, and then dispatched to you.
The wait is almost over, and shipping notifications will now be coming through to your inbox :)