Topographic Map Laser Cut

In this project, we were testing our knowledge of the laser cutter and sticker printer in an independent project of our choosing. I chose to make a topographic map of mount Everest using layers of wood from the laser cutter. I used the sticker printer to put a different sticker on each layer, making it look like a mountain. We learned a few things about design and some things specifically about what we were making.

1. 1, 30 x 20 in. 1/4 thick sheet of wood

2. laser cutter

3. sticker printer + sticker paper

4. wood glue/hot glue

During this project, I didn't learn as much as the first one, but that's because the first project was specifically meant to teach us things. To make the map, I could relatively easily envision what steps I had to take, and how to divide groups for the layers. I had to make two separate groups of layers so they would actually stack onto each other.

Some challenges I faced during this project were actually making the topographic map. I had to trace a lot of lines, and that took a good amount of time. I also had a bit of a difficult time putting the stickers on each layer. As the layers became larger, the harder it was to put the sticker on, and the more time it took as well.

If I would do this project again, I would probably try to scale the model better, because the layers don't proportionately represent how mount Everest actually looks.