# 3D-Printed Topographic Maps 'Sightline Maps' is Crowdfunding to Bring Its Creations to Classrooms By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-09-09 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/topographic-maps References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20160908-sightline-maps-wants-to-bring-3d-printed-geographic-models-to-classrooms-around-the-world.html) & [sightlinemaps](https://sightlinemaps.com/) 'Sightline Maps' is a California-based start-up that has launched a campaign on Kickstarter for the purposes of bringing its innovative topographic maps to classrooms around the world to teach kids about everything from science and geography to digital fabrication. The 3D-printed topographic maps are created through a web platform that makes it possible for students to make 3D models of different parts of the world, using the most up-to-date information available. By making it possible for students to have access to the most accurate data, Sightline Maps is providing a highly engaging and interactive way for students to get their hands on models of world-famous landmarks, historical sties or locations close to their own school. For its crowdfunding project, Sightline Maps will be putting $100 towards providing a school with a year's subscription to the web platform. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **3d-printed Topographic Maps:** Bringing the experience of the physical world to the digital age, there is a disruptive opportunity for educational technology companies to innovate classroom curriculums with 3D printing technologies. - **Interactive Learning Tools:** Sightline Maps is tapping into the educational technology market by providing an interactive learning platform which provides an innovative way for students to learn science and geography. - **Crowdfunded Educational Subscriptions:** Sightline Maps is introducing an innovative way to offer educational subscriptions to schools by introducing their custom print services for geology maps, providing an opportunity for educational channels to leverage the power of crowdfunding. ### Who This Affects Most - **Educational Technology:** There is an opportunity for educational technology companies to leverage 3D printing technologies to create innovative, interactive, and immersive learning experiences. - **Geographic and Geological Services:** Sightline Maps is disrupting the traditional geographic and geological services industry by providing a digital service for custom topographical maps for the classroom market. - **Crowdfunding:** Leveraging the power of crowdfunding, Sightline Maps is creating an opportunity for businesses to promote and fund their innovative products, particularly in the education sector. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Flip Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stl-sculptures.md) - [3D-Printable Toy Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerworld-cyberbrick.md) - [Unique 3D Printing Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-church.md) - [Crowdfunded 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geetech-thunder.md) - [3D Printing Resource Databases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printlab.md) - [Classroom-Focused 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerbot-sketch-large.md) - [Classroom-Focused 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sketch-print.md) - [Real World-Synced Globes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microtierra.md) - [Metaverse-Ready GIS Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metageo.md)