What you need
A browser with an internet connection, a surface to engrave, and laser software that can import SVG files. TopoStack is free to use and needs no account. It prepares artwork; you choose the machine settings for your material.
1. Choose flat engraving and set the size
Open the studio, choose a location and select Flat. Open Artwork size, choose a rectangle or circle, and enter the finished width (and height, for a rectangle). Choose flat engraving when you want a contour drawing rather than a stack of cut sheets.
2. Balance contour density and readability
In Contour design, Contour density sets 4–40 lines across the elevation range. Start with a moderate count, then increase it if the terrain needs more detail. Tight slopes produce close lines, so inspect them at your finished size.
The density setting divides the selected elevation range; it is not a fixed elevation interval, so the same count gives different spacing in different places. Index contour draws every chosen line (every 2nd to 10th) with a stronger stroke to help readers follow the landscape.
3. Add context without crowding the contours
In Map details, roads, trails, water outlines, state or province boundaries, a coordinate grid, elevation labels, a compass and a scale bar are optional. Water can be filled with lines, ripples or dots, or left as an outline. Turn off details that compete with the shape of the terrain.
In Linework, choose a Fine, Balanced or Bold preset, then adjust individual widths as needed. Widths are SVG stroke widths at physical size. Actual burn width also depends on your laser, material and how your software processes vector strokes.
4. Generate, preview and export
- Select Generate terrain (Regenerate terrain after the first generation) to fetch real elevation and the requested map details.
- Inspect the flat engraving preview. If data is unavailable or settings are stale, resolve the message before exporting.
- Open Export and choose the engraving artwork or the complete project.
- Import the SVG into your laser software and confirm its physical dimensions and engraving operation.
The primary file ends in -engraving.svg. It contains one blue (#2366FF) ENGRAVE group with named detail groups, and no CUT or SCORE groups. The complete project adds a project file with your settings, a README and ATTRIBUTION.txt.
Check before you engrave
A successful SVG export prepares artwork, not machine settings. Verify the scale and the engraving operation, and make a small test on your material before engraving the full piece.
Common questions
Does flat engraving use material thickness or lake depth?
No. Sheet thickness, vertical exaggeration, water depth, nesting, kerf and assembly guides belong to layered relief. Flat engraving controls the contour drawing on one surface.
Can I save the project and return later?
Settings are saved in this browser. Export a project-settings JSON backup to move them to another device or keep a separate copy. Imported or restored settings need fresh terrain generation before artwork export. Clearing browser storage removes the local settings.
Next steps
Try the same place in the Crater Lake example, or see how to make a layered topographic map.