Geology & Topography of the Grampians 3D Printed Map

I created a multicolour 3D printed geological map of the Grampians, also known as Gariwerd, in western Victoria, Australia. This physical terrain model combines the real topography of the Grampians with a simplified geological map, revealing how different rock types are distributed across the mountain ranges, valleys and surrounding plains.

Every ridge and valley is raised in three dimensions, while the five-colour geological overlay identifies sedimentary rocks, volcanic rocks, metamorphic rocks, intrusive rocks and younger alluvial deposits. The model makes it possible to see the relationship between geology, erosion, drainage and landscape formation in a way that a conventional flat geological map cannot.

Prints are between 140-150mm (Width) x 240-250mm (Height)
The sizes can change slightly (miniscule amounts) as I better the print over time and make small changes.

The Grampians are among Australia’s most distinctive geological landscapes. Their spectacular sandstone ranges rise abruptly above the plains of western Victoria, creating long parallel ridges, steep escarpments, deep valleys and isolated peaks. This 3D terrain map shows how those dramatic landforms relate to the underlying geology of Gariwerd and the surrounding region.

To produce the model, digital elevation data was converted into a printable terrain surface before geological mapping was processed in QGIS, aligned in Blender and prepared for multicolour 3D printing. The final map was printed using a Bambu Lab printer and AMS system, with a custom geological legend added along the base.

This project combines Australian geology, physical geography, GIS mapping, digital elevation models, Blender, TouchTerrain and multicolour 3D printing. It is a detailed educational geology model designed for anyone interested in the Grampians, Gariwerd, Victorian geology, geomorphology, geological maps, terrain modelling and the landscapes of Australia.