How I Make Your Custom Wood Maps

From real GPX ride and race data to handcrafted layered wood art—designed and made in Japan by Mr. Tim.

  • Every custom wood map begins with your real GPX ride, run, or race data. Using precision laser cutting, layered wood techniques, and a clean modern design style, I transform your activity into detailed handcrafted art made here in Japan. This page shows the simple step-by-step process behind how your cycling routes, marathons, and epic adventures become a unique map you’ll be proud to display.

Layer by Layer: Turning Data Into Art

Choose from handcrafted 3D maps made from your own GPX ride data, or select a ready-made design of world-famous cycling routes.

  • Go ride it!

    Start with a meaningful route—whether it’s a daily loop, milestone activity, or special journey. Upload a GPX file to turn real-world effort into precision-crafted wood art. For established races or events, I can retrieve the route for you.

  • Activity Layer

    Your uploaded GPX Activity is precision-cut from wood, painted bold orange, and placed above the road layer. This raised element makes your ride the visual focus of the entire piece—clean, crisp, and unmistakably yours.

  • Data layer

    Select which ride statistics to engrave: distance, elevation gain, duration, power, and more. Add the Activity or Event date, choose ft/mi or m/km.

  • Major Roads layer

    Laser-cut roadways are cut from basswood and painted grey, precisely mapped from your route’s geography and scaled for clarity and accuracy

  • Elevation Chart

    Your ride’s elevation profile is transformed into a sculptural orange bar chart, laser-cut in wood and placed on the final layer. It includes distance and elevation data. Marathons are typically flat, so this feature is not included.

  • Water layer

    Oceans, rivers, and lakes are laser-cut. Different water depths are represented by varying shades of blue, adding visual depth and realism to the map’s aquatic features.

  • Engraved Layer

    Topographic elevation contours are engraved directly into natural basewood using digital terrain data. These lines add a sense of realism and geographic context to the route.

  • Medal

    The athlete’s name, bib number, finish time, and event name are engraved on the wooden medal.

  • Pin

    A pin with an engraved flag marks the start and finish locations. Additional pins can be added to highlight personal locations, such as where you stayed, your business, or where you met your partner

  • Framing & Finish

    Each map is coated in matte silicone lacquer to protect the surface and enhance the wood’s texture. Choose from black, white, or red fibreboard frames, all ready to hang with a pre-installed sawtooth hook. Your map arrives framed and ready for display.

    Choosing a frame guide

  • Made in Japan by Mr. Tim

    Every map is handcrafted by Mr. Tim, a passionate cyclist and designer based in Kanagawa, Japan. From GPX data to final assembly, each detail reflects a love of sport, craftsmanship, and precision laser work.

  • One of a kind

    Every map is handcrafted from natural wood, so grain and finish may vary—no two pieces are ever the same. You’ll receive a visual mock-up before production to make sure everything is as you wish it to be.