Maps for Makers

CartoCuts: Turning Any Location into High-Resolution Engraved Art

Client Overview

CartoCuts is a unique SaaS platform that allows users to generate high-resolution, laser-ready topographic maps for engraving on wood, ceramic, and other materials. The platform was built to streamline the process for artisans, makers, and businesses looking to create customized geographic artwork.

The Challenge

Before CartoCuts, creating engraved topographic maps was complex and time-consuming. Users had to:

• Manually source and clean GIS data from public sources.

• Use advanced design software like QGIS or Adobe Illustrator to prepare laser-cut-ready files.

• Struggle with accuracy and scaling issues, leading to production inefficiencies.

Goal:

To develop an intuitive, web-based platform where users could select any location worldwide and instantly generate a laser-engraving-ready map—eliminating the technical barriers for creators.

My Approach & Solution

I designed, developed, and implemented CartoCuts, focusing on:

Seamless UX & Intuitive Map Selection – A web-based interface allowing users to pick any location, adjust zoom levels, and customize engraving styles.
Automated High-Resolution File Generation – Backend processing that converts map data into high-contrast, high-resolution vector files optimized for laser engravers.
Scalable Cloud-Based Infrastructure – A system that efficiently handles real-time map generation for thousands of users.
E-Commerce Integration – Enabling users to purchase and download their custom maps instantly.

Key Technologies Used

Map Data Processing: OpenStreetMap (OSM), Mapbox
Backend Development: Drupal, PHP
Frontend Development: Preact, JavaScript
Cloud Hosting & Storage: AWS S3, Cloudflare, Lightsail
E-Commerce & SaaS Features: Stripe API for payments and user accounts

Implementation Details

🗺️ Built an interactive web tool that enables users to zoom, pan, and fine-tune maps before generating files.
🖨️ Developed an automated pipeline that converts raw GIS/topographic data into clean, engraver-ready SVGs and PNGs.
☁️ Hosted the platform on a scalable cloud environment, ensuring fast processing and seamless user experience.
💳 Integrated secure payments via Stripe, allowing instant downloads upon purchase.

Results & Impact

📈 Over 5,000 custom map downloads since launch

🚀 Reduced file preparation time from hours to minutes for users

🛍️ Adopted by high-end gift shops, makers, and laser engraving businesses worldwide

🌍 Customers from 15+ countries using CartoCuts to create unique, geography-based products

Client & User Feedback

“CartoCuts completely transformed how we create engraved maps for our products. What used to take us hours now happens in minutes, and the quality is perfect every time.”

— A CartoCuts User & Maker

Key Learnings & Takeaways

Automation removes friction – By streamlining complex processes, CartoCuts made GIS data accessible to non-technical users.
SaaS solutions thrive on simplicity – Providing an intuitive interface significantly increased adoption rates.
Scalability is key – Cloud-based infrastructure ensured smooth operation even as demand grew.