I am starting a business that carves topographical maps out of wood
and sells them as conversation pieces. They are hung on walls and are
2 foot squares, 2" deep. They map a 3 mile square around the
customer's house.


Are there any other companies that do this? Any in Minnesota? 


I'm not interested in: 
- companies that sell relief maps of large areas, like entire states 
- companies that sell products a hiker might use (paper maps, GPS equipment, etc.) 
- companies that do millwork or carving in general 
- architectural firms that make foam bases for their building sites


Specific Google Answers question: 
I wish I knew of at least 5 *additional* companies in this business,
with at least 2 of those based in Minnesota.


Thanks!!



My initial search on Google was somewhat helpful: 

"topographical map" wood 
"topographic map" wood 
"topographic map" wood art -software 
"topographic map" wood art -software contact order 
"topographic map" carved contact order 
art map 
architectural map 
custom relief maps 
** HIT: http://www.howardmodels.com/Topography/colorado_highway_proj/ 
-> Overveiw of topographical mapping services:
http://www.howardmodels.com/Topography/index.html
-> Pricing: http://www.howardmodels.com/Topography/topopric.htm 
   >> add term: Model 
   >> add term: site model 
   >> add term: raised relief maps 
   >> add term: 3D contour model 
   >> add term: architectural site plan model 
   >> add term: terrain model 
   >> add term: 3d topography model 
   >> add term: raised relief map model 
   >> add term: 3d topo map model 
   >> add term: landscape model 
   >> add term: contour models 
   >> add term: 3d topographic model 
   >> add term: 3d topographical model 
   >> add term: landform model 
   "topo express" 
** HIT: http://www.bythebay.com/reliefmaps.html 
** HIT: http://www.1worldglobes.com/customacrylicmapmurals.htm 
       >> add term: Acrylic 
       >> add term: Map Murals 
** HIT: http://www.custommade.com/geosearch/NC.html 
custom relief maps -shaded 
custom relief maps -shaded -printed -laminated 
custom relief maps -shaded -printed -laminated -digital (90,700 results)

There are several companies throught the US that supply the software
to do these carvings.  Is that what you are looking for or are you
actually looking for the companies that make the maps and not the ones
who supply the software?

I actually have a software solution already developed. I also have a
good source of data.

So yes, I am looking for companies that make the 'end user' maps.