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How to choose a 3D map size: an honest comparison

Size is the main decision when ordering a map: it sets both the price and how much district detail survives. Short version: M (8 cm) is the most universal; below are the nuances worth knowing before you order.

Four sizes with examples

S (5.5 cm) — a compact souvenir: great for a dense center with distinct blocks; small lanes start merging, so pick a small 300–500 m area.

M (8 cm) — the sweet spot: a 400–800 m area reads fully, the model is noticeable on a shelf without claiming half the room. The most common gift choice.

L (11 cm) and XL (15 cm) — interior pieces: you see courtyards and individual buildings, and can take a wider area up to 1–1.5 km. XL especially shines with terrain relief — elevation across a large area looks dramatic.

The area rule: smaller means more detailed

Physical size divides by the captured area: the bigger the piece of city, the smaller each building becomes. A 500 m area on an 8 cm model shows every house; a 2 km area on the same model turns blocks into texture. Want 'the whole center' — go L/XL; want 'my backyard' — S/M is enough.

Relief and series

Terrain relief adds real elevation — a must for Kyiv, Lviv or the Carpathians, optional for flat cities. And to cover a large territory without losing detail, order a series of tiles that connect into one panel.

Pick an area and size

3D city maps

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