I wanted to display my images on a map from where they were shot . I had a few ideas in mind how I wanted to achieve this . After exploring a few of these methods, the conclusion was made that I could use a laser etcher.
I searched for various maps I thought would have enough detail for the rough outline of the city.
I converted the map into black and white so the program would be able to interpret the lines ready for the laser printer.
I then made a thicker outline around the map by using the brush tool ; ensuring no gaps were present by using the fill tool.
Once I inputted the map into 2D design, the issue occurred that the software could not interpret the detail on the map.
To overcome this, I overlay-ed the map on the light box onto a piece of A4.
I then traced a simplified version of the map in the hopes the software could interpret the image.
The simplified map was then interpreted using software that is compatible with the laser etcher.
As a trial, the etch was first attempted on A3 card, the trial came out very well and I thought the design was successful.
For various materials , the laser has to go at different speeds to achieve the desired engraved look. These are the statistics on this particular project.
As a precaution, the red button halts any further etches. This is used, for example, if I felt the material was getting too hot and the potential of being set alight occured.
The laser etcher then set out to burn the specified sections at a predetermined depth.
Once the trial was a success, I then scaled it up onto hardwood plywood. The dimensions of the wood were 420 x 594 mm (A2 paper size).
This is the previous and current version of my project. There is a slight difference in size which is shown in the image.
I printed out a font I felt fitted my work, however I found the size too big and the font wasn't quite right for my work.
I then selected the images I wanted to use and cut them down to size.
I found my images were too cramped to all face the same direction. To combat this, I faced each specific named location a different way.
I placed the location tags slightly higher than the images to clearly show where the images were taken.
This is my final piece.
Overall, the final piece came out how I wanted it to. It shows my images where they were taken. I did feel however that my images were cramped. This may be hard to view as a reader.