This is a minimalist topographical relief map of the Philippines, created by The Unique Maps Co. and enhanced with our trademarked Unique 3D process. There are no labels, no roads, and no towns — just the islands themselves, sculpted by light and shadow so you can read peaks, ridges, valleys, and wide river plains at a glance. Long raking highlights pick out mountain spines; soft, even shading reveals the lowlands and broad alluvial flats; sharp, conical silhouettes betray the country’s famous volcanoes.

On Luzon, the mass of the Cordillera Central rises boldly, its ridgelines casting deep shadows into adjacent valleys. Here you can trace the lofty divide that culminates near Mount Pulag and spills down to the narrow Ilocos coastal plain on one side and the wide Cagayan Valley on the other. Along the island’s eastern edge, the Sierra Madre appears as a continuous, serrated wall facing the Pacific, a study in parallel ridges and steep escarpments. Between these highlands, the Central Luzon Plain reads as an expansive, subdued surface — the Pampanga and allied river systems have laid it down as a great flat stage between mountains. To the west, the Zambales Mountains rise abruptly with the scarred cone of Pinatubo etched into the range. South of Manila Bay, the Tagaytay Ridge circles the Taal caldera, its rim catching the light while the basin rests in shadow. Nearby stand the solitary mass of Mount Banahaw and the broad basin of Laguna de Bay, both easy to pick out in this relief.

Follow the spine into Southern Luzon and the Bicol Peninsula unfurls as a chain of volcanic forms that feel almost sculpted for this medium. Mayon’s near-perfect cone is unmistakable, throwing a crisp, symmetrical shadow; Mount Isarog, Mount Iriga, and Mount Bulusan rise in a succession of peaks that punctuate the peninsula’s narrowing frame. The coastline here is intricately indented, with promontories and low headlands alternating with river-laced lowlands — all readably expressed by the gentle transition from steep slopes to flattened deltas.

Off Luzon’s western shoulder, Palawan stretches like a long, mountainous arc. Its central limestone and ultramafic spine is rendered as a knifed series of crests and karstic ribs, culminating toward Mount Mantalingajan in the south. The Calamian and Cuyo groups speckle the seas as smaller, steep-sided islands; each one throws a tiny but telling shadow that hints at crags and coves. To the northeast, Mindoro’s interior mountains surge upward around Mount Halcon before dropping to coastal plains, while the round mass of Marinduque and the scattered Romblon group appear as compact, rugged humps between the larger islands.

In the Visayas, the map becomes a mosaic of mountain backbones and enclosed straits. Panay is bisected by the Central Panay Mountain Range, with the high masses of Madja-as and Nangtud ridge-lit and commanding. Negros is dominated by the bulky shoulders of Kanlaon, its volcanic cone sharply defined against fluting ridges. Cebu runs as a narrow, high ridge with steep sides that fall quickly to the water; Bohol shows a subtly dimpled interior stepping up from the coast. Samar and Leyte both read as deeply dissected uplands, their interior ridges broken by river valleys that glide toward the coasts. Small but dramatic, the volcanic islands of Biliran and Camiguin rise abruptly from the surrounding waters, their youthful cones throwing crisp, compact shadows. Between them all, straits like Tañon and San Bernardino guide the eye through tight passages and tidal corridors.

Mindanao anchors the south with a complex relief. Mount Apo dominates the Davao region as a massive, light-catching summit with dark valleys radial to its flanks. Northward, the Kitanglad Range and the high Bukidnon plateau form a broad upland table, edged by terraces and river gorges; Lake Lanao perches to the west, a high basin set into the Lanao–Bukidnon highlands. Along the island’s eastern seaboard, the Diwata Mountains trace a long, narrow wall paralleling the Pacific, throwing linear shadows inland. Between these ranges, the Agusan Valley reads as a long, sunken corridor, its broad floor fading smoothly where the Agusan Marsh spreads out. Southwest, the Cotabato Basin and Liguasan Marsh are mapped as a wide, low bowl, while the clean forms of Mount Matutum and the caldera of Mount Parker (Lake Holon) rise abruptly to the south. The Zamboanga Peninsula stretches west as folded ridges and steep headlands, and beyond, the Sulu Archipelago forms a graceful arc of volcanic and coral islands — from Basilan to Jolo and Tawi-Tawi — each summit and sea-cliff plainly expressed by light and shadow.

Every bay, gulf, and strait is tightly drawn by the sudden end of relief at the shore: Manila Bay’s wide mouth, Lingayen Gulf’s rounded scoop, Tayabas and Lamon Bays along Quezon, Ragay Gulf on Bicol’s flank, Davao Gulf carved under Apo’s watch, Iligan Bay and Moro Gulf indenting Mindanao’s west. The interplay of highlands and lowlands tells the deeper story of a country straddling the Pacific Ring of Fire — cones, calderas, fault-bounded ranges, and river-built plains all recorded in the subtle choreography of highlights and shade.

Whether you call the Philippines home, keep memories here from travels and family, or you’re gifting someone a piece of their landscape, this relief map invites you to trace familiar coasts and rediscover the country’s grand structure in one sweeping view. It’s an elegant, tactile way to see how the islands rise, how the valleys open, and how an entire archipelago finds its form.

Please note that our Unique 3D maps look remarkably 3D, particularly when framed, but they are 2D prints on paper (or canvas).

About our Unique 3D Topographic Relief Maps

These aren’t just maps — they’re landscapes, sculpted with light and shadow.

Our shaded relief prints use ultra high resolution topographic data and a secret 3D rendering process to create the illusion of raised terrain — like the mountains are about to lift right off the page. No labels, no borders, no distractions. Just the raw shape of the land, brought to life in a clean, modern style.

They’re designed to feel timeless. Bold enough to be a centrepiece, subtle enough to blend in. A perfect gift for map lovers, mountain wanderers, or anyone who finds beauty in the shape of the Earth.

Learn more about our Unique 3D process.

And of course, like any of our other maps, you can personalise this topographical map as well. Why not mark your favourite peaks, or the routes of your favourite hikes and cycle rides?

More Product Info

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my map personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised maps are always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your map to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

I can print and frame this beautiful topographical 3D map at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.