Introduction: Satellite View of World Map DIY

I was always fascinated about world since my childhood which drove me to prepare this world map with corrugated cardboard in my free time. If you are also like me, interested to make a world map which looks similar to the picture that we find in our satellite Images and want that to be shiny at night(night view of the world map in satellite images), then you are exactly right here.

It took the whole day for me to prepare this world map with lights at the borders of the continents.

Step 1: Tools

1. A4 size papers

2. Corrugated Cardboard sheets

3. Fevicol/Glue

4. Knife and scissors

5. Water paints and brushes

6. USB light strip

7. A double-sided tape

8. Pencil, Eraser

9. Some patience

Step 2: Drawing the Outline of the Continents

At First, open the computer/laptop/tab and then search for the outline images of the individual continents. Choose the pictures of the continents in the PC. Open the selected picture in the new tab and zoom it according to original map size. There, you need to observe and compare the size of each continent(since we draw individual continents separately) and then draw accordingly.

Put the paper on your monitor and simply trace the image on to the paper. Repeat the same for the remaining continents in different papers.

Step 3: Cutting Out Shapes

Now, take a cardboard sheet and stick one image on the corrugated cardboard with the help of a glue/fevicol and let it dry. Then, cut the cardboard according to the shape (outline drawn) using knife(also scissors if needed) neatly. Do the same with all the continents.

Step 4: Painting the Continents

Here, first have a look at the satellite images and paint the continents accordingly. After colouring all the continents let them dry for some time.

Step 5: Placing the Continents on the White Sheet

Now take four A4 sized papers and stick them together to make a big paper (You can also use a chart sheet if you have which you can find in any stationary store). Now place the continents in their respective positions using double tape as in the satellite image.

Step 6: Painting the Remaining Part of the Map

These continents are made of cardboard in order to expose, highlight properly and also looks like a realistic one (stands out of paper). After placing all the continents on the white sheet, start colouring the ocean part of the map by observing the satellite images (which is the main part of the map since continents will stand out because of the ocean painting).

Step 7: Lighting Arrangement for the Map

Now, turn to the back side of the map and arrange the light strip on the sheet so that only the border of the continents should be lighted up. You can stick this light strip with normal tape. It will be easier for you to stick the light strip by drawing the outline of the continents on the back side of the white sheet.

Step 8: Test the Whole Setup and Stick the Map

Since I used here is USB light strip, I will just put this cable in USB port and check whether the lights are exactly at the border of the continents. If not, remove again and adjust the lights accordingly. You have to make sure that if the lights are only at the borders, then the whole map looks very attractive at the night time. Finally, paste the map in your room at the place you are interested and also can be placed in kids room for night light. Then, you are done with your dream map.