What Trust Systems does

Trust Systems (株式会社トラストシステム) is a privately held Japanese specialty manufacturer founded in 1999 and headquartered in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. The company designs, produces, and sells 3D relief maps (立体地図), terrain models (地形模型), and related cartographic products for both institutional and consumer markets. Core production is built around a proprietary CAD/CAM system called "Land Planner" (ランドプランナー) that digitizes topographic data, performs automated interpolation, and drives in-house CNC machinery capable of producing models from coin-sized pieces to installations exceeding 10 meters in length with 0.01mm data precision. The company also operates a full-color 3D printing line for terrain maps and holds patent-pending technology for 3D postal cards with over 2cm of relief depth and for projection mapping onto relief surfaces.

Trust Systems serves a diversified base spanning municipal and prefectural governments, MLIT river and sediment control offices, the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, national and regional museums, educational institutions, tourism boards, enterprise customers such as Suntory, and individual consumers. Major disclosed projects include the Kurobe River Basin 3D Hazard Map for MLIT, hazard maps for Hiroshima and Kumamoto prefectures, the Mt. Fuji /海底 model at the National Museum of Nature and Science, and Nagano Olympic venue maps. The company also distributes standardized products (relief map calendars from ¥2,570, prefecture relief maps from ¥2,940, 3D postal cards from ¥680) through its own e-commerce site (shop.trust-system.co.jp), mail-order catalog, and physical retail partners including Tokyu Hands and the Japan Map Center.

Revenue is generated entirely on a one-time transaction basis across three streams: mass-produced retail products, custom-made B2B relief maps and terrain models (priced from approximately ¥300,000 and upward depending on size and complexity), and map-data conversion software (DXF converter, numerical map reader for AutoCAD). Pricing is per-project or per-unit with no subscription or recurring component. The company has a small team (1–10 employees), no disclosed external funding, and over three decades of operating history under Representative Director Mita Yukio (三田幸雄).

Name

Trust Systems

Legal name

株式会社トラストシステム (Trust System Co., Ltd.)

Website

https://trust-system.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Trust Systems (株式会社トラストシステム) is a Kawasaki-based Japanese manufacturer of 3D relief maps, terrain models, and GIS data tools, serving governments, museums, schools, tourism boards, and individual consumers via proprietary CAD/CAM technology and custom one-time B2B orders.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

3D Relief Maps and Terrain Models

NAICS

Graphic Design Services (541430), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)

SIC

Services-Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography (7330)

akta.pro primary industry

Jewelry, Fashion & Luxury 3D Printing Services (casting patterns, bespoke parts) (IMAAADAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

3D Design & CAD for Additive Manufacturing (IMAAACAA)

Keywords

• 3D relief maps
• Terrain models
• Topographic visualization
• GIS data conversion
• Hazard map manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Kawasaki

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 3D Relief Maps and Topographic Models (Mass-Produced): Standardized relief map products sold in single units or small quantities, including Japan calendar relief maps (¥2,500 body / ¥5,400 with frame), prefecture relief maps (¥2,940 / ¥5,250 with frame), mountain area white relief series (¥2,604), ArtMap mountain box series, and 3D postal cards (¥680+). One-time purchase model with no recurring revenue.
2. Custom/Order-Made Relief Maps and Terrain Models: Bespoke topographic models and relief maps for government agencies, municipalities, museums, and event organizers. Products include hazard maps (ハザードマップ), administrative relief maps, exhibition dioramas, and custom 3D terrain models. Pricing varies widely (¥300,000+ for custom work) depending on size, complexity, and volume.
3. Map Data and Software Products: Conversion tools for numerical map data (DXF converter, numerical map reader for AutoCAD), map data input services, and related GIS software. One-time software license or service fees.
4. 3D Postal Cards (立体はがき): Patent-pending 3D raised postcards with over 2cm of relief, suitable for mailing as standard or oversized postal items. Sold individually (¥680+) and in custom batches for corporate DM and promotional use.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Trust Systems manufactures precision 3D relief maps and terrain models using its proprietary Land Planner CAD/CAM system, producing both custom-made products for government agencies, museums, and engineering firms, and mass-produced items (relief calendars, prefecture maps, mountain box series, 3D postal cards) for retail consumers. It also develops and licenses cartographic software including a numerical map DXF converter and an AutoCAD numerical map reader that translate Geospatial Information Authority of Japan data into usable CAD formats.

Product overview

Trust Systems specializes in 3D relief maps and terrain models for both commercial and consumer applications. Their core products include: (1) 立体地図 (3D Relief Maps) - custom-made raised relief maps using proprietary CAD/CAM technology; (2) 地形模型 (Terrain Models) - precise topographic models from coin-size to 10+ meters; (3) レリーフマップ (Relief Maps) - vacuum-formed flat relief maps in various series (prefectural, wide-area, mountain area); (4) 立体日本地図カレンダー - annual calendars with 3D Japan relief; (5) 立体はがき - novelty 3D postcards; (6) アートマップモデル - 3D printed maps using full-color printing. They also develop proprietary software including ランドプランナー (CAD/CAM system), 数値地図DXFコンバータ, 数値地図リーダー for AutoCAD, 街並みビューア, and GPS/weather management systems. Their technology stack includes CNC machining, 3D printing, vacuum forming, and specialized cartographic data processing. Products range from mass-produced items (calendars, postcards) to custom one-off pieces for museums, government agencies, and educational institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 3D Relief Maps (立体地図) Custom 3D relief maps that reproduce terrain and landforms with raised topographic features, manufactured using proprietary CAD/CAM technology and customizable to any scale, range, and elevation emphasis. Sold to government agencies, municipalities, museums, schools, and construction consultancies for hazard communication, exhibition, and planning.
• Terrain Models (地形模型) Precise terrain models manufactured using proprietary CAD/CAM terrain-model making machines, ranging from coin-sized pieces to museum-scale installations exceeding 10 meters. Used as base models for mass-produced relief maps, dioramas, wind tunnel and hydraulic experiments, and architectural/engineering visualization.
• Japan Relief Map Calendar (立体日本地図カレンダー) Annual calendar featuring a 3D relief map of Japan at scale 1/3,150,000 (approximately 685mm x 440mm) made of PET resin, with special elevation emphasis to make plains and mountains clearly readable. Available with body only (¥2,570) or with aluminum frame (¥5,400). The 2025 edition continues a product line launched in 1996.
• 3D Postal Cards (立体はがき) Novel postcards with raised 3D relief exceeding 2cm, surpassing standard embossing, using a patent-pending production method. Can be mailed as standard or oversized mail and are available in multiple themes (Mt. Fuji, Oze, Tateyama-Kurobe, Aso, etc.) at from ¥680 per card, plus ¥120 shipping.
• ArtMap Model (アートマップモデル) Full-color 3D-printed topographic and terrain maps produced on order using Geospatial Information Authority of Japan digital map data, enabling 100-micrometer-level terrain reproduction. Minimum order 1 unit, with a separate pricing table for 25000-type products (~6km x 5km coverage) and custom regions.
• Prefecture and Wide-Area Relief Maps (県別レリーフマップ) Flat relief maps produced through vacuum forming, available in a prefectural series (¥2,940 body / ¥5,250 framed, ~330mm x 405mm), a wide-area 1/250,000 series (from ¥16,483), a mountain area white relief series for coloring (¥2,604), and a 1/1,000,000 national series (¥25,368 without frame / ¥34,252 framed).
• Mountain Box Garden Series (山岳箱庭シリーズ) Hand-palm-scale collectible 3D relief models of famous Japanese mountains (Mt. Fuji, Oze, Yatsugatake, Tateyama-Kurobe, etc.) packaged in clear plastic display cases for collectors and souvenirs.
• 3D Hazard Maps (立体ハザードマップ) Custom 3D disaster prevention maps for municipal governments, river and erosion control offices, featuring magnetic attachment capability for marking disaster sites directly on terrain relief. Reference prices start at approximately ¥300,000 and vary by area, size, scale, and elevation exaggeration.
• Educational 3D Maps (教育用立体地図) 3D maps designed for social studies, earth science, and regional learning in elementary, junior high, and high schools, sold as both standard products and via joint 'Hitomeguri Series' with Asahi Joho Kyoiku System in Nagano Prefecture.
• Custom Terrain Model (LDDT Service) Precision-class custom terrain model service offered in three tiers: Class 1 A4 (¥65,000-¥120,000), Class 2 A3 (¥80,000-¥200,000), and Class 3 A1 smooth (¥120,000-¥350,000), with standard 3-10 day lead time and 1-3 day express surcharge option.
• Land Planner CAD/CAM Software (ランドプランナー) Proprietary CAD/CAM software for terrain model production, combining digitization from topographic and contour maps with automated interpolation and data processing subsystems, capable of 0.01mm data precision for models up to 2,000mm x 1,500mm x 300mm.
• Numerical Map DXF Converter (数値地図DXFコンバータ) Software that converts Geospatial Information Authority of Japan numerical map data (1/2,500, 1/25,000, 1/10,000, 1/200,000 spatial data, elevation mesh data, etc.) into DXF files for use in CAD applications.
• Numerical Map Reader for AutoCAD (数値地図リーダー for AutoCAD) AutoCAD plugin enabling direct reading of Geospatial Information Authority of Japan numerical maps within AutoCAD without intermediate DXF conversion, cutting workflow time roughly in half.

Quantifiable outcome

• Models produced range from coin-size to 10+ meters in length, covering anything from individual mountains to entire national territories
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (国土地理院)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrust Systems works closely with the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, using official numerical map data (数値地図) for relief map production. The company holds official approvals for using GSI map data in its products. Products have been featured at official GSI exhibitions (Map and Survey Science Museum).
• Japan Map Center (日本地図センター)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJapan Map Center, the official distributor of GSI numerical maps, also distributes Trust Systems' relief map products including the Japan Relief Map Calendar and other relief maps.
• Tokyu Hands (東急ハンズ)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTokyu Hands retail stores distributed Trust Systems' relief map products. In-store demonstrations and events were held at Tokyu Hands Shinjuku location for mountain area relief map coloring events.
• Musashi Kasei Kogyo Co., Ltd. (ムサシ化成工業株式会社)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical cooperation partner for soft/flexible relief map production (柔らかマップ). Contributed to the development of bendable rollable relief map materials for portable use.
• Segno Design Associates (セグノデザインアソシエーツ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign partner contributing technical expertise to soft relief map design and product photography. Information provider for outdoor terrain model and street installations.
• Asahi Joho Kyoiku System (あさひ教文教育システム)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJoint development and distribution of prefecture relief map series with regional education system company in Nagano Prefecture (Suwa City). Products marketed as 'ひとめぐりシリーズ' educational relief maps.
• Japan Map Research Institute (日本地図研究所)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-development partner for prefecture relief map series. Collaborative development of educational relief map products combining Trust Systems' terrain modeling with Japan Map Research Institute's cartographic expertise.
• Kansai Photographic Chemistry Co., Ltd. (写真化学株式会社)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided Landsat satellite imagery for Fuji 5 Lakes relief map products. Contributed satellite photo data used in ArtMap relief map products.
• Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd. (アジア航測株式会社)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided elevation data and aerial photography for the 3D aerial photo relief map of the 2008 Iwate-Miyagi Inland Earthquake disaster area.
• Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. (ヤマト運輸株式会社)minorOthersCash-on-delivery shipment services provided through Yamato Transport (ヤマト運輸) Kuroneko Collect service for all product deliveries to end customers.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• 3D Systems: Established US 3D printing hardware, software, and on-demand services company. Comparable to Trust Systems as a broader 3D printing player offering both additive manufacturing equipment and on-demand production services, though at significantly larger scale across multiple end markets.
• Shobunsha (株式会社昭文社): Japanese map publisher known for the MAPPLE series of maps, guides, and travel-related products. Comparable to Trust Systems as a Japan-focused map and geography product company serving both consumer and reference markets, though focused on paper maps rather than 3D physical relief.
• Toppan (凸版印刷株式会社): Large Japanese printing and information communications company with established 3D printing and visualization services. Comparable to Trust Systems as a Japanese printing and visual communications company that has expanded into 3D printing and physical model production, with vastly greater scale and a broader portfolio.

Direct peers

• Stratasys: Global 3D printer manufacturer and on-demand 3D printing service provider (Stratasys Direct Manufacturing). Comparable to Trust Systems as both operate 3D printing service bureaus producing bespoke physical models, including terrain and visualization applications, and both sell printing hardware plus services to enterprise customers.
• Taisei Kogei (大成巧藝株式会社): Japanese specialty company producing 3D displays, dioramas, museum models, and exhibition models. Comparable to Trust Systems as a Japanese 3D model and diorama maker serving museums, exhibitions, and government customers, with similar institutional and cultural-sector clientele.
• Materialise: Belgian on-demand 3D printing service company that produces custom physical models, prototypes, and end-use parts for industrial, medical, and consumer customers. Comparable to Trust Systems as a 3D printing service bureau generating revenue from bespoke physical model production, although at much larger global scale.

Emerging players

• Protolabs: US on-demand digital manufacturing services company offering CNC machining, 3D printing, and injection molding with rapid lead times. Comparable to Trust Systems as an on-demand custom manufacturer of bespoke physical parts and models, with a similar short lead time, single-unit minimum order business model.
• Shapeways: Online on-demand 3D printing service marketplace connecting designers with industrial 3D printing capacity. Comparable to Trust Systems as a service-bureau alternative for custom physical 3D printed models, including terrain and visualization, though operating as a digital-first platform rather than a custom Japanese manufacturer.
• Sculpteo: France-based on-demand 3D printing service offering custom and small-batch production of physical 3D printed models for designers, engineers, and enterprises. Comparable to Trust Systems as a digital-first 3D printing service bureau that competes for the same end use cases of on-demand physical model production.

Others

• ESRI: Global GIS software company (ArcGIS) that supplies the geospatial mapping data and software platform which Trust Systems integrates with for its ArtMap and terrain model production. More partner than competitor, but adjacent in the mapping and geospatial visualization ecosystem serving government and enterprise customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Trust Systems