Abstract: A method for generating a physical model of a path from GPS data. The method involves receiving GPS data defining a path from a GPS-enabled device and receiving a digital terrain model for an area that includes the path. An area of interest along the path is then identified and the GPS data associated with the area of interest is smoothed. The digital terrain model is sampled along the path and an elevation of the path is smoothed using a weighted average of the digital terrain model and the GPS data to create modified path data that is scaled to produce a first ribbon that is printed.