If I understand the question correctly (with Eva stating that both 
models are 3d), I think this may have more to do with how they are 
constructed. A relief model is typically a subtractive process where the 
model is carved out of some media (foam, wood etc.; 
http://www.mapbliss.com/MedeCart/ewExternalFiles/P10507561.jpg). The 
plastic map may refer to the molded process where a sheet of plastic 
(often pre painted with the map itself) is heated and molded over a form 
to create the 3d relief. Although ultimately a plastic molded 3d map is 
also a "relief model".

David

David Medeiros
Geospatial Instruction & Reference Specialist
Stanford Geospatial Center - Branner Earth Science Library







On 2014-09-24 06:37, Paige G. Andrew wrote:
> Eva,
> 
> I think the "three-dimensional" aspect is key here, cartographic
> relief models typically are made of molded plastic in which points of
> elevation and/or depth appear in the third dimension of height and/or
> depth. It is like taking a standard topographic map (in most cases)
> and pushing up hills and mountains where shown on the map so you can
> see the elevation (and feel it) and the opposite for distances under
> water.
> 
> A "plastic map" or more usually "plastic-treated" or "plastic-coated"
> map is still a 2-dimensional flat map, and either the paper has been
> coated with a clear film or the "paper" itself is at least partially
> of a man-made substance, both of which provide some level of water
> proofing.
> 
> Paige
> 
> -------------------------
> 
> FROM: "PhDr. Eva Novotná" <[log in to unmask]>
> TO: [log in to unmask]
> SENT: Wednesday, September 24, 2014 5:16:50 AM
> SUBJECT: relief model/plastic maps
> 
> Hello,
> 
> could you please help us with the definition
> of the difference between
> the relief model and the plastic maps?
> Both are 3D relief maps (/plans).
> In the RDA: model is:
> 1) A unit of extent of three-dimensional form consisting of a physical
> 
> representation of a real or imagined object usually on a smaller
> scale.
> 2) A unit of extent of cartographic resource that is a
> three-dimensional
> representation of the whole or part of the Earth or any celestial body
>  (real or imaginary) at any scale.
> 
> Thank you
> Eva Novotná
> Map collection of Charles University (Prague)
> 
> --
> 
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