Printing 3D Topography Maps
How to 3D Print a Map of Anywhere in the World
Want to create your own .STL files? In just 22 "simple" steps, you too can print a 3D topo map of anywhere. While it can take a while, you do end up with a unique view of your world. learn more
Making 3D prints from LIDAR Data
This video shows you how to make incredibly detailed 3d landscape models from publicly available LIDAR data. While not simple, the workflow uses free or very cheap software. learn more
Mount Saint Helens 3D Topo Map
Here's an example of a 3D printed topo map of Mt. St. Helens from Mappery.com. Here's an example map of Mt. St. Helens. While the print files for this item are not available for download, it gives you an idea of what you can do with a 3D printer. learn more
Tangram Heightmapper
Creating a 3D print and need a grayscale height representation of anywhere on earth? Check out this resource. The resolution detail varies depending on where on earth you're looking, but it's detailed enough you can see the piers along the waterfront if you zoom in to San Francisco, CA. When using the site, make sure… learn more
Terrain2STL
Terrain2STL allows you to easily create 3D STL models of the surface of Earth. Zoom into the area you want to model and click on the Center To View button. Go to the Model Details area and change the size and rotation of the model area. Vertical Scaling can be set to 2 to amplify… learn more
Terrain2STL Lets Users 3D Print Topographic Maps from Google Maps Data
This article from 3DPrint.com explores the different options for producing a 3D "STL" model from topographic map data and explains why Terrain2STL is so special. learn more
The Terrainator
Don't have access to a 3D printer? The Terrainator is an alternative to Terrain2STL that allows to to select a location and have them print it for you. Uses a simple Google Maps type interface -- not obvious from this thumbnail -- that is interesting to see in action. No purchase or sign in required… learn more
Topo Maps on Thingiverse
For many locations, maps have already been digitized and posted to Thingiverse. If you have a particular location in mind, try searching for it. learn more
Yosemite's Glacier Point with trails
This is a 3D topo map of Yosemite's Glacier Point showing two of the trails which connect Glacier Point to the valley floor, the 4-Mile trail and the Ledge trail. It was created by the author of the Making 3D prints from LIDAR Data video. The 4-Mile trail is a steep and strenuous hike. The… learn more