3D Moon Map
Explore NASA lunar elevation data in 3D and export any view as an STL
Opens moon.in-the-sky.org
About 3D Moon Map
3D Moon Map is an interactive lunar atlas from the In-The-Sky.org astronomy site. It uses the elevation model from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter laser altimeter, so craters, maria and mountain ranges sit at their real heights.
You move and rotate the map, zoom in on the crater or region you want, and adjust the vertical scaling to exaggerate the relief. When the 3D view looks right, an Export STL button saves that terrain as a file you can slice and print. Display options such as true colour and elevation shading help you find features, though they do not carry into the print.
It is free and needs no account. There are fewer print-specific settings than in a dedicated generator, so you may want to add a base or scale the model in your slicer, but it is a good way for astronomy fans and teachers to print a real piece of the Moon.
What you can make
- Lunar crater models
- Moon terrain tiles
- Astronomy classroom models
How to use it
- Open the 3D view and navigate to a crater or region
- Zoom in and set the vertical scaling
- Click Export STL
- Scale and slice the model
Good
- Real NASA LRO elevation data
- Free with no sign-up
- Browse and pick craters visually
Not so good
- Few print settings such as base or frame
- Export follows the current view, so framing takes care
- Moon only
What you'll need to print it
Materials and parts that give the best results with 3D Moon Map.
Matte PLA for signs and Gridfinity
Matte filament hides layer lines and cuts glare, so raised lettering on signs and nameplates stays readable from any angle and a drawer full of bins looks uniform.
- Bambu Lab PLA MatteWide colour range with AMS-ready RFID, ideal for multi-colour signs.
- Polymaker Panchroma Matte PLA (formerly PolyTerra)The former PolyTerra line under a new name: soft matte look and good value for printing Gridfinity in bulk.
- SUNLU Matte PLALow-cost matte option for large batches of bins and baseplates.
White PLA for lithophanes
A lithophane is only as good as the light passing through it. A neutral, evenly pigmented white gives smooth grey gradients, while an off-white or patchy batch shows up as blotches and colour casts once it is backlit.
- Bambu Lab PLA Basic Jade WhiteThe white Bambu uses in its own lithophane workflow; RFID presets make first prints predictable on Bambu printers.
- Polymaker PolyLite PLA Cold WhiteA cool-toned white (listed next to the warmer standard White) that keeps backlit photos crisp instead of yellowish.
- eSUN PLA+ WhiteAffordable and easy to find, good for large or batch lithophane panels.
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TouchTerrain
University-built web app that turns elevation data into printable terrain tiles
