Maps3D

What is Maps3D?

Maps3D is a browser editor that turns any area you select on a map into a 3D model, from a few city blocks to a mountain range. You mark the area as a rectangle, circle, hexagon or your own outline, pick a starting preset such as 3D Printing, and it pulls in terrain, buildings, roads and water from open data, with land cover and trees as optional layers. A live 3D preview updates as you change colors, height exaggeration, base height and visible layers.

For printing, you scale the model to fit your printer, straighten a rotated area and export an STL or 3MF, which the site says is watertight. The 3MF keeps each layer as its own colored body, so you can map filaments to an AMS or MMU. Extras include a frame with a title in a font of your choice, pin and flag markers, water or roads that can be recessed or cut through, and an option to split big maps into tiles that fit your bed. You can also import a GPX or KML track and print the route as a raised line over the terrain.

Building and previewing cost nothing, but every export is paid. The same purchase also covers CAD formats such as DXF, SketchUp and Rhino files, which is why the site also targets architects. It suits makers who want a detailed multicolor city or hiking map and are fine paying per map.

What you can make

• City models with buildings, roads and water
• Mountain and terrain maps
• Hiking, running or cycling routes from GPX or KML tracks
• Framed maps with a title and pin or flag markers
• Large maps split into bed-sized tiles

How to use Maps3D

1. Open the editor and mark an area as a rectangle, circle, hexagon or custom shape
2. Pick the 3D Printing preset, then choose layers such as buildings, roads, water and trees and set their colors
3. Set the print size, base height and height exaggeration, and add a frame, title, markers or GPS track if you like
4. Buy the map or use a subscription, then download the 3MF or STL and slice it