I have a few questions regarding the printing of a 3D map. I am pretty new to 3D printing so forgive me my ignorance. For being able to print an 3D map to make a 3D model or cast, is it sufficient to display it and save the 3D map? Or is something else required as well? What kind of exaggeration factor should I use? Is 1 the most "truthful" representation or could also other exaggeration be applicable? Also, what resolution is recommendable? Does that depend on the printer as well?
Thank you and best regards,
Yuroon
PS here an interesting link to Rohan Fisher printing a 3D map and displaying various SAGA maps with a projector over it: https://rohanfisher.wordpress.com/3d-landscape-printing-2/
3D models are very useful for interacting with local stakeholders I think.
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I'm not sure I understand your question, but if you like to prepare a model (DTM etc.) for 3D printing you will need to export the data in a format that your printer / printing software supports. 3D printers usually expect triangulated vector models.
So if you have a gridded elevation model, you could use the "TIN > Tools > Grid to TIN" tool to convert it into a TIN and then export the TIN with the "Import/Export > Shapes > Export TIN to Stereo Lithography File (STL)" tool. The STL format is quite common and can be read by most software products.
I don't think it is very common to exaggerate the elevation models. That might only be necessary if your terrain is very flat and you would like to visualize at least some detail.
Best regards,
Volker
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Thank you very much for answering my question (which I did not describe very well, I admit).
You gave me the right way of making the STL file, which I was looking for.
Do you btw. know this site: https://touchterrain.geol.iastate.edu ?
Here you can easily create a 3D printable terrain model, even uploading a DEM there. In my case, I uploaded a gridded DEM clipped by a shapefile and the site produced the STL for me. There are some limitations but if the DEM is not too big then it works pretty well.
Dear all,
I have a few questions regarding the printing of a 3D map. I am pretty new to 3D printing so forgive me my ignorance. For being able to print an 3D map to make a 3D model or cast, is it sufficient to display it and save the 3D map? Or is something else required as well? What kind of exaggeration factor should I use? Is 1 the most "truthful" representation or could also other exaggeration be applicable? Also, what resolution is recommendable? Does that depend on the printer as well?
Thank you and best regards,
Yuroon
PS here an interesting link to Rohan Fisher printing a 3D map and displaying various SAGA maps with a projector over it: https://rohanfisher.wordpress.com/3d-landscape-printing-2/
3D models are very useful for interacting with local stakeholders I think.
Hi,
I'm not sure I understand your question, but if you like to prepare a model (DTM etc.) for 3D printing you will need to export the data in a format that your printer / printing software supports. 3D printers usually expect triangulated vector models.
So if you have a gridded elevation model, you could use the "TIN > Tools > Grid to TIN" tool to convert it into a TIN and then export the TIN with the "Import/Export > Shapes > Export TIN to Stereo Lithography File (STL)" tool. The STL format is quite common and can be read by most software products.
I don't think it is very common to exaggerate the elevation models. That might only be necessary if your terrain is very flat and you would like to visualize at least some detail.
Best regards,
Volker
Hi Volkert,
Thank you very much for answering my question (which I did not describe very well, I admit).
You gave me the right way of making the STL file, which I was looking for.
Do you btw. know this site: https://touchterrain.geol.iastate.edu ?
Here you can easily create a 3D printable terrain model, even uploading a DEM there. In my case, I uploaded a gridded DEM clipped by a shapefile and the site produced the STL for me. There are some limitations but if the DEM is not too big then it works pretty well.
Also - and most likely you already know this-, 3D models can be used in augmented projections where the 3D model is overlaid with various 3D models produced by SAGA. Rohan Fisher has used this for instance: https://rohanfisher.wordpress.com/3d-landscape-printing-2/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF4ol3Z2y_s. Very useful for stakeholder engagement.
Thanks again and best,
Yuroon