Make a 3D printed topographic map of a place you love.
Choose an area, shape the terrain in the model studio, and download files for your slicer. You print the model yourself or with a 3D-printing service.
Pay what you want. Digital files. No account.
Explore an example terrain model in the interactive preview.
Start with the terrain you want
Search a place
Search for a mountain, park, city or town. The model is framed around the place you choose.
Enter coordinates
Enter a latitude and longitude to center the model on a spot without a searchable name.
Pick a state
Choose a US state for a model of the whole state, cut to the state outline.
Start from a famous place
Open a curated state, trail or landmark with the area already set, then choose the 3D Terrain Model.
Upload a route
Add a GPX file from a hike, ride or run to trace the route across the terrain.
Have a recorded route? See GPX to STL for route-based terrain models.
Shape it in the model studio
The studio regenerates the 3D preview as you change settings, so you can check the relief before you export.
- Shape
- Square, rectangle, circle, oval or triangle. A state model follows the state outline.
- Size
- Model size sets the longest side in millimeters. Base thickness and border width are separate settings.
- Relief
- Raise or lower the elevation multiplier to exaggerate or flatten the terrain. Smoothing softens the surface, and edge fade slopes the terrain down to a flat base at the edges.
- Detail
- Higher resolution adds mesh detail and takes longer to generate.
- Route
- With a GPX route, emboss or engrave the track, or export it as a separate part.
Where the elevation comes from
For areas in the United States, models use USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) data where it is available. Elsewhere they use the Copernicus DEM GLO-30 global elevation model, with a backup source if that data cannot be loaded.
The terrain is sampled on a grid with a set number of points across, so a small area keeps finer detail than a whole state. Detail also depends on the source data for that area.
How to 3D print your topographic map
Open the STL or 3MF file in your slicer and confirm the model fits your printer bed. If it does not, return to the studio and change the model size. Check the layer preview before you print.
When the route is a separate part, 3MF keeps the terrain and route as separate objects, which helps when you print the route in a second color. STL is the widely supported choice for a single-material print. A GLB file is included for viewing on the web and in AR.
Map to STL explains what each file contains and how resolution changes the mesh.
Questions about 3D topographic maps
Do you ship 3D printed topographic maps?
No. Printed Canyon makes the digital model files. Print the map on your own 3D printer or take the files to a printing service. Printing, materials and shipping are not included.
Is this a free 3D map generator for 3D printing?
Yes. You can generate a 3D map and download its print files for $0: downloads are pay what you want, and you do not need an account. The maps are terrain models, without buildings or streets.
How do I make a 3D map of a place?
In the creator, choose Search a place and search for the place or enter its coordinates. Choose the 3D Terrain Model, adjust size and relief in the model studio, then use Review & export to generate STL or 3MF files for your slicer.
Do I need a GPX file?
No. Search for a place, enter coordinates, pick a US state or start from a curated place. Add a GPX file only if you want your own route on the model.
Can I model a place outside the United States?
Yes. Areas outside the United States use Copernicus DEM GLO-30 elevation data, which covers most of the world's land. Detail depends on the source data and the size of the area.
How big will the printed map be?
You choose. Model size sets the longest side in millimeters. Pick a size that fits your printer bed, then check the dimensions in your slicer before printing.