Map2Model alternatives for map to STL and 3D printable maps
If you are comparing tools for 3D printing a map, the right choice depends on what you need to export. Some tools are terrain-only STL generators, some produce CAD files, and some focus on printable city models with buildings and separate color parts.
How this comparison was made
This page is maintained by Map2Model, so it is not an independent review site. Treat it as a workflow comparison: what each public tool is useful for, what it exports, and whether it is aimed at 3D printing, terrain relief, or CAD work.
The notes below were checked against the public pages for the listed tools on June 30, 2026. Product details can change, so use the linked source pages if you need the current limits, pricing or account requirements before starting a large project.
Practical recommendation
Use Map2Model when you want a slicer-ready 3D printable map with terrain, buildings, roads, water and greenery. Use a terrain-only tool when you only need a relief map. Use Cadmapper when your next step is CAD or architecture software instead of a slicer.
Tool comparison
Map2Model
Best for: Printable city and terrain models in STL or multicolor 3MF
- Output
- Merged STL and multicolor 3MF
- Buildings
- Yes, where OpenStreetMap has usable building data
- Color parts
- Yes, in the 3MF export
Runs in the browser, combines OpenStreetMap buildings with terrain, exports a merged STL or separated 3MF parts for color printing.
TouchTerrain
Best for: Terrain-first STL models from elevation data
- Output
- Terrain model export for 3D printing
- Buildings
- No city-building workflow
- Color parts
- No multicolor city-part workflow
A long-running web app for creating 3D printable terrain models. It is strong for relief maps, but not focused on city buildings or multicolor parts.
Terrain2STL
Best for: Simple Earth surface STL exports
- Output
- STL terrain surface
- Buildings
- No building model workflow
- Color parts
- No multicolor city-part workflow
A free STL generator for terrain. It is useful for quick heightmap-style terrain files, but the workflow is terrain-only.
map2stl
Best for: Single-purpose map-to-STL generation
- Output
- STL
- Buildings
- Not positioned as a detailed building workflow
- Color parts
- No multicolor 3MF city-part workflow
Creates printable STL models from a selected place on a map. It is focused on STL output rather than multicolor 3MF city parts.
Cadmapper
Best for: CAD and design files for architecture workflows
- Output
- CAD/design files
- Buildings
- Useful for map/CAD context, not direct slicer output
- Color parts
- No 3MF color-part workflow
Converts map data into CAD files for tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp and Rhino. It is useful for design software, not primarily a slicer-ready 3D print workflow.
MakerWorld MakerLab Map to Model
Best for: MakerWorld users looking for a Bambu-oriented map tool
- Output
- MakerWorld/MakerLab map workflow
- Buildings
- Check current MakerWorld availability
- Color parts
- Check current MakerWorld availability
Relevant for people searching for the older Map2Model/MakerLab workflow. Availability and access can vary by region or account state.
What to compare before choosing
For 3D printing, output format matters. STL is universal and simple, but it stores one merged body. 3MF can carry multiple printable parts and color assignments, which is useful for city models where terrain, buildings, water and roads should stay separate.
Data type matters too. Terrain-only generators are a good fit for mountains and topographic relief. City models need building footprints, sensible base geometry and exports designed for common slicers. CAD-oriented tools are valuable for architecture, but usually add a separate cleanup step before 3D printing.
The honest tradeoff for Map2Model is that it depends on the quality of open map data in the selected area. If OpenStreetMap has sparse building information, the resulting city model will be simpler. For pure terrain, a terrain-only generator can be the cleaner choice.
When Map2Model is the better fit
- You want buildings and terrain together. Map2Model is built for city models as well as terrain models.
- You want STL and 3MF export. Use STL for a single solid model or 3MF for separated multicolor parts.
- You want a browser-based workflow. The app requests map and elevation data for your selected area, then assembles and exports the generated model on your device without an account.
- You are replacing an older map-to-model workflow. Test a small export first and compare whether you need buildings, separate 3MF parts, or a terrain-only STL.
Need the step-by-step workflow? Read how to turn a map into an STL or the full guide to 3D printing a city map.