Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about turning a map into a 3D printable model with Map2Model.
How do I 3D print a map of my city?
Open Map2Model in your browser, search for your city or pan the map to it, draw an area, hit Generate to build a 3D printable city model from OpenStreetMap buildings and terrain, then export a multicolor 3MF (or STL) and open it in your slicer to print.
Is Map2Model free?
Yes, Map2Model is completely free with no signup, no account and no watermark — you can turn any map into a 3D printable model and download the file at no cost.
What file format does it export?
Map2Model exports a multicolor 3MF that carries a separate color per part (terrain, buildings, water, roads, greenery and frame) and also a single merged binary STL when you just need one solid body.
Can I 3D print terrain or mountains, not just cities?
Absolutely — Map2Model drapes real elevation data over the selected area, so you can make a 3D printable terrain model of a mountain range or valley with the same workflow you use for a city.
Where does the map data come from?
Buildings, roads, water and greenery come from OpenStreetMap, the elevation that shapes the topographic map 3D print comes from Mapterhorn, and the optional satellite basemap is Esri World Imagery.
Does it work in the browser without installing software?
Yes, Map2Model is 100% client-side — the entire map-to-3D-model conversion runs in your browser with nothing uploaded to a server and nothing to install.
Will the model print in color on my printer?
If you export the multicolor 3MF and open it in a slicer like Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer, PrusaSlicer or Cura, each part keeps its own color so a multi-material printer (AMS or MMU) prints the model in full color, while a single-extruder printer simply prints it in one color.