3D Printing Models of Landscapes (Topology, Mountains, Etc.)

Objective: 3D Print any geographic location. The lazy methods are found near the bottom of this post.

To learn how to master 3D Printing see more posts at:
http://3dprintingninja.blogspot.com

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and as always thanks for visiting,

The 3D Printing Ninja

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Step 1: Obtain Geo-spatial Information

First, we need to obtain DEM (digital elevation model) data, which we can get from USGS. You can enter coordinates or draw a box as seen in the image below:

Step 2: DEM Data

Next, choose what data you want to download. In our case, "Elevation DEM Products" and then choose one of the options with "Arc Grid."

Step 3: Download Data

Finally on the left hand side of the page you can checkout, which will ask for your email to send you a link to download.

Unzip the file which will contain lots of files. The one you will need is the height map.jpg which is a black and white picture seen in the next step.

Step 4: Convert the Info Into a Model (Using Sculptris)

Next Open Sculptris, which we will be using because it can handle more geometry and is faster. See the image below for help with the steps.

1. Replace the sphere with a plane - because the world is flat
2. Turn off symmetry - we don't want it
3. Subdivide the plane a few times (like 5) - the more subdivisions, the more detail
4. Upload your height map image for the brush and make sure to enable it (see the se
5. Adjust the size, strength, detail, etc.
6. Zoom to the correct distance, get a top view, click once, and export it. (this may take a few atempts to get right)

I used ArcMap (not free), an Esri GIS product to import the DEM information. I unzipped the file and then imported the raster dataset.

Step 5: Make This Model 3D Printable

Next we will use Blender to make this model 3D Printable. First we need to convert the model to an stl format. We can do this by importing our model from Sculptris into Autodesk Mesmixer. Then export the model out of Meshmixer and import it into Blender. Once imported in Blender:

1. Go into Edit Mode [tab] (convert triangles-->squares with alt+j)
2. Select the Edge Loop [alt + right click]
3. Extrude [E]
4. Flatten out the vertices [S+(X,Y,orZ)+0]
5. Fill in the hole [F]
6. Export your model that you can now print!

Hint: You may want to add a smooth modifier if your model has a lot of noise.

Note: This could have all been completed in Blender starting with the JPEG image found in the downloaded folder. You would open Blender and then use the displace modifier on a subdivided plane, see this tutorial for info on how to. But Sculptris handles the detail better without crashing as Blender would have.

Step 6: Fix the Model

The model may have non-manifold errors (holes, separate parts, etc.) This is the hardest step in the process and will require an understanding of non-manifolds. Perhaps the easiest method is to upload the model(.stl) into the netfabb cloud, although this may not work. If it doesn't then you will need to try other methods found in the following post. I would start with Meshlab. An easy way to see the errors is in Meshmixer as seen in the image below:

• Automatic Methods
• Manual Methods

Also one method may not be enough, as multiple methods may be needed to fix the model.

If you do not do this step then your model may not 3d print properly.

Step 7: Prepare & Print the Model

You will need to choose a side for the supports to be printed on. This should probably be the side that you care the least about the appearance of. You may also need to orient, scale, split, add a raft, etc.

It should be noted that these models are often complex and can take days to print, so make sure you are not on a deadline to have it printed. Also note that it may take a couple of hours for this model to slice alone.

Step 8: The Lazy Methods:

Many common landscapes, such as famous mountains, are already a model ready to be printed. You can search for the model and download an .stl file of it. Try Thingiverse.

You can quickly obtain a rough model from this website as seen in the image below. Type in coordinates, or use the center to view button to make a selection as seen in the red rectangle. The Arc/seconds will make the selection larger, or just zoom. Finally push the button create STL file.

Terrainator is also very similar to the method above, except that you can't download the model and are forced to print the model through Shapeways.