Map2Model provides users with a new online tool that makes it easy to generate city models for 3D printing. The web application uses geodata from OpenStreetMap (OSM) and allows the models to be exported in STL or 3MF format – without additional software installation or extensive prior knowledge.
The user interface is clearly laid out: After calling up the platform, any area can be selected via a map view. The region can be limited by rectangle, circle or user-defined polygon. Once selected, a mesh model is generated at the touch of a button, which can be viewed directly in the browser in a 3D preview.
The underlying data comes from the OSM project. In addition to buildings, roads, bodies of water and green spaces are also taken into account. However, elevation modeling is not currently integrated. Even with more complex topographical structures, such as in mountainous regions, the terrain remains completely flat. This limits the use for landscape models, but is not a disadvantage for many urban environments.
Technically, Map2Model automatically generates the geometry from the available vector database. Minor inconsistencies may occur, such as incompletely displayed buildings or floating components. A visual inspection of the generated model before printing is therefore advisable. Corrections can be made subsequently in a CAD program if necessary.
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