OSM map: get STL instead of converting GeoJSON → STL
Looking to turn a map from GeoJSON into STL? If your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you do not need an intermediate GeoJSON file: osm2cdr builds the map straight from the OSM source and hands you a ready STL. That is faster and more accurate than the chain "download GeoJSON → upload to a converter → get STL": you pick an area on the map, choose the STL format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data and layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How GeoJSON differs from STL
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoJSON | .geojson | GIS | Web mapping, geodata exchange via API, Leaflet/Mapbox visualization, analytics |
| STL | .stl | 3D | 3D printing city models, prototyping, architectural mockups, souvenir miniatures |
How to get STL on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the STL format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready STL file
STL format properties
| Extension | .stl |
| Type | 3D |
| Purpose | 3D printing city models, prototyping, architectural mockups, souvenir miniatures |
When you need STL
The STL format is handy when you need to open the result in a dedicated program and keep working with the map: editing, printing, analysing or embedding it in a project. osm2cdr delivers STL split into layers with up-to-date OpenStreetMap data, so the file is ready to use right after download.
What changes when going GeoJSON → STL
Going GeoJSON → STL, 2D building footprints are extruded into volumes by height or floor count, while non-area objects (lines and points) are dropped. The result targets 3D printing and visualisation. osm2cdr takes building footprints from OpenStreetMap and builds STL directly, with no intermediate GeoJSON file.
If you have your own GeoJSON file (not from OSM)
We do not convert third-party GeoJSON files into STL: this output is closed for uploads. The GeoJSON file itself is accepted, though — GeoJSON → DXF, KML or GeoJSON are available through the upload form on those pair pages. For STL the third-party route remains: GDAL/ogr2ogr or QGIS — open the GeoJSON and save the layer as STL.
FAQ: GeoJSON → STL
Can I upload my GeoJSON file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading GeoJSON files at the moment, so convert your file to STL with ogr2ogr or QGIS. And if your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you don't need a file at all — osm2cdr exports the map straight into STL.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to STL on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the STL format and download the result.
Which programs open STL?
The STL format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the STL format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online GeoJSON → STL converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source GeoJSON file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds STL with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate GeoJSON file.