OSM map: get PDF instead of converting GeoTIFF → PDF
Looking to turn a map from GeoTIFF into PDF? If your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you do not need an intermediate GeoTIFF file: osm2cdr builds the map straight from the OSM source and hands you a ready PDF. That is faster and more accurate than the chain "download GeoTIFF → upload to a converter → get PDF": you pick an area on the map, choose the PDF format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data and layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How GeoTIFF differs from PDF
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoTIFF | .tif | Raster | GIS analysis, remote sensing, CAD base maps, orthophotos |
| Vector | Map printing, email sharing, presentations, commercial printing, archiving |
How to get PDF on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the PDF format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready PDF file
PDF format properties
| Extension | |
| Type | Vector |
| Purpose | Map printing, email sharing, presentations, commercial printing, archiving |
When you need PDF
The PDF 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 PDF split into layers with up-to-date OpenStreetMap data, so the file is ready to use right after download.
What changes when going GeoTIFF → PDF
A GeoTIFF raster stores pixels, not objects, so turning it into vector PDF is only possible by tracing, which is approximate and loses detail. osm2cdr does not trace your raster: it takes OpenStreetMap vector data and builds PDF straight away as editable graphics from real objects and layers.
If you have your own GeoTIFF file (not from OSM)
osm2cdr does not accept or convert third-party GeoTIFF files: the service works only with OpenStreetMap data. If you already have your own GeoTIFF file that is not from OSM, convert it to PDF with third-party tools: GDAL/ogr2ogr from the command line or QGIS — open the GeoTIFF and save the layer as PDF. It is free and runs locally, with no cloud upload.
FAQ: GeoTIFF → PDF
Can I upload my GeoTIFF file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading GeoTIFF files at the moment, so convert your file to PDF 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 PDF.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to PDF on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the PDF format and download the result.
Which programs open PDF?
The PDF format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the PDF format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online GeoTIFF → PDF converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source GeoTIFF file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds PDF with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate GeoTIFF file.