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