OSM map: get STL instead of converting OpenStreetMap → STL
Looking to turn a map from OpenStreetMap into STL? If your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you do not need an intermediate OpenStreetMap 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 OpenStreetMap → 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 OpenStreetMap differs from STL
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenStreetMap | .osm / .pbf | OSM geodata | Map source: roads, buildings, POI, boundaries |
| 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 OpenStreetMap → STL
The first source is OpenStreetMap building footprints with height and floor tags. osm2cdr extrudes these 2D footprints into volumes and builds STL directly, with no intermediate OpenStreetMap file. Non-area objects (road lines, POI points) are not turned into volume — the result is meant for 3D printing and built-up-area visualisation.
Need raw OpenStreetMap data?
If you work with your own OpenStreetMap extract — a raw PBF or XML dump — you can convert it to STL yourself: download a regional extract from Geofabrik or pull an area through the Overpass API, then convert the data with GDAL/ogr2ogr or QGIS by opening the dump and saving the layer as STL. It is free and runs locally. But if you just want a ready result without the command line, osm2cdr does the same for you: pick an area on the map, choose the STL format and download the file with up-to-date OSM data right away — your dump and osm2cdr share the very same source.
FAQ: OpenStreetMap → STL
Can I upload my OpenStreetMap file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading OpenStreetMap 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 OpenStreetMap → STL converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source OpenStreetMap file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds STL with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate OpenStreetMap file.