OSM map: get STL instead of converting PDF → STL
Looking to turn a map from PDF into STL? If your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you do not need an intermediate PDF 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 PDF → 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 PDF differs from STL
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vector | Map printing, email sharing, presentations, commercial printing, archiving | ||
| 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 PDF → STL
PDF files carry flat graphics with no building footprints or heights, so a volumetric STL cannot be assembled from them. osm2cdr does not parse your graphics: it takes OpenStreetMap building footprints, extrudes them by height and builds STL straight away for 3D printing.
If you have your own PDF file (not from OSM)
osm2cdr does not accept or convert third-party PDF files: the service works only with OpenStreetMap data. If you already have your own PDF file that is not from OSM, convert it to STL with third-party tools: GDAL/ogr2ogr from the command line or QGIS — open the PDF and save the layer as STL. It is free and runs locally, with no cloud upload.
FAQ: PDF → STL
Can I upload my PDF file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading PDF 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 PDF → STL converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source PDF file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds STL with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate PDF file.