OSM map: get SVG instead of converting PDF → SVG
Looking to turn a map from PDF into SVG? 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 SVG. That is faster and more accurate than the chain "download PDF → 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 PDF differs from SVG
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vector | Map printing, email sharing, presentations, commercial printing, archiving | ||
| 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 PDF → SVG
PDF files carry finished graphics without attributes or a projection, so rebuilding them into SVG with real layers and objects is unreliable. osm2cdr does not parse your graphics: it builds SVG from OpenStreetMap geodata as editable curves and layers for print and design.
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 SVG with third-party tools: GDAL/ogr2ogr from the command line or QGIS — open the PDF and save the layer as SVG. It is free and runs locally, with no cloud upload.
FAQ: PDF → SVG
Can I upload my PDF file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading PDF 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 PDF → SVG 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 SVG with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate PDF file.