G-code (Laser Engraving / CNC)
Open BetaExport OpenStreetMap map data as G-code for laser engraving and CNC milling. Create physical maps on wood, metal, acrylic, and other materials using laser engravers and CNC routers.
Key Features
About G-code Format
G-code is the control language of numerically controlled machines (ISO 6983, also known as RS-274): a sequence of commands saying "move there", "turn the tool on", "run at this feed rate". Laser engravers, milling machines and plotters speak it, and the GRBL and Marlin firmwares understand it directly.
A map in G-code is not an image but a set of toolpaths. Every OpenStreetMap line becomes a tool path, and the machine repeats it on wood, plywood, acrylic, leather or anodized aluminium. That is how people make city plan panels, gift maps and relief models.
The file is plain text you can open in a text editor. First comes a header with the job parameters, then the map layers one after another, each with its own comment so the operator can skip a pass or reorder it. The commands are standard: G90 for absolute coordinates, G21 for millimeters, G0 for a rapid move, G1 for a working move, M3 and M5 to turn the tool on and off.
The geometry is fitted into the work area with margins along the edges, 300x300 mm by default, and the scale is chosen automatically so that the map fits entirely and keeps its proportions. Power is set per layer: roads run at full, buildings weaker, green areas very weak — which gives different depths on the material.
What Program Opens G-code Files
The following programs and applications can open, edit, and work with G-code (Laser Engraving / CNC) (.gcode) files exported from OSM2CDR:
Format specifications
- Open standard
- 3D coordinates supported
- Lossless (no quality loss)
- No attributes
- Output: 1 file
- G-code (ISO 6983 / RS-274) for CNC mills, plotters, laser cutters. Map paths converted to tool-paths.
Who Uses G-code Maps
How to Export G-code
How to Open After Export
- LightBurn — File → Open, check the work area (the file is calculated for 300x300 mm), set the power and speed for your material, then run the outline with Framing.
- LaserGRBL (free, Windows) — open the .gcode, look at the toolpath preview and send it to a machine with GRBL firmware.
- Candle or Universal Gcode Sender (free) — simple senders: they show the tool path and help you set the workpiece zero.
- A milling machine — before starting, set the depth and the number of passes in your control software: the file contains flat contours, and the vertical feed has to be tuned to your cutter and material.
- A test run is a must — first run the boundaries with no cutting or at minimum power, then do a test piece on a scrap of material.
Popular maps in G-code
Get G-code (Laser Engraving / CNC) map exports
Download professional G-code maps from OpenStreetMap. Instant generation, any area.