Layered map: one SVG layer, one sheet of material
A layered map is a stack of cut sheets: the bottom sheet is water, the next one parks and green areas, then roads, and buildings on top. Each sheet is cut from a different material or colour and glued together, which gives the map real depth.
The file is one SVG where each map layer is its own named group: water, green areas, roads and buildings. One SVG layer equals one sheet of material: hide all groups but one, cut that sheet, then move on to the next. Water, green areas and buildings are closed polygons; roads are stroked centerlines, so convert their strokes to outlines (Stroke to Path / Outline Stroke) before cutting the road sheet. All groups share true-scale coordinates with the page size in millimetres, so the sheets line up when stacked.
Inkscape, Illustrator and CorelDRAW show the groups as layers. LightBurn and the Glowforge app work by line colour, so import one group at a time or give each group its own colour. For paper cutting machines (Cricut, Silhouette) import one group at a time. Add a frame rectangle to every sheet in your editor to get alignment edges for gluing.
Map data comes from OpenStreetMap and is licensed under the ODbL: you may use the file in commercial products as long as you credit "(c) OpenStreetMap contributors". The preview demo is free; the full file is paid, and the price is shown before checkout. Any place on Earth works, from a single block to a whole city.
Open in the builder
The link opens the builder with SVG, the monochrome style, the clean fill and four separate layers: water, green areas, roads and buildings. Add or remove layers to change the number of sheets.
Frequently asked questions
How many sheets will my map have?
One per selected layer. The preset gives four (water, green areas, roads, buildings); remove layers in the builder for fewer sheets.
Which materials work best?
3 mm plywood or MDF, 2-3 mm acrylic, or thick cardstock for paper cutters. Use a different colour or wood tone per sheet.
Will the sheets line up?
Yes. Every layer is drawn in the same true-scale coordinates, so the sheets stack exactly; add a common frame for gluing.
Is the file free?
The preview demo is free. The full SVG is paid and the price is shown before checkout.