3D Modeling Earth’s Surface

Have you ever wanted to create a 3D model of a specific section of earth’s surface? I heard that it could be done using topographic data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). So I asked ChatGPT to tell me step by step how to convert USGS topographic data into a 3D model in .stl format (see thread here). In response, ChatGPT told me that I need to:

1. Download USGS topographic data
2. Preprocess the data using GDAL to convert to ASCII Grid
3. Convert ASCII Grid to a 3D mesh using QGIS and the DEMto3D plugin
4. Optionally refine the 3D model in MeshLab
5. Save the final model in STL format

That sounded complex to me, as it involves applications and file formats that I have not previously worked with. Fortunately, I discovered that there is a much easier and faster way to get 3D models in .stl format. Simply use a website that provides this specific service. Here are 2 options:

Terrain2STL is a website that allows you to create .stl models of the surface of Earth. Its interface is pretty straightforward. You can zoom/drag to a location using Google Maps which defaults to Terrain View. You can also enter GPS coordinates (refer to this post for a refresher). Next, enter details about the width, height, and other details related to the dimensions of your desired model. Then adjust settings related to water and base height and finally export your model in .stl format. Terrain2STL has the advantage of its simplicity, but its main disadvantage is its resolution which is limited to 90 meters. Here is a screenshot of Terrain2STL (click to enlarge):

TouchTerrain is another website that allows you to create 3D printable terrain models. Similar to Terrain2STL, TouchTerrain allows you to zoom/drag to a location using Google Maps, but TouchTerrain also allows you to search for a place by its name, address, or GPS coordinates which can be very useful. TouchTerrain also allows you to choose from 3 different elevation data sources, each of which has varying resolution ranging from 10 to 2000 meters, depending on its purpose. For me the default USGS data source with 10 meter resolution produced a model with the level of detail that I was looking for. It also has inputs for 3D printer settings such as your build plate dimensions to help you determine the maximum size of your model. After inputting the relevant settings, generate and download your .stl model. Here is a screenshot of TouchTerrain (click to enlarge):

After you get your desired model from either Terrain2STL, TouchTerrain, or another method, you’ll be ready to slice and 3D print your model.