recently i am pushing more people to create 3d maps of their locations to get a better understanding of their geography

The process

get the DEM file for your target location.
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQg0g9ObhXE
  1. Create an account on https://ers.cr.usgs.gov/register
  2. Goto https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/
  3. Select Datasets
  4. Digital Elevation
2. Paid DEMs
  1. Carto DEM and SOI Dem
3. Free DEMs
  1. SRTMDEM and
convert the DEM file into STL file using QGIS.
1. QGis 3.32.3
2. Plugin- DEMto3D( for converting to stl file)
3. Qgis2threejs (visualization)
From STL file
1. dimensions - length, breadth and height.
2. how to scale these dimensions
3. how to add a base to the map
4. if we are using PLA material what is going to be the weight of the model.
5. is it possible to add a base height to the print.
6. is it possible to keep the length and breadth same but scale up the height?
do a small test print in one colour. (in a cheap colour) - PLA
if its good then do one small test print (get an idea of colours but reduce cost to test)
Do the final size with all the colours.

You can get it printed with any 3d printer and then get it handpainted. You can check a sample here - https://youtu.be/I7ssj_ADXPs. reach out to Sams Design House for help.

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