How to Generate a 3D Printable Model from a DEM

In this tutorial, we demonstrate how create a STL file for 3D printing using a digital elevation model (DEM) downloaded from OpenTopography. We use the the DEMto3D plugin in QGIS to generate the STL file, which can then be viewed and modified using the 3D Builder software.

This tutorial uses version 3.4 of the DEMto3D plugin. For versions 3.5 or 3.51, there are options for "Height (m)" and "Base height (mm)". For 'height', use the value of the lowest point, which is listed next to the cell. In 'base height,' select how tall you would like the solid base of the model to be. (Recommended to use the most stable current QGIS version, e.g., 3.28)

Software needed:
QGIS | https://qgis.org/
3D Builder | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/3d-...

Find pre-made DEMs and STL files on our OpenLandform Catalog | https://opentopography.org/lidarlandf...

Access to USGS 3DEP data is currently available for U.S. academic users with a .edu email address. K-12 teachers, international academics, and informal educators can apply for access here (https://opentopography.org/content/ac....

Online 3D printing services:
Craftcloud | https://craftcloud3d.com/
3D Experience Marketplace | https://make.3dexperience.3ds.com/
Treatstock | https://www.treatstock.com/

https://opentopography.org
OpenTopography facilitates community access to high-resolution, Earth science-oriented topography data and related tools and resources