Printable 3D Terrain Models

Touch Terrain is a webservice developed by Chris Harding and Franek Hasiuk of Iowa State University’s GeoFabLab. The tagline of the site is:

Easily Create 3D-Printable Terrain Models

The tool uses a Google API to help you select your area of interest, so they aren’t joking about it being easy when it comes to finding the where for your model!

The rest of the interface is refreshingly straightforward too, providing heaps of options for customisation. Including three worldwide elevation models, hillshading options, and three export formats 🙂

I don’t have access to a 3D printer  😦
But! The image above is a model of Wollongong I created using TouchTerrain and the TouchTerrain for CAGEO viewing tool  😀

You can see one of Chris Harding’s models online here. There is more detailed elevation data available over the US, so US models are more detailed…

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