Question 1

Where does the elevation come from, and how accurate is it?

Accepted Answer

From the Mapterhorn digital elevation model: worldwide it is Copernicus GLO-30 (about 30 m resolution), with more detailed national data in some countries. That is plenty for a souvenir: mountains, valleys and coastlines are instantly recognizable.

Question 2

Why exaggerate heights?

Accepted Answer

At model scale real mountains are very low: 2,000 m over a 50 km area is just 4 mm on a 100 mm tile. Exaggeration lifts the relief so it reads well. Auto mode picks the factor for the area.

Question 3

How do I print the water in another color?

Accepted Answer

Choose “2 colors: land and water” and download “3MF · 2 colors”. Water is a thin layer on top of the land, already assigned to filament 2 in the slicer. Without AMS, pause and swap filament at the water floor height.

Question 4

What are the 4 height colors?

Accepted Answer

The model is cut by horizontal planes into four parts: lowlands, hills, mountains and peaks. Thresholds are set in meters. With an AMS that is only three filament changes for the whole print.

Question 5

Can I pick my house, cottage or a hiking route?

Accepted Answer

Yes: find the place with search or enter coordinates; the frame goes down to 1 km. Keep in mind that cities are almost flat — mountains, river valleys and coastlines look best.

Question 6

Can I sell printed souvenirs?

Accepted Answer

The data is open and generally allows commercial use with attribution: OpenStreetMap — ODbL, Copernicus GLO-30 — the free Copernicus license; licenses of the other elevation sources are listed at mapterhorn.com/attribution. Credit “© OpenStreetMap contributors” and “© Mapterhorn” in the product description or on the packaging.

3D terrain map: a printable relief model from any place

FAQ