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Overview: Two Paths to 3D
Creating a 3D physical terrain model requires converting raw geographical data into an STL file. Depending on your needs, there are two ways to accomplish this:
Method 1: The Quick Way (Direct to STL)
Best for beginners. You use a web map to draw a box around the area you want, and the tool generates an STL instantly, completely bypassing the need to download large data files.
Method 2: The Advanced Way (TIF to STL)
Best for pros. If you already have a high-resolution GeoTIFF (.tif) file from scientific sources like the USGS or Copernicus, you upload it to the Hometrix Generator to convert it into a precise STL.
02
Method 1: Direct to STL
If you want to skip downloading complex data files and jump straight to generating an STL, we recommend using a direct-selection tool.
Direct Generation Tool
jthatch.com/Terrain2STL/How to use the Direct Tool:
Select Your Region
Use the map interface to find your location. Click the Center to View button to snap the red selection box over your target area.
Adjust the Boundary Box
Navigate to the Model Details tab. Rotate and resize the red box using the sliders. Don't worry about the box skewing with rotations—the final model will remain accurate to the real terrain.
Set Exaggeration & Water Drop
Z-Scale: Increase this to exaggerate the vertical scale of mountains (a setting of 2.0 or 3.0 is usually best for visual impact).
Water Drop: Set this to a few millimeters to lower the height of the oceans, creating a clean, flat floor around islands or coastlines.
Generate
Click Generate Model and download your finished STL.
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Method 2: TIF to STL (Hometrix Generator)
If you are working with specific datasets or higher-resolution scans, you will need to process a GeoTIFF file.
Hometrix TIF Converter
hometrix.com/tools/stl-generatorStep A: Getting a TIF File
You can source global GeoTIFF elevation files for free from these recommended sources:
- USGS EarthExplorer: earthexplorer.usgs.gov (Select SRTM 1 Arc-Second Global)
- OpenTopography: opentopography.org (Select SRTM GL1)
- Copernicus DEM: browser.dataspace.copernicus.eu (Excellent 30m European/Global coverage)
Step B: Using the Hometrix Generator
Once you have your .tif or .tiff file downloaded (we recommend keeping it under 100MB), upload it to the Hometrix tool and set your parameters:
| Parameter | What it means | Typical value |
|---|---|---|
| Width | The physical width of your finished piece. | 250mm / 10in |
| Relief Depth | How tall the highest terrain point rises above the base surface. | 15mm / 0.6in |
| Base Thickness | The solid flat layer below the terrain. Adds structural strength. | 6mm / 0.25in |
Click Generate STL. Your file will process and download automatically.
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Using the STL for CNC
Import your newly generated STL file into your CAM software of choice:
- Fusion 360 — File → Open → select your .stl
- VCarve / Aspire — Import 3D model component
- Easel (Inventables) — Import 3D file
- Carveco — Import model
From there, set your tool, stepover, feed rates, and generate your toolpath as normal.
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Converting to .GLB for Web Rendering
If your goal is to display your 3D terrain on a website (using tools like Google's <model-viewer>) instead of physically carving it, you must convert the heavy STL file into a lightweight, web-optimized GLB format.
To do this cleanly and safely in your browser without installing software:
- Go to a professional converter like Image2toSTL, Aspose 3D or BlackThread.io.
- Drag and drop your generated STL file into the tool.
- Select GLB as the output format.
- Click Convert and download the web-ready file to your project directory.
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Tips & Troubleshooting
The STL orientation looks wrong
Most GeoTIFF files are stored north-up, so the map should come out with north at the top. If it appears flipped or rotated, your CAM software likely has tools to rotate or mirror the model before generating the toolpath.
The file is too large to upload
If your TIF is larger than the 200MB limit, crop it to your area of interest using a free tool like QGIS before uploading.
The sea level appears raised
The tool clamps all values below zero to sea level (flat). If large areas of ocean appear raised, your TIF may have no-data values encoded differently. Try a different download source or apply a manual Water Drop.