3D printing
Various printing processes enable the creation of spatial physical models using 3D printers. With that, we can transform digital geodata into an analogue 3D model.

Possible data basis
Depending on the application, different swisstopo 3D geodata products are suitable for 3D printing. The products can also be combined if required.
- Digital terrain model (DTM) swissALTI3D raster
- Digital terrain model (DTM) Terrain FBX TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network)
- Digital surface model (DSM) swissSURFACE3D raster
- Digital height model (DHM) lake bed swissBATHY3D raster
- Buildings swissBUILDINGS3D 2.0 or swissBUILDINGS3D 3.0 Beta
Sample data
As an example, you can print the Matterhorn at any scale. To do this, use the sample data converted from the product swissALTI3D and DHM25 in STL format.
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Matterhorn in STL format
ZIP, 1 MB
FAQs
No. For 3D printing, please contact a specialised 3D printing provider.
Typically, an STL file (STereoLithography or Standard Tessellation Language), extension .stl, is required. This extension is used for stereolithographic CAD data. STL is one of the standard formats of many CAD systems and is used mainly for rapid prototyping and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).
No, not at the moment.
Many modelling and visualisation programmes can export to STL. Workaround: Import geodata and then export again as STL. Blender, QGIS, ArcGIS, FME etc. are suitable for this.
The data type provides information about the compression of the data. For this purpose, the more compact binary STL format is quite sufficient.
For printing, the model must not contain any gaps. It must be watertight and have a closed, continuous surface. The software of the 3D printer must be able to reliably recognise where should be built and where not. Overhangs, such as building roofs, can lead to errors depending on the printing process and thickness.
The degree of detail (resolution of a 3D printer) depends on the printing method and the utilised material. With current devices, the thickness of a single layer ranges from about 0.1 mm to 0.02 mm. Note the selected resolution of the input data and the printing scale.
In 3D printing, the model has built in additive layers. Various methods are used for this.
- A laser melts and consolidates applied powder.
- The print material melts and is applied continuously.
- With exposure, parts of the plastic bath harden.
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern
- Tel.
- +41 58 469 01 11
Relevant authority
Topography
Geodata Distribution