This object was created with a python script I wrote called dem2stl:

https://github.com/GeoffWilliams/dem2stl

You can use it to convert any jpeg format digital elevation map into a 3D printer STL file.

The data for this example object was obtained from GeoScience Australia by selecting the free download at the following page:

http://www.ga.gov.au/about-us/news-media/news-2008/new-national-database-simplifies-water-tracking.html

The DEM in gallery is a low resolution preview of the data from the above link.

Instructions

I printed at 100% scale using fine detail. The results wern't perfect but weren't terrible either.

Some detail was lost because my printer couldn't handle the resolution. Suggest scaling to a larger size if your printer can handle this or use the above links to download and rescale the data in the stl file.

Like this tool/want instructions? Drop me a line

Category: Math Art