3D printing of Digital Elevation Models or Surface. Applications with data from the Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya

Abstract

This work describes the theoretical framework and practical method for 3D printing a relief of the Earth’s surface, within the context of geographic information modelling. Examples of the method and results are shown with study areas distributed throughout Catalonia, of different morphologies and at different scales: coastal areas, mountainous areas, and urban areas. In the theoretical and methodological field, the concepts related to 3D printing techniques are explained, emphasizing the process of converting a georeferenced file common in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environments to a scale model printed with a 3D printer. The result is a guide to understanding the process and terminology of 3D printing, so that the reader can create a relief with a relatively low cost. Finally, the potential and limitations of the technology used are discussed, as well as future prospects with upcoming innovations.