Work with openstreetmap data, satellite images and more in Maproom. You can try it out for free.

Getting map data quickly into 3dsMax is not that easy. First you need to get hold of a map-data file 3dsMax can read, like openstreetmap. Then you need to import it without breaking the map. Finally you need to make something 3D out of it, like extruding buildings and sweeping roads.



Check out the video: download, build and style a map in under 5 minutes

Speeding it up

I’m working on a script to bring this process down to a matter of minutes. Just get some coordinates from the area you want to make a map of and let the script deal with the rest.

It will download the map data and get it into 3dsMax. Finally it converts the imported shapes into 3D objects. I use a stylesheet for this, insired by the Carto stylesheet used in tilemill. The stylesheet determines what kind of 3D geometry is created: how wide are the roads, what color are the parks, how high are the buildings. Stuff like that. My goal is to make an editor for the stylesheet to give users the power to make their map their own.

Amsterdam Close-up Amsterdam Amsterdam North Oosterpark

Challenge

One big issue I’m facing is dealing with Z-fighting. This happens when there are multiple surfaces in the same place at the same height. And it happens a lot.

This script has been greatly inspired by the OSM importer for Cinema4D