3d printer models for creating tactile maps

Below, we provide some links to stl models, that you can use, if your school has a 3d printer to create 3D models that exploit the haptic channel of exploration.

Note that these models are not created for users with VI but for the general public, thus the map key/ legend and map title are not in Braille. Moreover, these models have been developed by under- and post-graduate students at the Cartography Laboratory of the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, hence, all labeling and text are in Greek. In any case, you can adjust the stl files to your needs and language preferences accordingly.

Cartographic Rendering of Surface Relief in 3D Printing, the text of the diploma thesis is available here

The aim is to demonstrate the possibility of simulating the geographical space with as much accuracy and realism as possible in a three-dimensional elevation model. For the construction of the model, the software of QGIS and Blender were used to create the digital 3D model of the elevation relief (STL) through the elevation information of a DSM model of the Copernicus website. However, the greatest interest is shown in the use of 3D printing technology using the Ultimaker S5 printer to create physical models of the elevation relief, offering a new dimension to the representation of geographical space. This approach allows visual and digital examination of the relief, enabling problem solving and decision making based on the physical model. Finally, it is worth noting that this thesis paves the way for further research and development in the field of cartography and 3D printing. The combined use of GIS and 3D printing opens new perspectives for the representation and solution of practical problems in various fields such as education, urban planning, geology mainly due to the possibility of activating the sense of touch in the user, beyond that of vision, facilitating the user to better perceive the environment he/she is examining.

Cartographic Rendering of the Degree of Seismic Risk in the Greek Territory in 3D Printing, the text of the diploma thesis is available here

The aim is to explore the possibility of simulating a phenomenon in space accurately using the method of 3D visualization in the form of a thematic map, to evaluate the tools used and the concerns that arose. The 3D visualization of the seismic risk in Greece aims to present an overall picture of the phenomenon in Greece and to provide a tool for decisio n making and planning of preventive measures. For the preparation of the study and the construction of the 3D model, seismic risk data from the European Seismic Risk Model 2020 (ESRM 2020) were used. These data were processed using QGIS and Blender softwar e to create the digital 3D model (STL file). The notable feature of the work is the 3D printing of the model, using the Ultimaker S5 3D printer. This technological approach allows the creation of impressively detailed physical models that represent the deg ree of seismic risk and any other phenomenon, providing a visual and material representation of the data. Finally, it is important to mention that this thesis combines the science of cartography and 3D printing technology, using GIS and 3D printing, and is an important addition to the field of geoinformatics and digital cartography. All in all, the method of 3D mapping of a phenomenon on a thematic map proves to be a very good alternative to the classical way of mapping. This opens up new perspectives in th e study of phenomena derived from multi criteria analysis and allows the possibility of replacing the symbols of a classical map with the dynamic symbols of a 3D map.

Cartographic visualization of climate change performance index in 3D printing, the text of the thesis is available here

This work llustrates through a three-dimensional print the Climate Change Performance Index introduced by the German institute Germanwatch, as a particularly important and useful tool for evaluating and criticizing countries for the extent to which they reduce their emissions and the policies they take to tackle climate change. At the same time, it seeks to be a tool for decision-making and the design of these policies. The diploma thesis aims to highlight the phenomenon itself through its three-dimensional visualization, but mainly the advantages and challenges presented by three-dimensional cartographic imaging and printing.