Creating 3D maps in QGIS
2 min read
7 months ago
Published on Apr 21, 2024
This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.
Table of Contents
How to Create 3D Maps in QGIS
-
Define the Area of Interest:
- Search for and define the area around Sedona, Arizona, in Google Maps to get the coordinates.
- Use the HCM GIS plugin or the XYZ tiles option to access Google satellite imagery.
-
Install Plugins:
- Install two plugins: "Lat Lon Tools" and "Open Topography DEM".
-
Zoom to Coordinates:
- In the main window, go to Plugins > Lat Lon Tools > Zoom to Coordinate.
- Paste the coordinates obtained earlier and press return to zoom to the location.
-
Export Satellite Image as GeoTIFF:
- Go to New Print Layout and add the map.
- Load the image file and click on the "Generate World File" button in the export options window.
- Set the horizontal resolution to 8192 pixels.
- Save the file and turn off the basemap downloader.
-
Create Hillshade and Overlay Roads:
- Go to Raster Analysis > Hillshade and adjust settings.
- Add Vector roads to the map for context.
-
View in 3D:
- Go to View > New 3D View to open the 3D window.
- Configure the terrain settings by setting the type to DEM and elevation to the original DEM layer.
- Adjust vertical settings and explore the 3D view by tilting, rotating, and zooming.
-
Combine Raster and Vector Layers:
- Overlay the saved image over the 3D layers.
- Adjust settings in the configure menu to blend layers seamlessly.
-
Save High-Resolution 3D Image:
- Use the "Save Image As" button in the 3D window to save the image.
- Adjust skirt height to eliminate white gaps in the image.
-
Export as SVG:
- Open a new print layout and add the 3D map.
- Set the export settings to SVG and save the file.
- For vector data, export as an image in QGIS.
-
Finalize and Save:
- Check the resolution settings before saving the file.
- Save the file and admire your high-resolution 3D map creation.
For more detailed guidance on creating great maps, visit the mapguide website and explore additional resources.