Print 3D terrain with the Terrainator

by Google Earth Blog on Mar.13, 2013, under 3D Models, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, California, Denmark, England, Germany, Google Earth News, Google Earth Tips, Google Sky, Google maps, Hawaii, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Natural Landmarks, Netherlands, Sightseeing, Street Views, USA

Over the years we've seen a few companies offer ways to print 3D models, such as this example from 2009. Now a new company has come along that lets you print 3D copies for terrain by using a very slick interface -- the Terrainator.

They use data from a handful of sources to help build the models, including the USGS National Elevation Dataset. This makes for amazing-looking models, but greatly limits the areas you can choose from -- you essentially only have the United Kingdom, the western 40% of the United States, parts of Alaska and the Alps mountain range in Europe.

Try it yourself for yourself at terrainator.com. If you get one printed, snap a photo of it and send it over so we can check it out.

(via Google Maps Mania)