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Creating 3D Terrain with Google and Blender

Aug 22, 2024

3D Terrain Generation using Google Maps and Blender Add-On

Overview

  • Generating 3D terrain for any location worldwide using Google Maps and a new Blender add-on.
  • Uses Google satellite imagery for textures and NASA elevation data for height maps.
  • Applications include 3D printing or background scenes.

Getting Started

Downloading the Add-On

  1. Visit the provided GitHub link in the description for the Blender GIS add-on.
  2. Follow the documentation and examples on the page.
  3. Download the add-on by choosing the 'Clone or Download' option and selecting 'Download ZIP'.

Installing the Add-On in Blender

  1. Open Blender and go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.
  2. Click Install and select the downloaded zip file.
  3. Enable the add-on by checking the checkbox next to its name.
  4. Set the cache output folder to a desired location.
  5. Enable the Node Wrangler add-on for better workflow.

Using the Add-On

Setting Up the Map

  1. Access the GIS drop-down menu on the top bar in Blender.
  2. Select Web Geo Data and choose a base map source (e.g., Google, Open Street Map, Bing).
  3. Choose Satellite as the layer type.
  4. Use the Google Maps viewer to navigate to a desired location (e.g., search for "Mount Wilder").
  5. Adjust zoom level (e.g., 15) to focus on the area of interest.

Creating the 3D Terrain

  1. Align the view to the desired section and press E to create a 3D plane with the selected texture.
  2. To get elevation data, go to GIS > Web Geo Data > Get SRTM.
  3. Adjust the displacement modifier's strength to exaggerate terrain height if needed.
  4. In edit mode, subdivide the mesh for improved quality and smoothness.
  5. Apply subsurface and displacement modifiers.

Rendering the Terrain

  1. Open HDR environment texture in the world settings for rendering.
  2. Adjust render settings for contrast and transparency for better visuals.
  3. Use the Shader Editor to tweak materials:
    • Add bump mapping to the satellite image for texture detail.
    • Use ambient occlusion for depth and definition in the terrain.
    • Adjust specularity for realistic surfaces.

Adding Materials

Applying a Dirt Material

  1. Add new material and use Control + Shift + T to import PBR material.
  2. Assign the dirt material to the edges of the terrain and unwrap using Smart UV Project.
  3. Adjust mapping scale to tile the dirt texture appropriately.
  4. Use a texture gradient with a color ramp to create different layers of dirt.

Finalizing the Look

  1. Integrate color mix nodes to add variations to the material.
  2. Experiment with different color settings for enhanced visual appeal.

Bonus Tip: Importing Building Data

  1. Import new map data (e.g., New York City) to access building data.
  2. Use Get OSM to import Open Street Map data (e.g., buildings, highways).
  3. Wait for data to load and visualize the imported cityscape.

Conclusion

  • The add-on allows creating detailed 3D terrains and importing city data easily.
  • Ideal for city renders and various visual projects.
  • Encouraged sharing of results and feedback for future content.

Acknowledgments

  • Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring the video; offers free trial for learning new skills.

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