QGIS 3D Terrain Tutorial

Create with QGIS

Professional 3D Mapping

With professional GIS software,
create high-quality 3D terrain data.

QGIS 3D Terrain Demo

QGIS 3D terrain demo video coming soon...

Interactive display of 3D terrain data

Detailed Tutorials

Complete pro-level 3D terrain in 5 steps.

QGIS Installation & Setup

First, install QGIS and configure basic settings for terrain data processing.

  1. 1
    Download the latest version from QGIS official website
  2. 2
    Install localization plugins
  3. 3
    Enable terrain processing plugins (GDAL, GRASS)
  4. 4
    Organize work folders and project settings

Loading & Preprocessing DEM Data

Load downloaded DEM data into QGIS and perform basic preprocessing.

  1. 1
    Load DEM as raster data
  2. 2
    Verify and convert projection (if necessary)
  3. 3
    Handle NoData values and fill gaps
  4. 4
    Adjust resolution and clip processing

Terrain Analysis & Visualization

Extract terrain features from DEM data and configure beautiful visualization.

  1. 1
    Create slope and hillshade maps
  2. 2
    Generate and configure contour lines
  3. 3
    Set color scheme based on elevation
  4. 4
    Adjust transparency and brightness

3D Terrain Rendering

Use QGIS 3D features to render beautiful 3D terrain.

  1. 1
    Launch and configure 3D map view
  2. 2
    Adjust vertical exaggeration (1.5-2.0x recommended)
  3. 3
    Set light source angle and ambient light
  4. 4
    Adjust camera position and angle

High-Quality Image Export

Export finished 3D terrain in high resolution for various uses.

  1. 1
    Set rendering resolution (4K-8K supported)
  2. 2
    Adjust anti-aliasing and shadow quality
  3. 3
    Export as PNG (transparent background supported)
  4. 4
    Optimize for print and web

Pro Tips & Tricks

Professional techniques for creating beautiful terrain.

Choosing Data Sources

For Japan, GSI's base map data is optimal with 5m resolution DEM available nationwide. For overseas, USGS SRTM data (30m resolution) is free.

Color Setting Tips

For natural terrain, use light blue at sea level, green for lowlands, yellow-green for mid-elevation, and brown for peaks. Fine-tune with QGIS color ramp editor.

Maximizing 3D Effects

Setting vertical exaggeration to 1.5-2.0x emphasizes terrain relief. Be careful not to overdo it as it can look unnatural.

Performance Optimization

For large datasets, enable tile rendering and configure cache properly. Avoid other tasks during rendering to secure memory.

Start creating professional terrain.

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