3D Country Map Flag
Introduction: 3D Country Map Flag
I've seen some pretty amazing combinations of maps and flags made in wood. I wanted to make one, but wanted to decrease the effort required :)
A time saving step is finding a 2D image already in SVG (scalable vector graphics) format. This instructable will guide you though the process of converting that SVG into a multilevel/multicolored printable 3D object.
Supplies
* SVG image of a country with a map applied to it
* Inkscape
* Text editor (like NotePad++)
* TinkerCAD (or other CAD application that can import SVG)
* Slicer (like Cura)
* 3D printer
Step 1: Locating an Existing SVG Image
Locating an existing SVG image.
Search engine (like Google) and use appropriate keywords: "America svg", "Map Flag SVG", "American Map Flag SVG free", etc. This particular site was frequently returned in my search results: https://freesvg.org/ Might be convenient to use their search directly.
I found this one for the United States: https://freesvg.org/america-flag-map Belgium: https://freesvg.org/belgium-map-flag Australia: https://freesvg.org/australias-continent
If you're intention it to print in multiple colors on a single extruder, you may want to limit the number of colors. Mexico has alot going on: https://freesvg.org/mexicos-flag-and-map
Download the SVG image to your computer.
Step 2: Editing the SVG
Editing the SVG
Using Inkscape, make the map less complicated. If there are small islands, they aren't going to print well; unless you create a base underneath.
The American I chose, already had Alaska and Hawaii absent/remove. Australia, I did attempt to create a base but didn't like the result and wound up removing the islands.
Click in the object, and press the delete key. Or draw a box around the objects and press the delete key. Just be cautious in node deletions that change the shape of the remaining land mass.
Save the image back as an SVG.
Step 3: Splitting the SVG Into Separate Files (by Color)
Splitting the SVG into separate files (by color)
Note: You'll want to be strategic in the color layers. For America I found red as the base layer, than blue, and finally white. For the base layer you can either leave the subsequent color layer objects; or provide them in TinkerCAD. (at the same object height)
Make a copy of the SVG file for each color and name them appropriately. Red, white, and blue? You'll want to have three files. For example: America-Red.svg, America-Blue.svg, America-White.svg.
Two methods: Using a text editor or using Inkscape
Method - Text Editor (this is my preferred method)
Open one of the files in a text editor. I like Notepad++ because you can have multiple files opened at once, in separate tabs.
Search for "fill". 974
Make a note of the different colors used, "#00008B", etc. If its in this hexadecimal format, you can search it on Google to get the color name. In this case Dark blue. One of the colors will likely be "black" or #000000", this will be the overall outline which you will no longer need (might be an exception for white shapes).
Delete all the polygons, shapes, or paths from the file that don't match the color of the file you're working on. I.e. in Ameria-Blue.svg delete all the non-blue shapes. In America-Red.svg delete all the non-red shapes. You can delete a few at a time, save, and than preview the SVG in a browser or compatible image viewer.
An SVG file is an XML structure. Notepad++ is neat cause it will highlight the XML object. Click on "fill" and it will highlight the associated "path" or "polygon". Careful deleting, making sure you don't remove an extra XML tag. If the image fails to open when previewing, undo your last change and try again.
Method InkScape (you'd think this method would be easier, but to each their own)
Maybe set the document background to checkered, rather than white, so you can see the boundaries easier.
Try deleting objects of the incorrect color. Try "fill bounded areas", but that doesn't seem to work out in many cases. Use the "Pick Colors from Image". When filling or drawing, make sure "Fill" is correct color. 110