Display a 3D terrain map

This tutorial demonstrates how to create a 3D (three-dimensional) terrain map and display it on a web page using MapTiler Cloud.

Enhance the authenticity of your applications and data by incorporating terrain relief into your maps. This will provide a greater sense of realism and depth to your visuals.

  1. Copy the following code, paste it into your favorite text editor, and save it as a .html file.

  2. Install the npm package.

  3. Include the CSS file.

    If you have a bundler that can handle CSS, you can import the CSS or include it with a <link> in the head of the document via the CDN

  4. Include the following code in your JavaScript file (Example: app.js).

  5. Replace YOUR_MAPTILER_API_KEY_HERE with your actual MapTiler API key.

  6. The next is up to you. You can center your map wherever you desire (modifying the starting position) and set an appropriate zoom level (modifying the starting zoom) to match your users’ needs. Additionally, you can change the map’s look (by updating the source URL); choose from a range of visually appealing map styles from our extensive MapTiler standard maps, or create your own to truly differentiate your application.

  7. Add options to the map to load the terrain elevation to the map.

    
     const map = new maptilersdk.Map({
         container: 'map', // container id
         style: maptilersdk.MapStyle.OUTDOOR,
         center: [8.94738, 45.97812], // starting position [lng, lat]
         zoom: 14, // starting zoom
         terrain: true,
       });
     
  8. Add options to the map to load the terrain control to the map. The terrainControl shows a button to enable/disable the 3D terrain (does not tilt the map).

    
     const map = new maptilersdk.Map({
         container: 'map', // container id
         style: maptilersdk.MapStyle.OUTDOOR,
         center: [8.94738, 45.97812], // starting position [lng, lat]
         zoom: 14, // starting zoom
         terrain: true,
         terrainControl: true,
       });
     
  9. Add options to the map to load the map with a 3D view.

    
     const map = new maptilersdk.Map({
         container: 'map', // container id
         style: maptilersdk.MapStyle.OUTDOOR,
         center: [8.94738, 45.97812], // starting position [lng, lat]
         zoom: 14, // starting zoom
         terrain: true,
         terrainControl: true,
         pitch: 70,
         bearing: -100.86,
         maxPitch: 85,
         maxZoom: 14
       });
     

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