Map Maker · 5 minute guide
Map Maker: City & Relief Contour Maps
Combine OpenStreetMap geometry with topographic or NOAA-backed bathymetric contours, then export separated cut-and-engrave layers.
By Scott Bedow, Founder & Lead Developer · Published July 4, 2026 · Updated July 27, 2026
Manufacturing manager who runs CO2, diode and MOPA fiber lasers; builds and maintains every Reticle Red tool.
Method — Walked end to end in the live tool before publishing. Screens and step order match the current build; settings shown are starting points to validate on scrap.
What this tutorial covers
- Search, frame, and generate a laser-ready city map from real OpenStreetMap data.
- Style per-layer streets, water, parks, and rail as engrave or cut lines.
- Add topographic, bathymetric, or combined contours with source and coverage metadata.
- Engrave a custom title and the location coordinates onto the piece.
- Export named layer groups (SVG / .lbrn2) that LightBurn separates automatically.
1. Find and frame the location
Search for the location and set the map bounds around the area you want to make. Choose the finished dimensions before generating so the map is composed for the actual blank.
2. Generate the map data
Request the selected area and wait for the map features to load. Check that the expected roads, water and other features are present before investing time in styling.
3. Style layers and labels
Enable the feature layers you need and adjust stroke weights so major and minor features remain distinct. Add the title, subtitle or coordinates, then inspect small labels and crowded intersections.
4. Export and assign machine settings
Download the available LightBurn or SVG output and inspect the layer separation after import. Confirm millimetre dimensions, assign cut and engrave settings for the material, and test the smallest details before production.
Validate the workflow on your machine
Treat the finished file as a controlled starting point, not a universal machine recipe. Confirm the artwork dimensions after import, verify focus and lens selection, and run a small test on scrap from the same material batch before committing the production piece. Change one variable at a time when tuning speed, power, frequency, line interval, or pass count. Record the machine, source wattage, lens, material finish, focus method, and final settings with the saved job. That short production note makes the result repeatable for the next operator and prevents a strong screen preview from being mistaken for a proven burn.