BlenderGIS
Introduction​
BlenderGIS is a free, open-source addon that brings real-world geographic data into Blender: terrain from DEMs, satellite imagery, and vector layers like roads and building footprints, all with their georeferencing preserved.
In an investigation workflow, it is the bridge between a GIS tool and the Blender scene. Prepare and export your data in QGIS or any other GIS package, then import it here at true scale and true coordinates. The scene you build is positioned where the site actually is, which matters for any later orientation, shadow, or measurement work.
Key Takeaways​
Data Import
Import DEMs, rasters (GeoTIFF), and vectors (Shapefile, GeoPackage) with georeferencing preserved. Works well with data exported from QGIS.
CRS and Georeferencing
Reads and applies Coordinate Reference Systems so datasets align in the scene. Reprojection keeps mixed sources in register.
Terrain and Context
Generate terrain meshes from DEMs, drape satellite imagery, and import footprints and roads. Tiling and simplification handle large areas.
Installation​
- Download the latest release archive from the GitHub repository.
- Open Edit > Preferences > Add-ons > Install.
- Select the archive and click Install Add-on.
- Search for BlenderGIS and enable the checkbox.
Usage​
Set the scene CRS· BlenderGIS panel
In the BlenderGIS panel, choose the scene Coordinate Reference System to match your data export, for example EPSG:4326 or a local projected CRS.
Import the terrain· DEM
Use Import > Raster/DEM to load elevation data (GeoTIFF), then convert it to mesh. Adjust resolution and simplification to the area size.
Drape the imagery· raster
Import the raster imagery and project it over the terrain. Make sure the CRS matches; reproject if needed.
Import the vectors· shapefile/geopackage
Load roads, footprints, or parcels from Shapefile or GeoPackage. Check each layer's CRS before import so BlenderGIS places it correctly.
Extrude buildings· massing
Use footprint attributes such as height to extrude massing models. Group layers so you can toggle visibility while you work.
Optimize for the viewport· performance
Tile large DEMs, decimate meshes, and use lower-resolution textures for interactive work. Swap in high resolution for final renders.
A mismatched CRS produces offset layers, sometimes by hundreds of meters. Verify each dataset's EPSG code before import, and check alignment against a known point on site.
In an Investigation​
- Site context at true scale. Build the terrain and surrounding context from the same data an investigator exported from QGIS, so the scene matches the geographic record.
- Orientation foundation. The scene CRS fixes true north in the scene. Every later step, from sun positioning to camera matching, can build on it.
- Measurement checks. With a correct projected CRS, distances and areas in Blender correspond to real distances on the ground.
- Multi-source alignment. Combine a DEM, an orthophoto, and vector layers from different sources and verify they land in the same place before you start modeling.
Limitations​
- Requires an internet connection to download basemaps, elevation, and geodata on import.
- Georeferencing quality depends on the source data and CRS. Verify the projection before relying on measurements.
- Large or high-resolution imports are heavy. Tile and decimate before doing detailed scene work.
Resources​
- Geolocation (the technique this addon serves)
- QGIS (the companion GIS tool)
- Blosm (a lighter alternative for terrain and OSM context)