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Blosm (formerly Blender-OSM)

OSM DATA IMPORT
📖10 min read

Introduction​

Blosm (previously known as Blender-OSM) is a powerful addon for importing real-world geographical data into Blender. Unlike BlenderGIS, which focuses on GIS data integration, Blosm is optimized for quickly generating 3D environments. It can import OpenStreetMap (OSM) vector data (buildings, roads, forests), real-world terrain heightmaps, and even high-resolution Google 3D Tiles.

For visual investigation, this is an essential tool for rapidly establishing the "Scene" context: creating a base model of a city block, a rural area, or a specific landmark in minutes.

OSM Data Import

Generate 3D buildings, roads, paths, and water bodies directly from OpenStreetMap data with customizable levels of detail.

Google 3D Tiles

Import high-resolution photogrammetry models from Google Earth (where available) for realistic background context.

Terrain Generation

Download and apply real-world elevation data (SRTM) to create accurate topography for your scene.

Installation​

  1. Download: Get the addon from Gumroad (There is a free version and a premium version).
  2. Install: In Blender, go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons > Install... and select the downloaded .zip file.
  3. Setup Directory: In the addon preferences, you must set a directory to store downloaded map data. This is where Blosm will cache OSM and terrain files.
  4. API Key (Optional but Recommended): For Google 3D Tiles, you will need a Google Cloud API key (instructions are provided in the addon documentation).

Core Workflows​

1. Importing OpenStreetMap Data (Vector)​

This creates editable 3D geometry based on map data.

  1. Open the N-Panel (press N) and click the Blosm tab.
  2. Select Area: Click select to open the map view. Navigate to your location of interest and click paste coordinates (or copy the rectangle selection).
  3. Import Terrain:
    • Set import type to Terrain.
    • Click Import. This creates the ground plane with elevation.
  4. Import OSM Features:
    • Set import type to OpenStreetMap.
    • Check the features you want: Buildings, Highways (Roads), Water, Forests.
    • Important Step: Ensure Import on Terrain is checked so buildings sit correctly on the elevation data.
    • Click Import.

2. Importing Google 3D Tiles (Photogrammetry)​

This imports the actual 3D mesh seen in Google Earth.

  1. Set import type to 3D Tiles.
  2. Select your area as usual.
  3. Level of Detail: Choose the resolution. Higher resolution means heavier meshes.
  4. Import: The addon will download and assemble the tiles.
  5. Note: These meshes are often heavy and triangulated. They are excellent for backgrounds or context but hard to modify.

Tips for Investigation​

Accuracy vs. Context​

  • OSM Data is user-generated. While generally accurate for layout, building heights are often estimates or defaults. Do not rely on OSM building heights for line-of-sight analysis without verifying them against other evidence.
  • Terrain Data (SRTM) usually has a resolution of ~30 meters. It is good for hills and valleys but will not capture small embankments or ditches.

Blosm vs. BlenderGIS​

  • Use Blosm when: You need 3D buildings, textures, and a quick environment for visualization.
  • Use BlenderGIS when: You need precise CAD data, shapefile imports, or strict georeferencing for engineering data.

Performance​

Importing a large city area can freeze Blender.

  • Start with a small selection (e.g., 500m x 500m).
  • Separate imports: Import terrain first, then buildings, then vegetation.
  • Use the "Premium" version features (if available) to separate buildings into collections for easier management.

Common Issues​

  • "Buildings are floating": You likely imported buildings before terrain, or didn't check "Import on Terrain".
  • "Textures are missing": Ensure you are in Material Preview or Rendered view.
  • "API Error": Check your Google Cloud Console billing status (even for the free tier) if using 3D Tiles.

Summary​

Blosm is the fastest way to go from a blank scene to a recognizable location. For visual investigation, it provides the "stage" upon which you can place your specific evidence. Always treat the imported data as a reference, not a survey-grade ground truth.