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Create a 3D Map in Photoshop

www.psd-dude.com
Tutorials Photo Manipulation 124461 January 8th, 2018

In this tutorial I will show you how to create a 3D map in Photoshop using different 2D and 3D models like cars, trees, road, clouds and so on. You can get creative amnd make your own 3D island in Photoshop. I have used for this tutorial grass and water texture but you can choose another type of textures. And you can also personalize the shape of the map using a text for example. Using a 3D action make the entire process more easier.

In this tutorial we'll learn how to create a 3D map in Photoshop using one of my 3D action, some textures for the grass & water and a few stock images. All we have to do is to make the 2D surface and play the Photoshop action. After the action is completed we'll make some retouches and add trees, clouds and any other 3D models that you like; you can add 3D buildings, cars, airplanes...it's up to you.

First we have to create a 2D map surface so select the Lasso Tool to make a selection and fill it with gray. Or select the Pen Tool to create a vector shape that you like. Or as a third option you can use a real map vector shape silhouette. Call this Map Layer.

Texturize the map shape using this tileable grass texture; copy the texture in a new PSD file and go to Edit>Define Pattern. Open the layer style window of the Map Layer and add a Bevel and Emboss and a Pattern Overlay using the grass pattern that you defined.

The map should now look like this:

Create a new layer above this one; select the shape of the map(press CTRL+click on the Map Layer thumbnail). Set the foreground color to white and the background color to black. Go to Filter>Render> and apply the Clouds filter to the selection. Change the blend mode of this layer to Overlay 65% opacity level.

In a new layer called Water Surface make one or two selections to look like lakes; use this water texture to add texture. Resize the texture to obtain a realistic result.

Open the layer style window of the Water Surface and add a Inner Shadow and a Bevel and Emboss.

You can add any other plain surface element to this map like a road for example. You can design this surface as you like. Select all the layers(make sure NOT to have a background layer) and merge the layers. Call this new layer Shape 1.

Now I will use one of my 3D Photoshop actions to create a 3D map. So download this free 3D action, load it in Photoshop and play it for the Shape 1 layer.

You have to result layers. Clear the layer styles of both layers(select, right click and choose Clear Layer Style. Call the first layer Grass Surface and the second one Ground Surface. For the Ground Surface layer you can use a ground texture like mud, rock, earth, etc. I will use this Dirt Ground Texture; resize it and add an Inner Shadow effect to give it a 3D look.

Duplicate the Ground Surface and make a selection out of the surface(press CTRL+click on the Ground Surface copy layer thumbnail). Move the selection up , invert the selection and press delete. That way you obtained two layered surfaces. Add a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer to the Ground Surface copy layer with these settings:

Add also an Drop Shadow effect to both ground surface layers like shown in the image. We will make further adjustments once we add the other elements so that they all blend in.

Time to add a backgfround for the 3D map. Create a new layer called Gradient Layer. Add a linear Gradient Overlay using the colors #559abf and white.

Add a new layer called Water Surface and add a water texture. Try to find a texture that has the right perspective. Resize it to fit and change the blend mode to Overlay 50% opacity level.

Time to blend the 3D map with the water surface and the rest of the image. For that add a Inner Shadow to the Grass Surface layer.

Modify the Drop Shadow effect of the Ground Surface layer with the following settings:

Use a soft round brush to paint in a new layer some water waves and foam around the edge of the Ground Surface layer.

In a new layer add some copies of this cutout tree with different sizes like shown in the image.

Each tree or group of trees has to cast shadow, so use a soft brush with black color to quickly paint the shadow in a new layer. Change the blend mode to Overlay and play with the opacity level.

Now I will use some nice clouds brushes to add clouds above the 3D map; you also have to add a shadow for the clouds.

To make all the pieces link together I have added a Photo Filter adjustment layer adding a nice yellow color tone.

You can add other elements that you want like a car, buildings, ship, airplane, road but be really careful to add images with the right perspective.

Another idea is to use 3D transport and bulding icons like these 3D buildings and GPS map icons that are already in PNG transparent format. The set contains also some cool flag and pin map icons and road signs that you can also add to your map.

You can search for other cool icons on the internet or even 3D models; here is the final result, I really hope you like my 3D map.

I was inspired to write this tutorial after I saw this amazing 3D Map Generator that you can but from graphicriver for only 6$.

4.9 ( 106 votes)

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34 comment(s) for "Create a 3D Map in Photoshop"

PSDDude
12:02 PM Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The link for the car is at the end of the tutorial
http://blokkstox.deviantart.com/art/Lotus-Elise-Cutout-122037721 reply
giti
giti
12:46 AM Thursday, January 17, 2013
hello
do you have typography plugin?

i really need it
if you have please attach it to my email
thanks alot reply
John
1:25 AM Thursday, January 17, 2013
Sorry Giti but I don't have a typography plugin ... are you referring to WordPress Typography Plugins http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/20-best-wordpress-typography-plugins-to-enhance-readability/ reply
Xitrena
Xitrena
8:35 AM Thursday, January 31, 2013
Thank you very much for the beautiful lesson))) reply
John
8:41 AM Thursday, January 31, 2013
WOW! you PS island looks amazing, very creative work indeed :) reply
Haydn
Haydn
2:00 AM Sunday, February 3, 2013
Does this require photoshop extended or just photoshop? Also what kind of things can only be done in photoshop extended? reply
PSDDude
2:02 AM Sunday, February 3, 2013
This tutorial was created using only Photoshop CS4 (including the 3D action). I really don't know if it works or not in Photoshop Extended reply
Xitrena
Xitrena
2:30 AM Thursday, February 28, 2013
I have a question. Action properly established. But working with the error. Job finishing touches "by hand." Dear author, please check again this action. Though most likely possible that I did something wrong.Sorry for my english. I'm from Ukraine)) reply
PsdDude
2:34 AM Thursday, February 28, 2013
Hi Xitrena,

I understand that you have a problem with the 3D action. This is an old action and it might have some working issues; do you have Photoshop in English or Russian?

Make sure you have one single layer before you play the action. And call this layer Shape 1 (it is important otherwise it won't work)

reply
Xitrena
Xitrena
4:10 AM Thursday, February 28, 2013
Thanks for the quick reply. I'll try again! reply
PSDDude
4:12 AM Thursday, February 28, 2013
You're welcome! Try to download the 3D action again, I have updated it, so now it should work for all the Photoshop language versions reply
PSDDude
11:54 PM Thursday, February 28, 2013
Another Photoshop 3D island that I really like made by idbogdan.babitskiy (http://www.photoshop-master.ru/users.php?id=1087021) reply
PSDDude
11:54 PM Thursday, February 28, 2013
3D Urban Map in Photoshop made by kolobok555 (http://www.photoshop-master.ru/users.php?id=289680) reply
PSDDude
1:52 AM Saturday, March 2, 2013
Exotic Island made in Photoshop by hiusversus (http://www.photoshop-master.ru/users.php?id=574667) reply
PSDDude
9:46 AM Monday, April 1, 2013
Very creative 3D island map made by Helen of Troy http://www.photoshop-master.ru/users.php?id=705559 reply
PSDDude
1:21 AM Friday, April 12, 2013
Here is yet another example of what you can create using this tutorial:
Fantasy 3D Island made by Marusenka http://www.photoshop-master.ru/users.php?id=420072
reply
moe
moe
3:37 AM Thursday, May 9, 2013
Hi,
I am having difficulty figuring out some things. Once I run the action - the size of my island changs size - big time. After I clear the layer, and go to put in my dirt, am i pasting it "into" the shape? Sorry I know these are probably basics but I can't get through them to move on. THanks. reply
xhon
xhon
1:32 AM Thursday, December 26, 2013
Hi
i am facing problems to create ground surfae with dirt texture.I am a begginer in photoshop so pls can you tell me how to do it in a detailed way //Thnx reply
John
1:35 AM Thursday, December 26, 2013
See the comment above. reply
John
John
8:42 AM Friday, January 3, 2014
This is an amazing tutorial.
I want to create a banner that has a small island on it and a road running through it like yours.
But, I'm not very good at using photoshop, so I can't get the road into the right perspective angle, or make it look realistic like yours :-(
Do you take on any freelance work? I'm prepared to pay for your time, if you have any spare time.
Hope to hear back and best wishes for the New Year, John reply
PSDDude
8:49 AM Friday, January 3, 2014
Hi,

I am glad you like 3D map my tutorial! Unfortunately I am not available for freelance projects because of the lack of spare time.
The road is actually in the correct perspective. You can try to use the Edit>Transform>Distort Tool to make it look more realistic. And also you will have to make the road a lighter color. Use the Brightness/Contrast for that. Upload the result and maybe I can give you a few extra tips :)

Happy New Year to you too! reply
jey
jey
6:29 AM Friday, January 17, 2014
hello. i'm korean girl.
you're very smart.
I'm really impressed. :) have a nice day~ reply
Amilton
Amilton
3:05 AM Tuesday, July 1, 2014
I used water advanced efect.

TK for the tutorial
reply
PSDDUde
3:07 AM Tuesday, July 1, 2014
The water surface texture looks indeed very realistic. Keep up the good work! reply
Amilton
Amilton
3:58 AM Wednesday, July 2, 2014
I make this for my adventure game.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/40971630/Imagens/test12.jpg reply
PSDDude
4:02 AM Wednesday, July 2, 2014
The adventure game map that you made looks great! reply
Nipper
Nipper
2:37 AM Sunday, March 22, 2015
Hi , Looks great but cannot get the action to work properly. All I get as a result is one layer and not two. There are 2 actions, one called perspective and one called shape, both render a similar result - only 1 layer. What am I missing please? reply
Alaeddine
Alaeddine
9:25 AM Thursday, November 5, 2015
Here is my try
reply
Preeti
Preeti
11:08 AM Friday, July 29, 2016
Hello, I am a Graphic Designer and i enjoyed this tutorial.
Its really nice....Thanks!
reply
leyla
leyla
11:02 AM Monday, August 8, 2016
hi, i'm iranian designer..
Many thanks for the great tutorial :)
reply
BlogEditorialCalendar
BlogEditorialCalendar
1:06 PM Monday, April 29, 2019
WOW, this is really good tutorial and explained clearly
i will try to create it

One question I were you get the car image, from the icon set?


Thanks
Joseph
http://www.ezedcal.com reply
Fabian
Fabian
1:06 PM Monday, April 29, 2019
@PSDDude

WOW! Great Photoshop instructions! I will rebuild soon. reply
Rosa Nur
Rosa Nur
1:06 PM Monday, April 29, 2019
Hi, i'm from Indonesia. This is an awesome tutorial! Thank.
But, this link --> tileable grass texture ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/zooboing/4183272286/ ) was not found. Can you fix it? Thank a lot :) reply
PSDDude
10:37 AM Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Hi Moe, you can copy the Dirt Texture in a new layer just above the Ground Surface Layer; right click on the Dirt Texture Layer and choose Create Clipping Mask; you can now select the two layers and merge them. This is one of the ways in which you can do it; read more about Clipping Mask reply

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