ArchiKEK vs Cadmapper: Best Free Alternative for Architects (2025)

TL;DR - Quick Comparison

What is Cadmapper?

Cadmapper has been the go-to tool for architects needing quick CAD maps. It pulls data from OpenStreetMap and exports to DXF format for AutoCAD and Rhino.

Cadmapper Pros:

• Established platform (years in market)
• Reliable DXF export
• Good for basic site plans

Cadmapper Cons:

• Expensive ($29+ for small areas)
• Limited free tier (tiny areas only)
• No real-time preview
• Basic styling options
• 3D export only in OBJ format
• No native Rhino (3DM) or SketchUp (DAE) support

Why Architects Are Switching to ArchiKEK

1. Actually Free

Cadmapper's free tier is essentially a demo - you get a tiny area that's not useful for real projects. ArchiKEK gives you unlimited PNG exports for free, forever. SVG and DXF are available with Pro.

2. Native 3D Formats

This is huge. Cadmapper exports OBJ files which require manual material assignment in Rhino or SketchUp. ArchiKEK exports:

• 3DM - Opens directly in Rhino with materials and layers
• DAE - Opens directly in SketchUp with materials
• GLB - Perfect for Blender and web viewers
• STL - Ready for 3D printing

3. 34 Professional Themes

Cadmapper gives you basic black and white maps. ArchiKEK offers 34 carefully designed themes:

• Classic: Figure Ground, Nolli, Technical
• Analysis: Street Hierarchy, Transit, Land Use
• Aesthetic: Gold Edition, Neon City, Blueprint
• Presentation: Warm Sunset, Arctic, Terracotta

Each theme is designed by architects, for architects.

4. Real-Time Preview

With ArchiKEK, you see your map instantly as you adjust settings. No waiting, no surprises. Cadmapper requires you to pay before seeing the full result.

5. Topographic Contours Included

Cadmapper charges extra for elevation data. ArchiKEK includes contour lines in every export at no additional cost.

Pricing Comparison

Cadmapper Pricing (2025)

• Free: ~200m x 200m only
• Small: $29 (1km²)
• Medium: $49 (4km²)
• Large: $99 (16km²)
• Per-download pricing adds up fast

ArchiKEK Pricing

• Free Forever: Unlimited PNG, all themes, up to 3km areas
• Pro ($19/month): DXF, 3D exports, commercial license

Bottom line: One month of ArchiKEK Pro costs less than a single Cadmapper download, and you get unlimited exports.

Feature Deep Dive

2D Export Quality

ArchiKEK SVG:

• Organized layers (Buildings, Roads, Water, Green, etc.)
• Proper grouping for each element
• Opens perfectly in Illustrator, Figma, Affinity
• Stroke widths optimized for print

Cadmapper DXF:

• Basic layer structure
• Sometimes requires cleanup
• Good AutoCAD compatibility

Verdict: ArchiKEK wins for design software (Illustrator, Figma). Cadmapper is fine for pure CAD workflows.

3D Model Quality

ArchiKEK 3D:

• Native 3DM with Rhino materials and layers
• Native DAE with SketchUp materials
• Accurate building heights from OSM data
• Terrain mesh included
• Roads, water, green areas as separate layers

Cadmapper 3D:

• OBJ format only
• Requires manual material setup
• Basic geometry

Verdict: ArchiKEK wins decisively. Native format support saves hours of work.

Real User Workflow Comparison

Typical Cadmapper Workflow

• Go to Cadmapper
• Navigate to location
• Select area
• Pay $29-99
• Wait for processing
• Download DXF/OBJ
• Open in Rhino/SketchUp
• Manually assign materials
• Organize layers
• Total time: 30-60 minutes + cost

ArchiKEK Workflow

• Go to archikek.com/create
• Search location
• Select area and theme
• Preview instantly
• Download (free PNG or Pro SVG/3DM/DAE)
• Open in Rhino/SketchUp - ready to render
• Total time: 2-5 minutes

When to Use Each

Use Cadmapper If:

• You only need DXF for AutoCAD
• You have a corporate account
• You're used to the workflow

Use ArchiKEK If:

• You want free PNG exports
• You use Rhino, SketchUp, or Blender
• You need styled maps for presentations
• You want 3D models with materials
• You're a student or small practice
• You need multiple maps frequently

Conclusion

Cadmapper was groundbreaking when it launched, but it hasn't evolved. ArchiKEK offers:

• ✅ Free unlimited PNG exports
• ✅ Native Rhino 3DM format
• ✅ Native SketchUp DAE format
• ✅ 34 professional themes
• ✅ Real-time preview
• ✅ Included contour lines
• ✅ Better value ($19 vs $29-99 per download)

Ready to try?

Create your first map free →