Introduction to 3D Visualization (3 Hours)
Key Tools: Scene layers, elevation surfaces, navigation tools like Explore, Zoom To, and Bookmarks
What I Learned:
I learned how to turn flat maps into interactive 3D scenes by using elevation surfaces and scene layers. Navigating in 3D using the Explore tool helped me get familiar with tilt and rotation, which makes visualizing buildings, terrain, and other features way more dynamic. This is especially useful for urban planning or terrain-heavy projects where 2D just doesn’t cut it.
Performing Line of Sight Analysis (1 Hour, 15 Minutes)
Key Tools: Line of Sight tool, 3D Analyst extension, visibility lines
What I Learned:
This tool showed me how to test whether an observer can see a target point or if something gets in the way. It was helpful to see how terrain and buildings impact visibility. This would come in clutch for planning things like security cameras, watch towers, or communication setups that rely on a clear view.
Performing Viewshed Analysis in ArcGIS Pro (1 Hour)
Key Tools: Viewshed tool, digital elevation models (DEMs), observer fields like height, azimuth, and radius
What I Learned:
The Viewshed tool helped me visualize what areas are visible from a specific point. I adjusted parameters to change how far the view extended and the angle of the scan. Using color gradients made it easier to see what was visible or blocked. This tool is great for deciding where to place fire towers, lookout points, or anything that needs a line of sight.
Sharing 3D Content Using Scene Layer Packages (2 Hours)
Key Tools: Scene Layer Packages (SLPK), ArcGIS Online, Share As Scene Layer tool
What I Learned:
I learned how to take all that cool 3D work and share it with others. I packaged my data with textures and metadata into a scene layer, then uploaded it to ArcGIS Online so it could be accessed from different devices. Now I know how to make and share polished 3D visuals that other people can interact with.
Conclusion
Overall, this module gave me hands-on experience with 3D tools that are super useful for visualizing and analyzing spatial data in a more interactive way. Whether it’s checking line of sight, analyzing visibility, or sharing 3D content online, I picked up a bunch of new skills I can actually use in real-world GIS projects.
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