3D GIS

Maps are graphic representations of reality and help us understand and navigate the world around us. Maps can incorporate third dimension through contours, hillshading (3D modeling), and profile views.

In this course you will learn fundamentals of third dimension (3D) GIS concepts and tools to visualize, analyze, and interpret geospatial data in 3D, enabling you to reveal patterns and relationships for more effective problem-solving and decision making.

When the data include the third dimension, ArcGIS Scene allows us to navigate through the data in 3D space. This makes the data and the problem more understandable and reveals new visual insights. Visualizing and processing the data in 3D allows us to include real-world elements in the analysis such as undulation of terrain and 3D extent of trees, building, and subsurface geology.

Our world is three dimensional and many GIS applications now require 3D analysis. Esri’s ArcGIS Scene allows us to visualize data on a world sphere. It provides a variety of tools for orientation, navigation, search, data preparation, building workflows and spatial analysis.

3D mapping and visualization is used in a variety of industries and academic disciplines:

• Monitoring forest stand height and age
• Volumetric analysis of resource extraction from a mine or water level in a reservoir
• Watershed delineation to assess inundation risk, land management, environmental monitoring

Verified track learners will receive one-year ArcGIS Pro Desktop (Windows) license with support only for tools used in the course in addition to unlimited course access and a verified certificate.

Sign up for this online course or full GIS Essentials certificate today to expand your skillset in geographic information systems.

Week 1: 3D GIS Introduction

• What is 3D GIS?
• How does a GPS work?
• Digital Elevation Model
• Remote sensing technologies to obtain a DEM
• Open source DEM products
• Access to ArcGIS Pro software

Week 2: 3D Feature and Elevation Raster Analysis

• 3D feature data and analysis
• DEM processing and analysis
• Volumetric analysis
• Visualizing 3D feature and raster data in ArcScene
• ArcGIS Pro Best practices

Week 3: Watershed Delineation

• Introduction to Watershed
• Access open source DEM data from USGS Earth Explorer
• Preparing DEM for watershed analysis
• Delineate watershed from DEM (compare to a real river)

Week 4: Tree Height Analysis from LiDAR Data

• Introduction to LiDAR
• Process LiDAR data in ArcGIS Pro
• Estimate tree canopy height and map tall trees using LiDAR data