Visibility Analysis In 3D

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 Introduction to 3D Visualization in Arc GIS Pro

Today I am going to show some screenshots of using 3D data visualization techniques to solve real world problems. Think of this blog post as more of an overview of viewing different ways to see data in 3D. We will be looking at some LIDAR and elevation data, however there will also be some cool visuals such as viewing buildings in 3D and doing Line of Sight analysis. 

I enrolled in a few online training courses online at the Esri catalog website which is included with any Arc GIS Online subscription. From there you can register and take as many courses as you want to develop your GIS skill sets. 

Introduction to 3D Data:

In this course, you can view 3D data in multiple ways. This image shows how a GIS analyst can use LIDAR data to measure distances beneath a bridge, or even visualize a new bridge being built. We can measure the distance of the bridge, the height, etc…

This image shows a TIN Scene View. This TIN layer uses thousands of triangles to define sharp edges of terrain to display a 3D elevation layer across a study area. We can make out hilly and mountains areas in red and the rivers in blue.

 

 

This 3D scene view is using what is called an integrated mesh layer. Instead of showing the buildings as extruded polygons, we can use a mesh layers to make data layers look like real life. We can build these textures from real photos and overlay them on top of our data to provide a realistic view.

 

 

This image shows a lake with two lookout towers. We can use elevation in 3D as a ground elevation layer to provide more local elevation data. We can even zoom in on the lake and see under water beneath the lakes surface. This type of 3D visualization can allow unique mapping of underwater pipelines, fishing areas, and go beyond what 2D can accomplish.  

 








Performing Line Of Sight Analysis

In this course I got to conduct the Line-Of-sight Analysis tool for a parade. This tool identifies which areas of the parade can be seen by observers in the crowd. The tool identifies “lines” in which an observer can identify a target feature including vertical objects, elevation, azimuth angles and anything that can obstruct the view of a target feature.

This is used for national security to identify what areas can a sniper or active shooter engage an observer based on a certain distance as an example. To run the tool, we must identify the observer points of the parade, the target area of the parade, input our elevation data and buildings, and then run the sight lines tool, minus the bad features, and then run the line of sight analysis. We can also build a model to automate this process. 

 



Performing Viewshed Analysis for Campgrounds

In this example we were able to calculate using raster functions of logical math to determine the output areas in which lighting can light up a campground across a vast area of land. This retakes into account elevation and obstacles in the study area. The viewshed analysis tool shows the “view” of what an area can be covered / scene, in this case the newly lighted area of a campground.

 



Sharing 3D Scene Layer Packages to Arc GIS Online


The last course in 3D visualization was how to share a 3D web scene to our Arc GIS online account. We added a local elevation layer file to a 3D web scene, as well as buildings and trees. We converted these data points to 3D and added some 3D symbology such as thematic trees and extruded polygons. On the share tab in Arc GIS Pro, we can share web scenes, maps, data layers, and all sorts of stuff to our arc GIS online account or portal account.



 Check out this video for 3D GIS!


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