Introduction to 3D Data: Modeling with ArcGIS 3D Analyst and Google Earth

by Heather Kennedy

Overview

Render three-dimensional data and maps with ease.

Written as a self-study workbook, Introduction to 3D Data demystifies the sometimes confusing controls and procedures required for 3D modeling using software packages such as ArcGIS 3D Analyst and Google Earth. 

Going beyond the manual that comes with the software, this profusely illustrated guide explains how to use ESRI’s ArcGIS 3D Analyst to model and analyze three-dimensional geographical surfaces, create 3D data, and produce displays ranging from topographically realistic maps to 3D scenes and spherical earth-like views.   The engagingly user-friendly instruction:

• Walks you through basic concepts of 3D data, progressing to more advanced techniques such as calculating surface area and volume

• Introduces you to two major software packages: ArcGIS 3D Analyst (including ArcScene and ArcGlobe) and Google Earth

• Reinforces your understanding through in-depth discussions with over thirty hands-on exercises and tutorial datasets on the support website at www.wiley/college/kennedy

• Helps you apply the theory with real-world applications

Whether you’re a student or professional in geology, landscape architecture, transportation system planning, hydrology, or a related field, Introduction to 3D Data   will quickly turn you into a power user of 3D GIS. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470381243
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	06/29/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	360
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

K. Heather Kennedy is a GIS Planner in the Community Development Department of Contra Costa County, California. A freelance technical writer, she has written The ESRI Press Dictionary of GIS Terminology and Data in Three Dimensions.

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Table of Contents

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

CHAPTER 1 Introduction to 3D Data: Modeling with ArcGIS 3D Analyst and Google Earth.

Exercise 1-1: Preview Data in ArcCatalog.

Exercise 1-2: Create a Layer File in ArcCatalog.

CHAPTER 2 3D Display in ArcScene.

Exercise 2-1: Set Background Color and Illumination in ArcScene.

Exercise 2-2: Set Vertical Exaggeration in ArcScene.

Exercise 2-3: Apply a Coordinate System to a Scene.

Exercise 2-4: Set 3D Layer Properties for an Elevation Raster.

Exercise 2-5: Set 3D Layer Properties for a Raster Image.

Exercise 2-6: Set Base Heights for a 2D Vector Layer.

Exercise 2-7: Extrude 2D Vector Features.

Challenge Exercise: View Regional Park Study Data in ArcScene.

CHAPTER 3 3D Navigation and Animation.

Exercise 3-1: Set Targets and Observers.

Exercise 3-2: Animated Rotation and the Viewer Manager.

Exercise 3-3: The Fly Tool.

Exercise 3-4: Create 3D Animated Films.

CHAPTER 4 ArcGlobe.

Exercise 4-1: Understanding ArcGlobe.

Exercise 4-2: Explore ArcGlobe’s Options, Add Data, and Redefine Layer Types.

CHAPTER 5 Google Earth.

Exercise 5-1: Navigating Google Earth’s Interface, and the Planet.

Exercise 5-2: Create a Polygon and Edit Its Properties Through Google Earth’s Form Menus.

Exercise 5-3: Edit the Gardens Polygon Using KML.

CHAPTER 6 Raster Surface Models.

Exercise 6-1: Interpolate a Terrain Surface with Spline.

Exercise 6-2: Interpolate Terrain with Inverse Distance Weighted and Natural Neighbors.

Exercise 6-3: Calculate Hillshade and Aspect.

Exercise 6-4: Calculate Slope.

Exercise 6-5: Calculate Viewshed.

Challenge Exercise: Calculate Viewshed and Slope Levels for Elk Park.

CHAPTER 7 TIN Surface Models.

Exercise 7-1: Create a TIN from Vector Features.

Exercise 7-2: Add Polygon Attribute Values to a TIN.

Exercise 7-3: Change TIN Symbology and Classification.

Challenge Exercise: Create a TIN of Elk Park.

CHAPTER 8 Terrain Surface Models.

Exercise 8-1: Create a Terrain Dataset.

Exercise 8-2: Rasterize a Terrain Dataset and View it in ArcGlobe.

CHAPTER 9 3D Features and More Surface Analysis Techniques.

Exercise 9-1: Convert 2D Features to 3D, and Digitize 3D Features in ArcMap.

Exercise 9-2: Draw a Line of Sight and a Cross-section Profile Graph.

Exercise 9-3: Calculate Surface Area and Volume on a TIN.

Challenge Exercise: Create Multipatch 3D Features.

CHAPTER 10 SKP to Multipatch to KML: Finalize the Elk Park Project.

Exercise 10-1: Convert a SketchUp File to a Multipatch Feature Class.

Exercise 10-2: View the Multipatch Feature Class in ArcGlobe.

Exercise 10-3: Export Layers from ArcMap to KML, and View Them in Google Earth.

About the Tutorial Data.

Index.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“With Introduction to 3D Data: Modeling with ArcGIS 3D Analyst and Google Earth the reader will master the craft of 3D visualization, especially if the book is complemented by a theoretical GIS compendium.” (Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 1 May 2012)

Editorial Reviews

With Introduction to 3D Data: Modeling with ArcGIS 3D Analyst and Google Earth the reader will master the craft of 3D visualization, especially if the book is complemented by a theoretical GIS compendium.”  (Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 1 May 2012)

 

From the Publisher