Module 11 Lab: 3D Mapping

This week, we were instructed to use the ESRI training module to learn about 3D maps. I studied their background, the data required to create them, and their applications. 

Three dimensional mapping uses TINs, raster data, and z-values to create a map that shows depth. The values can portray proportional elevations of terrain and manmade features such as buildings. 

In my process summary, I described why a 3D building map is advantageous:

A 3D building layer reveals patterns that are not visible in 2D. As noted in ESRI training, 3D modules can help one visualize how buildings will interact and merge with other buildings and landscaping. They can also help one visualize a route more accurately as the buildings they will encounter can act as landmarks, a feature that is unavailable in a 2D map.

There were three major parts of the lab. The first was the focused solely on ESRI training using ArcScene which was composed of six exercises. 

Exercise 1: We created a map in which a raster surface is draped over an elevation layer making it 3D. Features are also symbolized in 3D.

Exercise 2: We altered the terrain to have a more dynamic appearance. The changes in elevation were vertically exaggerated using an ArcScene calculation based on the change in z-values and the horizontal extent of the data.

Exercise 3: The light shade effects were altered to make shadows more visible. The ocean was given a fill pattern and the background color was changed to represent the sky. I chose to include a screenshot of this exercise because I enjoyed it the most. I liked experimenting with the different lighting angles and learning how the altitude and azimuth affected the appearance of the island's shading.

Exercise 4: Extrusion was used to give a 3D effect to buildings and wells, which do not lie flat on the surface of a map.

Exercise 5: Extrusion was used to allow the map viewer visualize land parcels by their property values. The more expensive parcels are taller while the less expensive parcels are shorter.

In the second part of the lab, we converted a 2D map to 3D by adding elevation data located on the raster to the 2D Building layer. This required using many ArcMap tools and extrusion to create a new, more complete layer in the building geodatabase. We then exported the map as a KMZ file, which could be opened on Google Earth. This skill is useful for communicating data with those who do not have access to ArcGIS software. On Google Earth, I could explore a plethora of information about the 3D layer I created.

The third and final part of the lab required us to compare the 2D and a new 3D version of Charles Minard's map of Napoleon's Russian Campaign of 1812. In my process summary, I analyzed pros and cons of each:

Both applications of Menard’s map are very unique and informative. The 3D map uses a three dimensional model to show his campaign and retreat, which can be separated by the program into categories like troop movement, cities, and temperature. This map is larger in scale than the 2D map and it is easier to compare the troop size, but I do not prefer it. In my opinion, the 3D map is too large to gain a real appreciation of the data being presented. It is easier to compare the data within categories to each other (such as troop size), but it is more difficult to find patterns in the data (such as hypothesizing if the temperature had anything to do with troop fatality) because the map must be moved and shifted to read all of the information. The 2D map presents all the data in one space more effectively.

This module was information-packed, but I gained a good appreciation of 3D mapping. I learned a few of these concepts in the Intro to GIS class, but this was more in depth about the background of the data, which I enjoyed learning about.