3D GIS from edX

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.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to display and navigate 3d data in arcgis scene
How to edit and process 3d feature data
How to carry out volumetric analysis

How to display and process elevation raster (dem: digital elevation model) data
Watershed mapping and delineation using a dem
Visualization of 3d feature and raster data in arcscene

How to display and navigate 3d data in arcgis scene
How to edit and process 3d feature data
How to carry out volumetric analysis
How to display and process elevation raster (dem: digital elevation model) data
Watershed mapping and delineation using a dem
Visualization of 3d feature and raster data in arcscene

Syllabus

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

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops vertical analysis and visualization techniques, which are foundational skills for advanced spatial analysis

Covers GIS concepts that are highly relevant to real-world applications in industries like environmental monitoring and land management

Taught by experts in GIS from Esri, a recognized leader in the field of geographic information systems

Provides hands-on experience with ArcGIS Pro, the industry-standard software for 3D GIS

Includes a variety of interactive materials and exercises

Requires access to specialized software, ArcGIS Pro, which may not be readily available to all learners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in 3D GIS with these activities:

Organize Course Notes and Materials

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Consolidate lecture notes, handouts, and supplemental materials for easy reference and review throughout the course.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials
Organize materials by topic or lecture date
Add notes and annotations to enhance understanding

Revisit Advanced Calculus and Linear Algebra Concepts

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Review and refresh advanced calculus and linear algebra concepts to provide a strong mathematical foundation for the analysis and processing of 3D spatial data using ArcGIS Scene.

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Review textbooks or notes from previous courses
Solve practice problems and exercises to reinforce understanding
Seek additional resources or tutoring if needed

Explore ArcGIS Pro Forums for Tips and Examples

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Engage in discussions and browse tutorials on ArcGIS Pro forums to deepen your understanding of the software and its applications.

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Access the ArcGIS Pro Forums
Search for discussions related to topics covered in the course
Review tutorials and examples shared by other users

Four other activities

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Complete ArcGIS Pro Exercises and Labs

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Work through hands-on exercises and labs provided in the course materials to build proficiency in ArcGIS Pro.

Browse courses on ArcGIS Pro

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Download and install ArcGIS Pro software
Follow the step-by-step instructions in the exercises
Practice manipulating and analyzing spatial data

Assist Peers in Understanding 3D GIS Concepts

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Offer support and guidance to classmates by answering questions,分享 resources, or collaborating on projects, solidifying your own understanding of the subject matter.

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Join online forums or study groups related to the course
Identify areas where you can provide assistance to peers
Engage in discussions, share insights, and offer help to others

Create a 3D Model of Your Local Area

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Develop a comprehensive 3D model of your local area, integrating elevation data, land use features, and additional relevant information.

Browse courses on 3D Visualization

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Gather elevation data and land use maps
Import data into ArcGIS Pro and create a 3D scene
Model buildings, roads, and other features in 3D
Add textures and realistic details to enhance visual realism

Develop a Presentation on the Applications of 3D GIS

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Research and create a presentation that showcases real-world examples of how 3D GIS is used in diverse industries and applications.

Browse courses on Geographic Information Systems

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Identify different industries and applications where 3D GIS is utilized
Gather case studies and relevant data to support your presentation
Design and create a visually engaging presentation using slides or other tools

Career center

Learners who complete 3D GIS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Geographic Information Systems Analyst

A Geographic Information Systems Analyst designs, develops and implements GIS solutions. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing an understanding of foundational GIS concepts, as well as advanced concepts like 3D mapping and spatial analysis of raster data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographic Information Systems Analyst

Environmental Consultant

An Environmental Consultant helps organizations develop and implement environmental management solutions. This course can be useful for this role, as it covers how to use GIS to analyze and visualize environmental data, and understand terrain and hydrology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Natural Resources Manager

A Natural Resources Manager develops and implements plans to manage natural resources. This course may be useful for this role, as it covers how to use GIS to analyze and visualize natural resources data, and understand terrain and hydrology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resources Manager

Hydrologist

A Hydrologist studies and manages water resources. This course may be useful for this career, as it covers how to delineate watersheds and analyze elevation data, which are important skills for understanding water flow and distribution.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

GIS Specialist

A GIS Specialist designs, develops and implements GIS solutions. This course can help build a foundation for this career by providing an understanding of foundational GIS concepts, as well as advanced concepts like 3D mapping and spatial analysis of raster data.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Specialist

Forester

A Forester manages and conserves forests and other natural resources. This course may be useful for this career, as it covers how to use GIS to analyze and visualize forest resources data, and understand terrain and hydrology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forester

Cartographer

A Cartographer creates and designs maps. This course may be useful for this career, as it covers cartographic principles and advanced techniques for creating 3D maps.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cartographer

City Planner

A City Planner develops and implements plans for the development and use of land in a city or region. This course can be useful for this role, as it covers how to use GIS to analyze and visualize land use data, and understand terrain and hydrology.

See salaries and explore the career path for City Planner

Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs and constructs roads, bridges, buildings and other structures. This course may be useful for this career, as it covers how to use GIS to analyze and visualize terrain data, and understand hydrology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Geologist

A Geologist studies the Earth's physical structure and history. This course may be useful for this career, as it covers how to use GIS to analyze and visualize geological data, and understand terrain and hydrology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies and analyzes environmental issues and develops solutions to address them. This course may be useful for this career, as it covers how to use GIS to analyze and visualize environmental data, and understand terrain and hydrology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Hydrogeologist

A Hydrogeologist studies the movement of water underground. This course may be useful for this career, as it covers how to use GIS to analyze and visualize groundwater data, and understand terrain and hydrology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrogeologist

Geophysicist

A Geophysicist studies the Earth's physical structure and properties. This course may be useful for this career, as it covers how to use GIS to analyze and visualize geophysical data, and understand terrain and hydrology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist

Land Surveyor

A Land Surveyor surveys and maps land. This course may be useful for this career, as it covers how to use GIS to create and manage maps, and understand terrain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Land Surveyor

Urban Planner

An Urban Planner develops and implements plans for the development and use of land in a city or region. This course can be useful for this role, as it covers how to use GIS to analyze and visualize land use data, and understand terrain and hydrology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

3D GIS

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