Applications Module 3

 

Module 3 

   3D Visualization with Esri Training

    In this module we were given access to a set of training modules that are offered by Esri on their website. The training modules were focused on working within local scenes, data classification and management of 2D and 3D data files, as well as how to present them in ArcGIS Pro. 

    Some of the information that I found very helpful while working through these courses revolved largely around data extrusion, using 3D symbology, setting shadows via the illumination feature, and changing the relative height of point features for a better visual when working with 3D elements. 

Extruding 2D features in GIS is very helpful as this has a huge impact on visuals when using specific symbology for lines points and polygons. Extruded features can effectively turn a 2D item with a z-field into a 3D feature. In this process a Z-value is calculated for each vertex of the feature's base and the feature is extruded to the various z- values. 

A tool that I thought was useful in particular was the geoprocessing tool called " 3D Layer to Feature Class". This tool takes the 3d Display properties of a feature layer and outputs a 3D line or multipatch feature class. This can be very helpful when exporting and sharing scenes to ArcGIS Web maps. 

As a final note, it was interesting to me to see how drastic of a difference it makes to add an illumination effect to a 3D map scene. Shadows add so much field of depth to what you're viewing that it aesthetically improves any scene or map by a significant factor.