3-D Analysis

Abstract

The 3-D Analyst is a software extension that’s designed to accomplish different types of analysis such as making the map appear real and making it easy to comprehend. To use the ArcGIS 3D Analyst, it must be installed. The main function of the 3-D Analyst is to create elevation data and display it in three dimensions. The 3-D analyst can also perform slope, aspect, hillshade, surface area, volume calculation and viewshed to determine visibility from any point on a surface. The 3-D Analyst in ArcMap also allows you to determine line of sight, allows you to create vertical profile, and also digitize 3D features and graphics. ArcScene allows you to create a raster surface model and Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) from different elevation input data such as (1) contour line, (2) GPS, and (3) survey points. You can also drape a vector or an image over the TIN or surface models. The 3-D Analyst adds ArcScene to the ArcGIS application and allows you to integrate the data, visualize it in 3 dimen- sions, and navigate around it. You can also fly through your displayed data in 3-D perspective and make movies of your flight. You can convert 2D points, lines, and polygons to 3D and the 3D work can be saved as an .sxd extension.