3D Analysis
Intermediate GIS
Embedded Files
Competency 1
Competency 2
Competency 3
Competency 4
3D
Analysis
Competency 4. 3D Analysis
Competency 4. 3D Analysis
Create, analyze, and present 3D GIS data.
Begin this competency by expanding a Topic section to view its contents. For each topic, you will complete the following:
Learn about the topic by listening to and watching the lecture video.
Apply your knowledge and skills by completing the demos and project summary tasks.
Assess your comprehension by completing the quiz.
Scroll to the bottom of this page and expand the competency-level project to access the project statement of work (SOW) with summary tasks, tasks, and step-by-step instructions along with accompanying project videos.
Topic 4.1. 3D Data
Topic 4.1. 3D Data
Create and edit accurate 3D GIS data.
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
4.1.1. Explain how Z-values are located in a vertical coordinate system
4.1.2. Describe the triangulated data model, structure, and attributes
4.1.3. List advantages and disadvantages of the triangulated data model
4.1.4. List and compare 2D, 2.5D, and 3D data types
4.1.5. Create a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) and geodatabase terrain in GIS
Watch the lecture, step through the demo, take the quiz, and complete the project task(s):
Watch the lecture, step through the demo, take the quiz, and complete the project task(s):
Quiz: 3D Data
Project: Riverbat Park 3D Analysis and Viz Summary Task 1
References
References
Geodesign. Penn State University. 11 Nov. 2024.
Introduction to 3D Data. ESRI Web Course. 11 Nov. 2024.
Vertical coordinate systems. ArcGIS Pro Help. 15. Oct. 2024.
TIN in ArcGIS Pro. ArcGIS Pro Help. 26 Sep. 2024.
Terrain dataset in ArcGIS Pro. ArcGIS Pro Help. 26 Sep. 2024.
Introduction to 2D and 3D features. ArcGIS Pro Help. 24 Sep. 2024.
2.5D. Wikipedia. 13 Oct. 2024.
Topic 4.2. 3D Analysis
Topic 4.2. 3D Analysis
Analyze 3D GIS data.
By the end of this topic you should be able to:
By the end of this topic you should be able to:
4.2.1. Explain 2D vs. 3D measurements
4.2.2. Describe different methodologies for analyzing visibility
4.2.3. Explain how 2D queries differ from 3D queries
4.2.4. Identify 3D proximity, overlay, and connectivity analyses
4.2.5. Perform 3D analysis in GIS
Watch the lecture, step through the demo, take the quiz, and complete the project task(s):
Watch the lecture, step through the demo, take the quiz, and complete the project task(s):
Quiz: 3D Analysis
Project: Riverbat Park 3D Analysis and Viz Summary Task 2
References:
References:
Select By Location: 3D relationships. ArcGIS Pro Help. 16 Oct. 2024.
3D Analysis Tools in GIS – Bend It in 3D. GISGeography. 10 Mar. 2021.
What is the ArcGIS 3D Analyst extension in ArcGIS Pro? ArcGIS Pro Help. 4 Oct. 2024.
Capabilities of the 3D Analyst toolbox. ArcGIS Pro Help. 4 Oct. 2024.
Indoor GIS. ESRI. 13 Nov. 2024.
Topic 4.3. 3D Visualization
Topic 4.3. 3D Visualization
Visualize 3D data.
By the end of this topic you should be able to:
By the end of this topic you should be able to:
4.3.1. Describe the advantages of 3D visualization
4.3.2. Differentiate between a global and local scene
4.3.3. Explain how base elevation is used to display a GIS layer in 3D
4.3.4. Explain how 3D display properties can enhance 3D visualization
4.3.5. Navigate a 3D scene in GIS
Watch the lecture, step through the demo, take the quiz, and complete the project task(s):
Watch the lecture, step through the demo, take the quiz, and complete the project task(s):
Quiz: 3D Visualization
Project: Riverbat Park 3D Analysis and Viz Summary Task 3-4
References:
References:
Harder, Christian and Brown, Clint. The ArcGIS Book: Mapping the Third Dimension. 2015.
Heidelberg, Stephen. GIS Visualization and Storytelling In 3D. ArcGIS Blog. 3 Feb. 2021.
Work with Elevation Surfaces. ArcGIS Pro Help. 15 Oct. 2024.
Navigation. ArcGIS Pro Help. 8 Oct. 2024.
Edit an animation. ArcGIS Pro Help. 7 Oct. 2024.
3D Visualization Techniques Using ArcGIS. ESRI Web Course. 26 Nov. 2024.
Lipke, Holger and Andreas Lippold. Create a Digital Twin in Seven Days with ArcGIS. ArcGIS Blog. 12 Jul. 2024.
Project 4. Riverbat Park 3D Analysis and Visualization
Project 4. Riverbat Park 3D Analysis and Visualization
Students will calculate the total cut and fill required for construction; the total capacity of the water quality control pond; and create a 3D visualization of the proposed Riverbat Park.
The ACC Highland Campus is a national model for sustainable, adaptive, and community-minded reuse. First opened in 1971 as a shopping mall, Austin Community College (ACC) and RedLeaf Properties began purchasing and repurposing the property in 2012 in accordance with the Highland Campus Master Plan. Future phases will include the continued redevelopment of the original building and outdoor spaces, including a water quality control pond and park on the southern end of the property at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and East Koenig Lane. ACC is currently planning the development of this water quality control pond and adjacent parkland as Riverbat Park.
Step through the SOW, download the data, watch the videos, and complete the project deliverables:
Step through the SOW, download the data, watch the videos, and complete the project deliverables:
Statement of Work: Riverbat_Park_3D_Analysis_and_Viz_Project_SOW.pdf
Source Data: Riverbat_Park_Source_Data
Project Videos: C4P4ST1, C4P4ST2, C4P4ST3-4
ACC GISC 2420 Intermediate GIS Course © 2026 by Sean Moran, GISP is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International. You are free to share (i.e. copy and redistribute) the material the material in any medium or format with attribution to Sean Moran, GISP and Austin Community College.
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