3D GIS Course

Lesson 1 • Overview of 3D GIS Software Environments

Surveys desktop, web, and cloud-based platforms capable of 3D GIS workflows. Students identify the right tool for a given project context.

Lesson 2 • Introduction to 3D Spatial Concepts

Covers the shift from 2D to 3D spatial thinking and fundamental geometry. Anchors the chapter by defining the vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Coordinate Systems and Vertical Datums

Explains horizontal and vertical reference systems and how they interact in 3D space. Students gain the ability to select appropriate datums for elevation-aware projects.

Lesson 1 • Data Quality Control and Metadata

Establishes quality-checking routines and metadata standards for elevation datasets. Ensures data reliability before it enters analytical workflows.

Lesson 2 • LiDAR Data Processing

Covers point cloud classification, filtering, and thinning workflows. Students transform raw LiDAR into ground, vegetation, and structure layers.

Lesson 3 • Photogrammetric 3D Reconstruction

Introduces structure-from-motion workflows for generating 3D models from imagery. Students produce dense point clouds and orthomosaics from overlapping photos.

Lesson 4 • DEM Generation and Interpolation

Teaches interpolation methods for converting point data to continuous surfaces. Students evaluate method suitability based on terrain type and data density.

Lesson 1 • 3D Cartographic Visualization

Covers draping imagery, applying symbology, and rendering 3D scenes for communication. Students produce publication-quality 3D maps and scene exports.

Lesson 2 • Volumetric and Cut-Fill Analysis

Calculates volume differences between two surfaces for earthwork and change detection. Directly applies terrain analysis skills to engineering and planning tasks.

Lesson 3 • Viewshed and Line-of-Sight Analysis

Calculates visible areas from observer points using 3D terrain data. Students apply viewshed outputs to siting, planning, and communication tower placement.

Lesson 4 • Surface Derivatives and Terrain Metrics

Derives slope, aspect, curvature, and roughness from DEMs. These metrics form the analytical foundation for terrain-based spatial analysis.

Lesson 1 • 3D Spatial Relationships and Queries

Applies 3D topology and spatial queries to analyze feature relationships in three dimensions. Students identify intersections, containment, and proximity in 3D space.

Lesson 2 • Multipatch and Solid Geometry

Introduces multipatch geometry for representing closed 3D solids and complex surfaces. Students build and validate multipatch features for urban and subsurface modeling.

Lesson 3 • Extruding 2D Features to 3D

Converts flat 2D polygons into volumetric 3D features using attribute-driven extrusion. Enables rapid building and infrastructure modeling from existing 2D datasets.

Lesson 4 • 3D Attribute Management

Covers schema design and attribute workflows specific to 3D feature classes. Students link height, floor count, and material attributes to geometry.

Lesson 1 • Automated Building Model Generation

Covers automated workflows for generating building models from footprints and LiDAR. Students produce LOD1 and LOD2 models at city scale.

Lesson 2 • CityGML Schema and Data Structure

Explains the CityGML open standard for semantic 3D city data exchange. Students parse and create CityGML files with correct thematic module assignments.

Lesson 3 • 3D City Model Visualization and Export

Renders semantic city models in 3D scenes and exports to interoperable formats. Students deliver city models for web viewers, simulation tools, and stakeholder platforms.

Lesson 4 • Levels of Detail in City Modeling

Defines LOD0 through LOD4 and their appropriate use cases in urban modeling. Students select the correct detail level based on project requirements and data availability.

Lesson 1 • Geological Layer Modeling

Builds 3D geological models by interpolating stratigraphic surfaces from borehole data. Students produce layered subsurface models representing soil and rock units.

Lesson 2 • Subsurface Visualization Techniques

Applies transparency, cross-section slicing, and fence diagrams to reveal subsurface structure. Students communicate complex underground geometry to non-specialist audiences.

Lesson 3 • Subsurface Spatial Analysis

Performs depth queries, volume calculations, and proximity analysis on subsurface features. Students apply analytical results to geotechnical and infrastructure planning decisions.

Lesson 4 • Subsurface Data Types and Sources

Surveys borehole logs, geophysical surveys, and utility records as subsurface data inputs. Students assess data quality and suitability for 3D subsurface modeling.

Lesson 1 • Gravity and Flow Simulation

Simulates gravity-driven flows such as water runoff and debris movement on 3D terrain. Students validate simulation outputs against observed flow patterns.

Lesson 2 • Indoor 3D Routing

Applies 3D network analysis to indoor environments using floor-aware datasets. Students produce multi-floor navigation routes for buildings and transit hubs.

Lesson 3 • 3D Network Dataset Construction

Builds topologically correct 3D network datasets from street, transit, and indoor data. Students configure elevation-aware connectivity rules for routing analysis.

Lesson 4 • Vertical Movement and Accessibility

Models stairs, ramps, elevators, and slopes as impedance factors in 3D routing. Students compute accessible routes that account for vertical travel costs.

Lesson 1 • 3D GIS in Cloud and Enterprise Environments

Deploys 3D GIS services and data stores in cloud and enterprise infrastructure. Students configure sharing, permissions, and performance settings for large 3D datasets.

Lesson 2 • BIM and GIS Integration

Connects Building Information Modeling data to 3D GIS environments for site and urban analysis. Students convert IFC models to GIS features and align coordinate systems.

Lesson 3 • Scripting and Automation for 3D GIS

Automates repetitive 3D GIS tasks using scripting languages and geoprocessing frameworks. Students write scripts that batch-process elevation data, models, and analysis outputs.

Lesson 4 • Real-Time 3D Data Streams

Integrates live sensor feeds, IoT data, and streaming point clouds into 3D GIS scenes. Students configure real-time layers and set update intervals for dynamic visualization.