Raster Presentation and 3D Symbols

Integrating both vector and raster data is essential during map production processes. Vectors represent geographic features with lines, points, and polygons. Rasters represent geographic features by a pattern of discrete cells called pixels. Rasters allow continuous data including temperature; elevation; and spectral data such as satellite images, aerial photographs, and a variety of scanned images.

ArcGIS Desktop provides map production tools to manage raster catalogs and fully manipulate how the data will be displayed. Key features include

• Georeferencing raster data with other map data
• Drawing renderers for color band and layering properties
• Setting layer transparencies for hillshade effects
• Modifying background layers
• Hiding layer values

Three-dimensional visualization, analysis, and surface generation is provided by ArcGIS 3D Analyst. Data is easily draped over terrain, and attributes can be used to display data at a preset or extruded height based on attribute value.

Dramatic three-dimensional symbology includes

• Three-dimensional points (rendered volumes or extrusions)
• Lines (volume shapes, such as pipes, and strip lines with image texture such as a realistic road)
• Polygons (textured fills draped over a surface)
• Standard three-dimensional styles for houses, street furniture, trees, and vehicles