Three-Dimensional Display in GIS and Photogrammetry

These maps illustrate the modeling capability of ArcGIS 9 3D Analyst and ArcGIS 9 Spatial Analyst extensions to display the three-dimensional characteristics of a golf course. The elevation data was extracted from stereo-pair aerial photos and imported to ArcGIS software. The result is a highly detailed elevation model of a golf course.

There are many ways to represent and display the landscape. These include (1) the perspective view and extrusion of color orthophotography data layers with elevation information to mimic reality; (2) the TIN and GRID data models, which show the elevation and relief texture effectively; and (3) simple representation of the terrain using the shaded relief technique to show the undulation of landscape without the distraction of elevation data or information.

Combining the three different techniques with other map layers can represent the landscape more effectively than simply displaying the flat characteristics of a digital color orthophoto.

Presenting the golf course in three dimensions enables viewers to visualize the terrain without physically being at the golf course. It also helps golfers plot strategy when playing.