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AlaskaX: 3D GIS

4.3 stars
20 ratings

Take your maps into the third dimension: Learn GIS concepts and tools to visualize, analyze, and interpret spatial data in 3D. Reveal patterns that can lead to problem-solving and better decision making.

3D GIS
4 weeks
3–5 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

There is one session available:

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Starts Nov 26
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3D GIS

About this course

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In this free online course you will learn fundamentals of third dimension 3D GIS mapping concepts and tools to visualize, analyze, and interpret geospatial data in 3D, enabling you to reveal patterns and relationships for more effective problem-solving and decision making. Short video tutorials and applications will move you through concepts in a manageable way.

Maps are graphic representations of reality and help us understand and navigate the world around us. Maps can incorporate 3D content through contours, hillshading (3D modeling), and profile views.

When the data include the third dimension, ArcGIS Scene mapping software allows us to navigate through the data in 3D space. This makes the data and the problem more understandable and reveals new visual insights. Data visualization and processing of the data sets in 3D allows us to include real-world elements in the analysis such as undulation of terrain and 3D extent of trees, building, and subsurface geology.

Our world is three dimensional and many GIS applications now require 3D analysis. Esri’s ArcGIS Scene allows us to visualize GIS data on a world sphere. It provides a variety of tools for orientation, navigation, search, data preparation, building workflows and spatial analysis.

3D mapping and 3D visualization is used across a variety of industries, stakeholders, and academic disciplines. Use cases and concentrations include:

  • Monitoring forest stand height and age
  • Urban planning and 3D visualization
  • Volumetric analysis of resource extraction from a mine or water level in a reservoir
  • Watershed delineation to assess inundation risk, land management, environmental monitoring

Verified track learners will receive one-year ArcGIS Pro Desktop (Windows) license with support only for tools used in the course in addition to unlimited course access and a verified certificate.

Sign up for this online course or full GIS Essentials certificate today to expand your skillset in geographic information systems.

At a glance

  • Institution: AlaskaX
  • Subject: Engineering
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Prerequisites:

    GIS1x: Geographic Information System (GIS) Foundations is highly recommended and precedes this course in the edX GIS Professional Certificate.

    Windows OS is required to run ArcGIS Pro software.

  • Associated programs:
  • Language: English
  • Video Transcripts: English, Español
  • Associated skills:GIS Mapping, Decision Making, Planning, Land Management, Visualization, Workflow Management, ArcGIS (GIS Software), GIS Applications, Problem Solving, 3D Modeling, Spatial Data Infrastructures, Mapping Software, Geographic Information Systems, Data Visualization, Geology, Mapping, Spatial Analysis, Cartographic Relief Depiction (Cartography)

What you'll learn

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  • How to display and navigate 3D data in ArcGIS Scene
  • How to edit and process 3D feature data
  • How to carry out volumetric analysis
  • How to display and process elevation raster (DEM: Digital Elevation Model) data
  • Watershed mapping and delineation using a DEM
  • Visualization of 3D feature and raster data in ArcScene

Syllabus

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Week 1: 3D GIS Introduction

  • What is 3D GIS?
  • How does a GPS work?
  • Digital Elevation Model
  • Remote sensing technologies to obtain a DEM
  • Open source DEM products
  • Access to ArcGIS Pro software

Week 2: 3D Feature and Elevation Raster Analysis

  • 3D feature data and analysis
  • DEM processing and analysis
  • Volumetric analysis
  • Visualizing 3D feature and raster data in ArcScene
  • ArcGIS Pro Best practices

Week 3: Watershed Delineation

  • Introduction to Watershed
  • Access open source DEM data from USGS Earth Explorer
  • Preparing DEM for watershed analysis
  • Delineate watershed from DEM (compare to a real river)

Week 4: Tree Height Analysis from LiDAR Data

  • Introduction to LiDAR
  • Process LiDAR data in ArcGIS Pro
  • Estimate tree canopy height and map tall trees using LiDAR data

Learner testimonials

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This course covers such a range of useful applications I hadn't previously considered using ArcGIS for, and does so in a simple and straight forward manner. Its an excellent continuation of the skills developed in GIS1x. –Verified track learner

It is really nice that this is self-paced and those that are teaching the subject are very detailed and show everything they do step by step. –Verified track learner

Well taught course. Demonstrations are easy to follow and the theory behind each geoprocessing tool is well explained. –Arnold Tanondong, verified track learner

The instructions are extremely thorough and provided in multiple formats (text and video) making them very accessible. –Verified track learner

This course is part of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Essentials Professional Certificate Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
3 skill-building courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
3 months
3 - 5 hours per week

Ways to take this course

Choose your path when you enroll.

Certificate

Free

Price

$189 USD

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Access to course materials

Unlimited

Limited

Expires on Dec 24

World-class institutions and universities

edX support

Shareable certificate upon completion

Graded assignments and exams

Read our FAQsin a new tab about frequently asked questions on these tracks.

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