GIS4048 - Module 3 - Visibility Analysis

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For this weeks module, We completed four Esri training courses specifically on 3D visualization and visibility analysis. The four modules were: Introduction to 3D Visualization, Performing Line of Sight Analysis, Performing Viewshed Analysis in ArcGIS Pro, and Sharing 3D Content Using Scene Layer Packages.

In Intro to 3D Vis. course, I learned how to build 3D scenes in ArcGIS Pro. The key takeaway was understanding the difference between global and local scenes, and how to use elevation surfaces to create realistic terrain models. What I thought was really interesting from the course was learning to use 3D symbology which could possibly come in handy if I need to use it in my GIS Internship.

In the Line of Sight exercise, we were taught how to use the Line of Sight tool to determine visibility between observer and target points. It felt really helpful to learn how to identify obstructions, adjust observer and target heights, and interpret sight lines in a 3D context since it would obviously be difficult to tell this in only a 2D Scene..

In the Viewshed analysis, we explored how to create viewshed models to identify visible areas from one or more observation points. I appreciated learning how to actually set the parameters like observer height and field of view, and how the terrain and surface features affect visibility. It made me realize how crazy the amount of data LiDAR in these models can gather.

The final course on sharing 3D content was mostly on what is the best way to package and share 3D GIS data. We were taught how to create Scene Layer Packages (SLPKs) and publish them to ArcGIS Online and also stressed the how important it is to prepare data for web-based 3D content.

Overall I thought this module was great! I've always had it in the back of my mind to start learning and enrolling in some of the Esri Training, such as Python, since most of these courses are free for GIS Students. This assignment has sparked that interest again in taking some of the training to learn as much as I can.

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