Infrastructure Management Series: ArcGIS Server and 3D Analysis

Government managers and engineers need effective tools for visualizing and analyzing surfaces and infrastructure. Realistic, three-dimensional representations provide the best means for this analysis. To meet these and other GIS needs, the majority of governments use ESRI software to author, serve, and use valuable geospatial data. With ArcGIS Server, governments have the ability to easily share geospatial data such as 3D maps throughout an organization.

3D views of cities and districts allow for improved roadway design, site location and weather pattern analysis, watershed modeling, and visualization of subdivisions and new building construction.

During natural disasters, 3D analysis tools allow managers and engineers to determine impacts to critical infrastructure, for example, how quickly water will rise during flooding, where the impact will be greatest, and which neighborhoods should be evacuated.

Modeling and Analysis in 3D

ArcGIS products provide advanced GIS functions for three-dimensional modeling such as cut-fill, line of sight, terrain modeling, and more. Users can navigate seamlessly through multi-resolution terrain and image data; rotate, tilt, and execute fly-through simulations; create animations; and author 3D and globe content for Web services.

3D analysis tools also make it easy to perform viewshed analysis, spot height interpolation, profiling, and steepest path determination, as well as model subsurface features. These tools help engineers calculate surface area, volume, slope, aspect, and hillshade.

With ArcGIS products, complex workflows can be automated and shared, and datasets can be visualized and analyzed from local to global perspectives. The ArcGIS suite of software provides the right tools for engineers working in site development, hydraulics, hydrology, surveying, transportation, planning, public works, and homeland security.

Sharing 3D Maps with Server GIS Technology

ArcGIS Server is a complete and integrated server-based GIS that comes with out-of-the-box applications and services for spatial data management, visualization, and analysis. For greater organizational efficiency, centrally-managed GIS applications offer open access to GIS capabilities that enable organizations to publish and share 3D maps, analysis, and models to many users with a lower cost of ownership. Any employee with access to an Internet browser can access ArcGIS Server applications, whether in the office or in the field.

Government Engineering, January—February 2007

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