Viewing a Map in 3D

The 3D view window can help provide context and understanding when looking at complex information. You can pan, tilt, and zoom the view, create fly-throughs, "walk" around surfaces, and export images and 3D PDF models. Surfaces are created from grid-based layers in the map; vector objects are created from contours, post layers, vector base layers, and drillhole layers; 3D point clouds are created from point cloud layers. All layers from the plot window can be overlaid on each surface.

Click the Map Tools | View | 3D View command to view a map in 3D. Use the mouse to zoom in and out and reposition the 3D image.

1. Select the Map frame in the Contents window.
2. Click the Map Tools | View | 3D View command.

We can change properties in the 3D view window in the same manner as the last lesson.

1. Select the Environment in the Contents window.
2. Click the General tab in the Properties window.
3. Set the Vertical exaggeration to 3e-05.
4. Select the Surfaces in the Contents window.
5. In the Properties window, set the Surface quality to 100 by using the slider or by typing 100. The lower the surface quality the more likely it is vector objects can appear to intersect the surface, even in places they should not. If your PC's performance becomes slow, reduce the Surface quality until acceptable speeds are restored.
6. Select the Diablo.grd surface in the Contents window.
7. In the Textures to Display section of the Properties window, clear the Contours-Diablo.grd option.
8. Check the box next to Contours-Diablo.grd in the Contents window to display 3D vector contour lines.

Use the 3D view to explore for meaning in your data.

The Properties window includes many options to change the appearance in both the plot window and 3D view. Next, we will export the map.

Back to Changing Map Properties

Next to Saving and Exporting