4/11/2014
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`RTI: 3D Maps and Overlay Techniq ues
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`3D Maps
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`in*** Back to Deskto Ma Information for Resource Mana ers ***
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`
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`Three dimensional photos and maps can help resource managers quickly analyze hydrologic,
`aesthetic, habitat type, fire suppression and other site management factors. Once mastered, the
`steps in creating 3D land images are fairly simple.
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`
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`Figure A
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`Figure B
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`Figure C
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`Figure D
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`Figure E
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`Four programs featured in the Mapping Toolbox will easily generate 3D views:
`
`- Global Mapper produces a simple 3D view from a vertical perspective ifyou
`load a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and turn on hill-shading (as shown in
`Figure A). You can use the Control Center/Options command to apply a
`bitmap layer as a texture map to the DEM for a 3D effect. Version 4.74 and
`later of Global Mapper adds advanced blending capabilities for raster layers
`as shown in the image to the right.
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`
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`3DEM first loads a Digital Elevation Model, which can then be rotated and viewed from any
`angle. You can work withjust the Digital Elevation Model if you wish, but the real power of
`3DEM is its ability to add an overlay or "skin" from a 2D image over the top of the terrain
`model (click Figures B-D, above, for information about how the views were created).
`
`Surfer 8 is a powerful surface generation program capable
`of producing a variety of3D maps (see Figure E).
`
`on the right for an example with terrain features labeled.
`
`Manifold, a comprehensive GIS program, has a compelling
`3D engine. Click successive views of the 3D elevation map
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`Below are three images that show (1) a conventional aerial photo, (2) a bare 3D terrain model and
`(3) the previous two elements combined. Note that the hill shadows, which are not the same in the
`second and third images, illustrate how the position of the light source can be moved in 3DEM. You‘ll
`get a more realistic overlay image in 3DEM if you adjust the "sun" position to correspond with the
`
`http://wmu.ruraltech.org lg is/map_i nfo/3d_maps/i ndex asp
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`Sony Corporation v. Yissum Research, |PR2013—00219
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`4/11/2014
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`RTI: 3D Maps and OverlayTechniq ues
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`shadows in the original aerial photo.
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` Bare 3D Terrain Model
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`Cl i I::l=:: to r Ful l-Ei Ere E! n I rn Eli; E
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`Conventional Aerial Photo and Bare 3D Terrain Model Combined
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`Overlay Techniques
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`3DEM works with two layers: the elevation model and one overlay image. As such, it does not have
`the ability of Global Mapper to add multiple data layers. By using 3DEM and Global Mapper together
`you can have the best of both programs. As explained in Figures B and E, above, Global Mapper
`can be used to produce overlays that incorporate multiple geospatial data layers. Save a screen
`capture of a Global Mapper image to use it as an overlay in 3DEM.
`
`3DEM can use images from many sources: screen captures, Digital Ortho Photos, USGS Digital
`Raster Graphics, GeoTiff files, TerraServer images, etc. The trick is to be able to register the overlay
`image so that it exactly lines up with the underlying DEM. To achieve that, 3DEM has a geo-
`referencing dialog box. The user places two crosshair markers on the overlay image, entering the
`latitude and longitude of the two points (generally a point in the upper left and one in the lower right of
`the overlay).
`
`Perhaps the easiest way to get the coordinates for the reference points is to open the overlay source
`first in Global Mapper. Global Mapper gives a readout of the cursor's latitude/longitude coordinates
`as you move it around the screen. (In the Global Mapper configuration dialog, choose to display
`latitude/longitude in decimal degrees, the system used by 3DEM.) Place the cursor over a couple
`reference points and write down the values. In the case of a screen capture, you'd record the
`coordinates of the upper left and lower right image corners. If you use a screen capture program
`(like GadWin Print Screen), save the "client window" to capture just the image area. OthenNise, get
`the coordinates of prominent features like road intersections that will be easy to relocate in 3DEM.
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`http://iMMN. ruraltech.org lg is/map_i nfo/3d_mapsfi ndexasp
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`RTI: 3D Maps and Overlay Techniq ues
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`Note: If you have a registered version of Global Mapper, you can save a GeoTiff
`file of a multi—layered view, which 3DEM can open and automatically position with
`no fuss. Click the image to the left for a quick, two-step procedure.
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`
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`3D Animations
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`After creating an overlay view in 3DEM, you can produce animated flyover movies. You can also
`make a movie of the 3D view rotated on an center axis. If you have a broadband Internet connection,
`click the image below for a small (678KB) sample animation of Devil's Lake State Park, Wisconsin.
`The overlay image used here is a screen capture from Global Mapper. (Compression causes a loss
`of clarity, so keep in mind the originals 3DEM produces will be more vivid.)
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`
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`For additional ideas, seeWM. To delve further into the creation of interactive 3D
`scenes and ecological and geophysical modeling, visit the Virtual Terrain Proiect.
`
`School of Environmental
`and forest Science!
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