Delivering your Common Operating Picture with 3D

It’s clear that 3D GIS is evolving quickly and changing expectations for engagement, decision support and operational planning. 3D GIS adds value to your investment in 2D GIS by providing an immersive and intuitive experience with new potentials for visualization and content. Advances in 3D GIS offer an exciting opportunity to adopt and present a new way of thinking about the ArcGIS Platform, and it ultimately should complement how you’re already planning, innovating and implementing meaningful 2D maps and apps. 

3D Operational View for Wildfire Fighting

Paul Doherty from the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS recently utilized the 3D Inset Map, (currently an Early Adopter template) to enhance situational awareness in the recent Ferguson Fire near Yosemite National Park.Paul uses the 2D maps to show the simple relationship between the wildfire perimeter and MODIS hotspots to structure and fuel. “3D maps help provide comprehension and a better understanding of how terrain may influence outcomes. In the case of a wildfire, seeing vegetation and topography in a 3D environment helps the map come to life.” Steep terrain affects fire movement, and it’s critical to understand that while placing resources or planning evacuations. The process was easy for Paul; “I just added the layer to my web scene and then published a Web App.” 

Paul’s example helps illustrate a pattern where existing GIS data is leveraged inside a 3D scene for enhanced situational awareness. ArcGIS Online and Enterprise make it simple to maintain data authority and timeliness while rolling out new 3D information products that support the existing and emerging needs of their staff.  

To read about the Authoring Approach for 3D Scenes and Apps- check out the Blog!