A Primer for Creating 3D Models in ArcScene - Myweb @ CW Post ...

Featuresto create and render three-dimensional models,they do not use a geospatial format. Participationby students from the College of Visual and PerformingArts would undoubtedly lead to interestingvisualizations that could include creatingphotorealistic buildings and incorporating theminto the ArcScene model.mensional tree models based on actual speciesand the creation of three-dimensional buildingsdraped with images of the actual structures aretwo changes that would make the model morephotorealistic.C.W. Postʼs campus contains an arboretumwith a large variety of trees. Images of thesetrees have not been captured digitally. After documentingthe location of arboretum trees, moreof the different 3D markers for tree species fromArcScene could be used to represent them. Suchan assignment could prove to be an interestingand fun field exercise for students in the BiologyDepartment and would introduce students outsidethe Department of Earth and EnvironmentalScience to the power of three-dimensional displayusing GIS.In addition to the College of Liberal Arts andSciences, C.W. Post has a dynamic and vibrantCollege of Visual and Performing Arts. Whilestudents studying computer graphics learn howConclusionIt is impossible to capture every detail from thereal world in a three-dimensional model; however,that shouldnʼt stop GIS users from gettingstarted. ArcScene, with its capabilities to displaysmooth surfaces, includes true three-dimensionalsymbols and textures and can extrude and offsettwo-dimensional features into three dimensions.ArcScene offers all the functionality necessaryfor anyone to begin the fun of creating a three-dimensionalvirtual world. For more information,contactPat KennellyDepartment of Earth and Environmental ScienceC.W. Post Campus of Long Island University720 Northern BoulevardBrookville, New York 11548Tel.: 516-299-2652E-mail: Patrick.Kennelly@liu.eduAbout the AuthorsSuzanne Gross is a recent graduate of the HonorsProgram of C.W. Post, with a bachelorʼs degreein information management and technology. PatKennelly is an assistant professor of geographyat C.W. Post and has previously contributed articleson cartography to ArcUser.www.esri.com ArcUser April–June 2005 29