Chapter 7 dives into 3D web scenes, and honestly, it was one of the more exciting topics so far. I learned how 3D maps can be either photorealistic (using real textures) or cartographic (more symbolic and map-like), and both have their own strengths. What really stood out to me was how these scenes can make data way more engaging and easier to understand.
The chapter also touched on VR, AR, and XR — I didn’t realize GIS was being used in those spaces too. Indoor mapping in 3D caught my attention, especially thinking about how detailed you can get with campus maps or large buildings.
Some questions I had:
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How well do 3D maps work on mobile?
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Can indoor maps be updated easily if layouts change?
App Idea:
I’d like to create a 3D web scene of Ohio Wesleyan’s campus. It could show building heights, walkways, and even textured facades of main buildings. It’d be a great tool for new students or visitors to explore campus virtually and get familiar with the layout.