Chapter 7 Notes and Reflection
Focuses on 3D web scenes and how they allow spatial data to be displayed in more immersive and interactive ways. The chapter explains the difference between photorealistic scenes, which use real textures and imagery to mimic the physical world, and cartographic scenes, which represent data using more traditional symbols and styling in a 3D format. The chapter also introduced key scene elements, including surfaces, features, textures, and atmospheric effects. These elements work together to give users a better sense of space, scale, and elevation. I also learned about Lidar, which uses laser-based sensors to collect high-resolution spatial data, shown as point clouds that can represent features like building outlines or terrain elevations. Other technologies introduced included virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR), which are part of the growing shift toward immersive digital environments. The tutorials explained how to build 3D scenes, manage layers, and apply visual settings like lighting and time-of-day to enhance the sceneâs appearance.
Application Ideas
Based on the concepts from this chapter, one possible use of 3D web scenes could be a zoning and land use map of Delaware County. Parcel data from the Delaware Data Inventory could be used to extrude buildings or land areas by zoning type. With 3D symbols and color-coding, users could quickly understand how land is being used and how it varies across the county. Another possible application would be to use building outlines and elevation data to explore how urban development in the area has changed over time. Combined with time-enabled layers, this could support planning or sustainability efforts by visualizing building growth and land use change in a clear, spatial format.