3D GIS and Digital Terrain Modeling Training Course

Introduction

In an increasingly complex world, understanding the three-dimensional nature of our environment is no longer a luxury but a necessity for accurate analysis, compelling visualization, and informed decision-making. Traditional 2D GIS provides a flat representation, but many real-world phenomena—from urban development and geological formations to hydrologic flows and atmospheric conditions—demand a true 3D perspective. This is where 3D GIS and Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) become indispensable. 3D GIS extends the capabilities of traditional GIS by allowing us to visualize, analyze, and manage spatial data in three dimensions, adding depth and realism to our understanding. At its core, DTM involves creating precise digital representations of the Earth's surface, forming the foundation for numerous 3D analyses. These models enable crucial tasks such as terrain visualization, slope and aspect analysis, watershed delineation, volume calculations, and line-of-sight studies, which are vital for engineering, environmental management, urban planning, and defense. Without proficiency in 3D GIS and DTM, professionals risk making decisions based on incomplete spatial understanding, missing critical topographical influences, and failing to effectively communicate complex spatial relationships in a truly intuitive manner. Many users struggle with the technical complexities of acquiring, processing, and analyzing 3D data, or lack the expertise to build accurate and efficient terrain models.

Conversely, mastering 3D GIS and DTM empowers professionals to conduct sophisticated analyses that account for topography, perform realistic simulations, create immersive visualizations, and gain deeper insights into the physical world. This specialized skill set is crucial for addressing challenges in engineering design, land-use planning, environmental impact assessment, and urban development, transforming flat data into actionable, multi-dimensional intelligence. Our intensive 5-day "3D GIS and Digital Terrain Modeling" training course is meticulously designed to equip GIS professionals, engineers, urban planners, environmental scientists, geologists, architects, and anyone dealing with terrain or 3D spatial data with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to confidently work with, analyze, and visualize geographic information in three dimensions.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "3D GIS and Digital Terrain Modeling" training course is ideal for a broad range of technical professionals who require an in-depth understanding and practical skills in managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data in three dimensions. This includes:

  • GIS Analysts and Specialists: To enhance their analytical and visualization capabilities in 3D.
  • Civil and Environmental Engineers: For site analysis, earthwork calculations, and hydrological modeling.
  • Urban Planners and Architects: For city modeling, line-of-sight analysis, and development impact assessment.
  • Geologists and Geoscientists: For subsurface modeling, terrain analysis, and geological mapping.
  • Surveyors and Remote Sensing Specialists: Working with LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other 3D data sources.
  • Landscape Architects: For terrain modification and visual impact assessment.
  • Defense and Public Safety Professionals: For terrain analysis, mission planning, and emergency response.
  • Data Scientists: Interested in 3D spatial data analysis and visualization.
  • Anyone involved in projects where elevation, terrain, or a true 3D perspective is critical for decision-making.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "3D GIS and Digital Terrain Modeling" training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental concepts of 3D GIS, DTM, and Digital Surface Models (DSMs).
  • Differentiate between various 3D data models, including TINs, Rasters, and Point Clouds.
  • Acquire, process, and manage common 3D spatial data formats (e.g., LiDAR, DEMs, 3D models).
  • Perform various terrain analysis operations (slope, aspect, hillshade, contours, viewsheds).
  • Create and visualize 3D scenes and analyze data in a true three-dimensional environment.
  • Conduct basic hydrological analysis, including watershed delineation and flow path determination.
  • Integrate and visualize Building Information Models (BIM) within a GIS 3D environment.
  • Effectively communicate 3D spatial insights through compelling visualizations and reports.

 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to 3D GIS and Spatial Data

  • Understanding the shift from 2D to 3D GIS: Benefits and applications.
  • Defining Digital Terrain Models (DTM) vs. Digital Surface Models (DSM) vs. Digital Elevation Models (DEM).
  • Key 3D data types: Points, lines, polygons with Z-values, TINs, Rasters, Point Clouds (LiDAR), 3D Objects.
  • Overview of 3D GIS software capabilities (e.g., ArcGIS Pro 3D Analyst, QGIS 3D View).
  • Real-world examples of 3D GIS applications across industries.

Module 2: Elevation Data Acquisition and Formats

  • Sources of elevation data: Topographic maps, contour lines, GPS, Total Stations.
  • LiDAR: Principles, data acquisition, and common formats (LAS, LAZ).
  • Photogrammetry and Structure from Motion (SfM) for 3D model creation.
  • Global elevation datasets (e.g., SRTM, ASTER GDEM) and their characteristics.
  • Understanding vertical datums and elevation units.

Module 3: Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) - Raster-based

  • Creating Raster DEMs from various sources (e.g., point data, contours).
  • Properties of Raster DEMs: Resolution, extent, cell values.
  • Basic raster operations for DEMs: Clipping, mosaicking.
  • Visualizing Raster DEMs: Hillshade, aspect, slope maps.
  • Applying color ramps for effective terrain visualization.

Module 4: Triangulated Irregular Networks (TINs)

  • Understanding TINs: Irregular triangles with Z-values at vertices.
  • Creating TINs from points, lines, and polygons (with Z-values).
  • Advantages and disadvantages of TINs compared to Raster DEMs.
  • Editing TINs: Adding, deleting, and modifying breaklines and mass points.
  • Visualizing TINs for terrain representation.

Module 5: Terrain Analysis and Surface Derivatives

  • Slope Analysis: Calculating the steepness of terrain (degrees, percent rise).
  • Aspect Analysis: Determining the direction of the steepest slope.
  • Hillshade and Shaded Relief: Creating realistic terrain illumination for visualization.
  • Contour Generation: Extracting lines of equal elevation from DTMs.
  • Curvature analysis: Plan and profile curvature.

Module 6: Hydrological Analysis on DTMs

  • Flow Direction: Determining the path water will take across a surface.
  • Flow Accumulation: Identifying accumulation areas and potential stream networks.
  • Watershed Delineation: Defining drainage basins for specific outlets or points.
  • Stream Order and Basin Delineation.
  • Applications: Flood modeling, water resource management, environmental impact assessment.

Module 7: 3D Visualization and Analysis in Scenes

  • Creating and configuring 3D scenes (global and local).
  • Extruding 2D features into 3D objects based on attributes.
  • Draping 2D layers onto 3D surfaces.
  • Line of Sight and Viewshed Analysis: Determining visibility between points in 3D.
  • Volume Calculation: Cut and fill analysis for engineering projects.

Module 8: Advanced 3D GIS and Integration

  • Working with Point Cloud data (LiDAR): Visualization, classification, and feature extraction.
  • Integrating Building Information Models (BIM) with GIS for smart city applications.
  • Creating 3D objects and symbols for realistic scene representation.
  • Publishing and sharing 3D web scenes and web layers.
  • Future trends in 3D GIS: Real-time 3D, digital twins, immersive AR/VR for spatial analysis.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

3d Gis And Digital Terrain Modeling Training Course in Kenya
Dates Fees Location Action
25/08/2025 - 29/08/2025 $1,500 Nairobi
Physical Class Online Class
08/09/2025 - 12/09/2025 $1,750 Mombasa
Physical Class Online Class
22/09/2025 - 26/09/2025 $1,500 Nairobi
Physical Class Online Class
13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 $1,750 Mombasa
Physical Class Online Class
27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025 $1,500 Nairobi
Physical Class Online Class
10/11/2025 - 14/11/2025 $1,750 Mombasa
Physical Class Online Class
24/11/2025 - 28/11/2025 $1,500 Nairobi
Physical Class Online Class
01/12/2025 - 05/12/2025 $1,750 Mombasa
Physical Class Online Class
08/12/2025 - 12/12/2025 $1,500 Nairobi
Physical Class Online Class
12/01/2026 - 16/01/2026 $1,750 Mombasa
Physical Class Online Class
19/01/2026 - 23/01/2026 $1,500 Nairobi
Physical Class Online Class
02/02/2026 - 06/02/2026 $1,750 Mombasa
Physical Class Online Class
16/02/2026 - 20/02/2026 $1,500 Nairobi
Physical Class Online Class
09/03/2026 - 13/03/2026 $1,500 Nairobi
Physical Class Online Class
13/04/2026 - 17/04/2026 $1,750 Mombasa
Physical Class Online Class
20/04/2026 - 24/04/2026 $1,500 Nairobi
Physical Class Online Class
04/05/2026 - 08/05/2026 $1,750 Mombasa
Physical Class Online Class
25/05/2026 - 29/05/2026 $1,500 Nairobi
Physical Class Online Class
08/06/2026 - 12/06/2026 $1,750 Mombasa
Physical Class Online Class
22/06/2026 - 26/06/2026 $1,500 Nairobi
Physical Class Online Class