Quick Start! Creating maps and 3D scenes using Minato Ward data

Hello! I'm ippuku_time, a GIS implementation support consultant.

In the last article of our "5-Minute Guide to SuperMap iDesktopX Products and Features" series, we gave an overview of SuperMap iDesktopX. This time, we'll finally get to actually use the software and walk through the steps to create your first map and 3D scene. This time, we 'll provide a more practical tutorial using open data from Minato Ward, Tokyo, where we're based.

1. Create your first 2D map (Minato Ward)

The fun of GIS is enhanced when you use data from a familiar area. In this article, we will create an easy-to-understand map of Minato Ward using data on administrative districts, stations, roads, and more.

1.1 Preparing data and creating a new map

(1) Data preparation

This tutorial requires data on points (such as stations), lines (such as roads), and surfaces (such as building shapes). Fortunately, in Japan, 3D city models for the entire country are being compiled as open data through "Project PLATEAU" by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

You can download a dataset of Tokyo's 23 wards from the GeoSpatial Information Center website. This dataset includes building data with height information, which is ideal for this tutorial.

(2) Creating a workspace and importing data

Start iDesktopX and create a new workspace. Import or open the downloaded Minato Ward data (e.g., building data in Geo-Package format) directly into the workspace.

(3) Add data to a new map

Right-click "Map" in the Workspace Manager and select "New Map Window." Add the imported datasets for buildings, roads, and railways in Minato Ward to the map.

1.2 Setting layer styles

Immediately after loading, the data will be displayed in a single color, so from here we will set the style to make the map easier to read.

(1) Polygon layer styling (buildings, parks, etc.)

① Double-click the building layer in the Layer Manager to open the Style panel. Fill the building with a muted color such as gray.

② Set the park layer to green to improve map visibility.

(2) Line layer styling (roads, railways)

① The road layer will be easier to understand if you change the line thickness and color according to the road type (national highway, prefectural road, etc.).

② Similarly, let's color-code each line on the railway layer.

(3) Point layer styling (stations)

① Change the symbol of the station layer to the standard icon that indicates a train station.

1.3 Labeling layers

Add labels, such as station names, to help you identify features on the map.

(1) Right-click the Station layer in the Layer Manager and select "Create Theme..." and then "Label Theme."

(2) Specify the attribute field (the field that stores the station name) you want to display as a label, and adjust the font size, color, and display position. The key is to use the automatic placement function so that the characters do not overlap.

1.4 Saving map results

To save the map you created, click the "Save" button in the "Workspace" group on the "Start" tab.

2. Building your first 3D scene (Minato Ward)

Next, we will use the 2D building data to create a simple 3D city model of Minato Ward.

2.1 Creating a new 3D scene and loading data

(1) Create a "New Scene Window" from the "Start" tab of the ribbon menu, "Browse" group, "Scene".

(2)From the Workspace Manager, drag and drop the Minato Ward building polygon data (including height information) obtained with PLATEAU into the 3D scene. Initially, the 2D polygons will be displayed attached to the ground surface.

2.2 Quick modeling (building launch)

This is one of the powerful features of iDesktopX: it creates 3D models from 2D polygons in bulk based on attribute information.

(1) Select the building polygon layer in the Layer Manager.

(2) Go to the "Style Settings" tab "Launch Settings" group.

(3)From the "Extrusion Height" drop-down list, select the attribute field that stores the building height (PLATEAU data usually contains height and/or number of floors fields).

With just this simple operation, the buildings of Minato Ward will rise up all at once, and a three-dimensional 3D cityscape will appear. It is a spectacular sight to see familiar buildings such as Tokyo Tower and
Roppongi Hills reproduced in 3D.

2.3 Creating 3D thematic maps

Let's color-code the 3D model we created according to the height and purpose of the buildings.

(1) Right-click on the Building layer in the Layer Manager and select "Create Theme..." and then "Graded Theme."

(2)Specify the field to be used as the color-coding basis (for example, building height) and select a color pattern. By displaying taller buildings in red and shorter buildings in blue, you can see the distribution of heights in the city at a glance.

2.4 Saving a Scene

Don't forget to save your 3D scene: right-click in the scene window, select "Save Scene", name it, and finally save your workspace.

Summary

This time, we used open data from the familiar Minato Ward in Tokyo to create a 2D map and build a
stunning 3D scene. In particular, the quick modeling function, which instantly creates a 3D model from 2D building data, demonstrates the power and ease of use of iDesktopX. By utilizing open data such as Project PLATEAU, anyone can start creating and analyzing 3D city models of their own city today.

The next article will be Part 3: "The Heart of GIS Data! A Thorough Explanation of Data Management in iDesktopX." We will provide a detailed explanation of the data management structure, including workspaces,
data sources, and datasets, which determine the efficiency of GIS work.

To download SuperMap iDesktopX: https://www.supermap.com/en-us/html/down.html

Source/For sample code, please go to: https://supermap-japan.blogspot.com/2025/09/23d.html