Hello! I'm ippuku_time, a GIS implementation support consultant.
This is the 21st installment of the "5-minute Guide to SuperMap iDesktopX" Series.
In the previous installment, we explored specialized 3D data processing functions for handling various types of 3D data. This time, we step into the world of 3D spatial analysis, leveraging richly prepared 3D scenes to extract insights that are impossible to obtain from 2D maps alone.
The true value of 3D GIS lies in its ability to more faithfully reproduce the real world and enable analyses that are unique to three-dimensional space. iDesktopX provides advanced 3D spatial analysis capabilities applicable to a wide range of fields, including urban planning, disaster prevention, telecommunications, and landscape eva1uation.
Figure: Examples of spatial analyses performed on a 3D city model
1. Analyzing terrain and model characteristics
(1) Slope and aspect analysis
Calculate the steepness and orientation of terrain or model surfaces. This is useful for landform planning in construction projects or for selecting optimal locations for solar panels in the renewable energy sector.
(2) Contour and section analysis
Extract contour lines at specified intervals from terrain or 3D models, or generate cross-sections along designated lines. These tools help users intuitively understand terrain relief and elevation changes.
2. Visibility analysis: understanding what can be seen
(1) Line-of-sight analysis
Determines whether a clear line of sight exists between two points by identifying potential obstacles. This is commonly used for selecting communication antenna locations and detecting blind spots for surveillance cameras.
(2) Viewshed analysis
Calculates the entire area visible from a specific viewpoint—such as an observation deck or security camera—and visually distinguishes visible and invisible areas. This function is widely used in landscape protection planning and event security design.
(3) Skyline analysis
Extracts the skyline formed by buildings and terrain when viewed from a specific location. It also enables simulation of landscape changes caused by new construction, supporting studies on building height restrictions and visual impact assessments.
3. Time-based and environmental analysis
(1) Sunshine analysis
Simulates the sun's movement for a specified date and time, calculating shadows cast by buildings and terrain. This allows accurate eva1uation of sunlight exposure for locations such as apartment balconies or parks throughout the day or year. It is essential for shadow regulation checks during building approval processes and for creating comfortable urban environments.
(2) Flood analysis
Based on topographic data, this function dynamically simulates flood extents in 3D when water levels reach a specified height. It is highly useful for hazard mapping and evacuation planning.
(3) Dynamic collision analysis
Simulates the movement of construction machinery along planned routes and detects potential collisions with surrounding buildings or infrastructure in advance. This supports safety planning for crane operations at construction sites and industrial facilities.
4. Generating drawings and analysis outputs from 3D models
This functionality enables the automatic generation of 2D products from 3D models.
(1) DSM and digital orthophoto generation
(2) From a 3D city model, iDesktopX generates a Digital Surface Model (DSM) that includes above-ground features, as well as a digital orthophoto that resembles a vertically viewed aerial photograph.
(3) Elevation generation
Automatically produces elevation views from specified directions based on 3D building models.
Summary
In this installment, we introduced iDesktopX's advanced 3D spatial analysis capabilities based on rich 3D scenes. From visibility, sunlight, and flood simulations to skyline-based landscape eva1uation, these functions deliver deeper, more realistic insights than traditional 2D maps.
As digital twins continue to advance and smart societies take shape, 3D spatial analysis will play an increasingly important role.
In the next installment, Part 22: "Sharing GIS on the Web! Publishing and Utilizing Web Maps", we will introduce practical methods for publishing maps and analysis results created in iDesktopX to the web and sharing them with a wider audience. Stay tuned!
For source and sample code: https://supermap-japan.blogspot.com/2025/09/213didesktopx3d.html
