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Digital Twins and 3D with ArcGIS

Digital Twins and 3D with ArcGIS

An advanced practical course on creating, integrating, analysing, and publishing three-dimensional geospatial data with ArcGIS. Participants learn how to combine terrain, buildings, infrastructure, point clouds, and planning data in local and global scenes to develop informative digital twins and 3D visualisations.

What will you learn?

What will you learn?

You will learn how to use the 3D capabilities of ArcGIS Pro and integrate both 2D and 3D data into realistic spatial scenes. You will create terrain models, extrude buildings and other features, and incorporate existing models from CAD, BIM, and common 3D formats.

You will also visualise utility networks, process drone and point-cloud data, and assess proposed developments using viewshed, line-of-sight, and shadow analyses. Finally, you will create animations and publish three-dimensional content on the web.

By the end of the course, you will be able to combine different 3D data sources in ArcGIS, analyse spatial scenarios, and create effective digital 3D models for planning, communication, and decision support.

• Use local and global scenes appropriately

• Create and visualise terrain and elevation models

• Extrude and symbolise two-dimensional GIS data in 3D

• Model 3D buildings from footprints and attribute values

• Integrate CAD, BIM, and existing 3D models into ArcGIS

• Visualise above-ground and underground infrastructure

• Use drone and point-cloud data to create 3D models

• Present future scenarios within the context of existing development

• Conduct viewshed, line-of-sight, and shadow analyses

• Create fly-through videos and animations

• Publish 3D scenes and data on the web

Requirements:

• Fundamental GIS knowledge

• Basic knowledge of ArcGIS Pro is required

• Experience working with layers, geospatial data, coordinate systems, and geoprocessing tools

• Basic knowledge of CAD, BIM, or urban planning is helpful but not essential

Course Outline*:

*We customize the course outline and content to your specific needs and relevant use cases.

Module 1: Introduction to Digital Twins and 3D GIS

• Definition and applications of a digital twin

• Differences between 2D GIS, 3D GIS, and digital city models

• Combining geospatial, sensor, CAD, BIM, and 3D data

• Typical applications in urban planning, infrastructure, environmental management, and public administration

• Overview of the 3D capabilities available in ArcGIS

• Requirements relating to data quality, currency, and spatial accuracy

• Capabilities and limitations of three-dimensional models

Module 2: Local and Global Scenes

• Structure and operation of ArcGIS scenes

• Differences between local and global scenes

• Selecting the appropriate scene type for different tasks

• Adding existing map content to a scene

• Considering coordinate systems, vertical references, and height units

• Configuring the ground surface, background, and lighting

• Controlling navigation, camera positions, and viewing perspectives

Module 3: Terrain and Elevation Models

• Distinguishing digital terrain and digital surface models

• Integrating existing elevation models into scenes

• Creating terrain surfaces from raster or elevation data

• Configuring elevation sources and ground surfaces

• Adjusting vertical exaggeration and display properties

• Combining hillshade, slope, and other terrain information

• Assessing the quality and resolution of elevation data

Module 4: Using Two-Dimensional Data in 3D

• Displaying point, line, and polygon data in scenes

• Positioning objects on the surface, relative to the ground, or at absolute heights

• Extruding buildings and areas using attribute values

• Deriving height and depth values from fields

• Selecting appropriate three-dimensional symbols

• Adjusting transparency, materials, and relative size

• Combining 2D and 3D content within a shared model

Module 5: Procedural Modelling and Rule Packages

• Fundamentals of procedural 3D symbolisation

• Using rule packages to generate buildings automatically

• Distinguishing building types through attributes

• Varying façades, roofs, and other design elements

• Using parameters and attribute values to generate models

• Creating rule-based models for larger areas

• Reviewing and refining generated results

Module 6: Creating 3D Buildings from Footprints

• Preparing building footprints and required attributes

• Extruding footprints using height and floor information

• Creating simple building volumes

• Considering roof forms and varying building heights

• Aligning building bases with terrain elevations

• Structuring and attributing building models

• Optimising models for planning and visualisation

Module 7: Integrating Existing 3D Models

• Understanding suitable 3D data formats and model types

• Incorporating CityGML data into ArcGIS workflows

• Displaying and editing multipatch features

• Integrating Revit and other BIM data

• Importing SketchUp and other 3D models

• Checking coordinate systems, units, and spatial position

• Assessing the appropriate level of detail and dataset size

• Combining different models in a shared scene

Module 8: Connecting CAD and BIM with GIS

• Differences between CAD, BIM, and GIS data models

• Interpreting CAD layers and geometric structures

• Positioning BIM models within their spatial context

• Considering local and global coordinates

• Selecting relevant components and information

• Connecting design data with parcels, terrain, and infrastructure

• Preparing construction data for further GIS analysis

Module 9: Utilities and Infrastructure in 3D

• Visualising above-ground and underground networks

• Using elevation, depth, and diameter information

• Applying three-dimensional symbols to utility lines and technical assets

• Representing pipes, cables, manholes, and other equipment

• Examining intersections, distances, and spatial conflicts

• Visualising buildings, terrain, and networks together

• Preparing scenes for planning, operations, and consultation

Module 10: Drone Data and Drone2Map

• Applications of drone imagery in 3D GIS

• Fundamentals of photogrammetric data processing

• Distinguishing orthophotos, elevation models, and point clouds

• Using outputs created with Drone2Map in ArcGIS Pro

• Integrating terrain and surface models from aerial surveys

• Displaying 3D meshes and imagery in scenes

• Assessing the currency, resolution, and accuracy of outputs

Module 11: Point Clouds and Automated Feature Extraction

• Structure and characteristics of point clouds

• Working with LAS and other relevant data formats

• Classifying and visualising point clouds

• Distinguishing ground, building, and vegetation points

• Examining elevation information and point density

• Deriving building objects from classified point clouds

• Creating trees and vegetation objects automatically

• Reviewing results and optimising them for 3D scenes

Module 12: 3D for Urban and Land-Use Planning

• Combining existing development and proposed schemes

• Presenting future scenarios within their spatial context

• Comparing building volumes, heights, and densities

• Creating alternatives for different development objectives

• Visualising land-use plans and urban design concepts

• Examining the effects of proposed developments on the urban environment

• Preparing models for consultation, presentation, and engagement

Module 13: Viewshed and Line-of-Sight Analysis

• Fundamentals of three-dimensional visibility analysis

• Defining observer and target locations

• Examining lines of sight between locations

• Calculating visible and obscured areas

• Assessing how proposed buildings affect existing views

• Comparing multiple observation locations

• Using interactive viewshed analysis within scenes

• Visualising and documenting results clearly

Module 14: Shadow and Sunlight Analysis

• Effects of building height and form on shadow patterns

• Configuring date, time, and sun position

• Examining shadows throughout the day or year

• Comparing proposed and existing buildings

• Analysing effects on open spaces, façades, and neighbouring properties

• Preparing shadow studies for planning and engagement processes

• Considering analytical limitations and required input data

Module 15: Animations and Fly-Through Videos

• Fundamentals of animation in ArcGIS Pro

• Defining camera positions and keyframes

• Creating fly-throughs and camera movements

• Controlling layer visibility and appearance over time

• Presenting planning scenarios and temporal changes

• Refining speed, transitions, and perspectives

• Reviewing animations and exporting video files

• Preparing videos for presentations and communication

Module 16: Publishing 3D Content on the Web

• Preparing scenes and 3D layers for publication

• Selecting suitable web-layer and scene formats

• Publishing content to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise

• Configuring and styling web scenes

• Defining pop-ups, visibility, and scale ranges

• Managing access and sharing settings

• Optimising performance and dataset size

• Providing 3D content for internal and public audiences

Module 17: Practical Project – Building a Digital 3D Scenario

• Analysing source data and project requirements

• Setting up a local or global scene

• Integrating terrain, building, and infrastructure data

• Modelling two-dimensional features in 3D

• Adding existing CAD, BIM, or point-cloud data

• Creating and analysing a planning scenario

• Conducting a viewshed or shadow analysis

• Creating an animation and preparing the scene for web publication

Hands-on learning with expert instructors at your location for organizations.

3,072€*
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Level:
intermediate
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Duration:
14
Hours (days:
2
)
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Training customized to your needs
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Immersive hands-on experience in a dedicated setting
*Price can range depending on number of participants, change of outline, location etc.

Master new skills guided by experienced instructors from anywhere.

2,037€*
Graph Icon - Education X Webflow Template
Level:
intermediate
Clock Icon - Education X Webflow Template
Duration:
14
Hours (days:
2
)
Camera Icon - Education X Webflow Template
Training customized to your needs
Star Icon - Education X Webflow Template
Reduced training costs
*Price can range depending on number of participants, change of outline, location etc.

Upcoming Sessions

27-28 Oct 2026
Amsterdam
19-20 Nov 2026
Stockholm
13-14 Jan 2027
Madrid
21-22 Jan 2027
Milan
7-8 Apr 2027
Lisbon
15-16 Apr 2027
Milan

Can't find a suitable date? Get in touch and we'll arrange one that works for you.

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