After collecting and importing data, such as imagery or other sensor data and analyzing it, GIS experts then compress this information into the final product, the bottom line: a map. A client or colleague looking at a map created by a GIS expert, is therefore also looking at the end result of long hours of hard work. However, with 2D PDF currently still being the most common document type used to share such maps, the quality of information contained in all the carefully aggregated data, the digitally orthorectified images and shape files, symbology and labels is limited by the document’s two dimensions.
But, not all hope is lost. 3D geospatial PDF, little known, standard, free of charge Adobe product, includes geospatial information into three-dimensional, layered, geospatial map. In addition to enabling the benefits of 2D data, such as reviewing latitude and longitude or measuring real distances, the 3D PDF also enables sharing digital elevation models and analyzing terrain data. The 3D PDF is also layered, meaning users can select and unselect the different layers they want to see. Finally, it is also possible to query tabular data belonging to objects on the map.
Here is how Blaze Terra Publisher turns a simple 2D map into an interactive 3D geospatial PDF using the free standard version of Adobe Reader: Open your project, select the layers you want to export, including DEM, and export to 3D geospatial PDF. It’s that simple.
To sum up, Geospatial 3D PDF, is a powerful and useful tool, allowing GIS experts to package almost all important information, including terrain data and tabular information into a lightweight, secured, offline document, requiring no additional installations. Blaze Publisher allows you to export even the most detailed projects to 3D geospatial PDF quickly and enables you to share insights with colleagues and customers, turning it into actionable information.
About Eternix
Eternix Ltd. is a leading software company, developing high-performance visualization products. The company’s products are oriented towards the advanced geo-spatial user, enabling to process, re-project and manipulate files of virtually any size and format, in real-time and without pre-processing. The Blaze family of products includes several applications as well as complementary extensions, delivering outstanding performance and unparalleled user experience. For more information about the company, visit www.eternix.co.il.