Create 3D Dataset

Instructions for use

SuperMap iDesktopX typically stores spatial data directly in datasets of the corresponding type. For example, to create spatial data of a 3D point type, you need to create a 3D point dataset in the target datasource; if different 3D point data have different purposes and meanings, you can create multiple 3D point datasets in the datasource, each storing 3D point spatial data with the same purpose. Similarly, create 3D line datasets to save spatial data of 3D line types, 3D region datasets to save spatial data of 3D region types, and so on.

There are two main methods for creating a 3D dataset: creating new 3D point, line, and region datasets; converting existing 2D datasets to 3D datasets containing Z-values, as described on the Type Conversion Overview page. Z-values are primarily used in GIS features to include elevation (absolute or relative to the ground) and other vertical measurements (such as air pollution observations and temperature).

Function Entry

  • Start tab->New Dataset drop-down menu->3D group
  • Workspace Manager->Context Menu of Specific Datasource->New Dataset->3D Point/3D Line/3D Region

Operational Steps

The following uses creating a new 3D region dataset as an example to describe how to create a 3D region dataset named Region3DDataset in the file database china400.udb (path: SuperMap iDesktopXInstallation Directory\SampleData\China directory).

  1. StartSuperMap iDesktopX application, open china400.udb (path: SuperMap iDesktopXInstallation Directory\SampleData\China directory).
  2. Open the "New Dataset" dialog using the following methods.
    • In the Start tab of the ribbon's New Dataset group, click the 3D Polygon button.
    • Right-click on the collection node of the target datasource under "Workspace Manager", select "New Dataset" from the pop-up context menu, and then choose "3D Region" from the context menu.
  3. The "New Dataset" dialog pops up. Set the necessary parameters for creating a 3D region dataset in the dialog. Each record in the dialog corresponds to a dataset to be created (you can create multiple datasets in bulk through this dialog). For a description of the parameters in the "New Dataset" group tab, please refer to the "New Dataset" Group page.
  4. The "Target Datasource" field in the dialog is used to set the target datasource where the new dataset will be located. Click the cell of this field; it becomes a combo box. Click the drop-down button on the right, and the list displays all data sources currently open in the current workspace. Select a data source as the target datasource for saving the new dataset. Here, select the "china400" datasource.
  5. The "Dataset Name" field in the dialog is used to set the new dataset name. Enter the name of the new dataset in this field as: Region3DDataset.
  6. After setting is complete, click the "Finish" button. After the dataset is successfully created, the dialog will close automatically.
  7. A new node with the display name "Region3DDataset" will be added under the "china400" datasource node in the Workspace Manager, corresponding to the newly created 3D region dataset.