Stereo Map

Instructions for Use

Stereo Map transforms conventional 2D planar maps into three-dimensional representations, enhancing feature recognition and data hierarchy. By configuring top surface and shadow surface styles, it improves map aesthetics. Major map providers like Baidu Maps and Tencent have implemented Stereo Map viewing modes, where zooming to specific scale ranges reveals 3D building effects.

supports generating building roof and facade data using vector region datasets with specified elevation fields, enabling 3D map presentation in 2D space. As shown below:

The following demonstrates Stereo Map creation:

Operation Instructions

  1. Data Preparation: Prepare a vector region dataset containing an integer or double-type field storing building heights in its attributes.
  2. On the Data tab, within the Data Processing group, click the Map Cartography dropdown button and select Stereo Map to open the Create Stereoscopic Map dialog.
  3. In the dialog, select the Vector Region Dataset for 3D effect generation, then configure the Pull Height Field and Result Dataset Name.
  4. Check the Show in Map option to automatically display results post-generation.
  5. Configure the above parameters to generate two datasets:
    • Top Region Dataset

      • Roof data is created by offsetting source data along the Y-axis. Each object's Y-coordinate increases by its elevation value while maintaining X-coordinates. However, this offset alone cannot achieve full stereoscopic effects without side surfaces, as shown:

    • Side Region Dataset

      • Comparing source data with roof data reveals identical X-coordinates but varied Y-values. Side surfaces are constructed clockwise using adjacent points (A and B) from source data: starting with original point A, followed by elevated A1 (A's Y+height), then elevated B1 (B's Y+height), and finally original point B. The construction principle is illustrated below:

  6. Add both generated datasets to the same map. Configure layer styles appropriately to achieve stereoscopic effects as shown:
    7. Figure: Stereo Effect Map