Esri Releases New Book on Designing 3D Maps That Are Creative, Clear, and Informative

Mapping with Altitude Focuses on Practical Decisions and Techniques of 3D Map Design in ArcGIS

REDLANDS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Esri, the global leader in mapping and location intelligence, today announced the publication of Mapping with Altitude: Designing 3D Maps.

The world is 3D, and so likewise, there should be maps that can depict the world as it is. Representing and reviewing data on maps in 3D enables complex spatial relationships to be explored in new ways. These realistic and more complex maps can also help us identify patterns and potential problems more effectively. But creating digital 3D maps that are accurate, intuitive, engaging, and easily navigable can be a daunting task, even for experienced cartographers.

Mapping with Altitude: Designing 3D Maps details how to create clear and compelling cartographic representations in 3D that are eye-catching and informative. Authored by Esri senior product engineer and frequent Esri User Conference workshop presenter Nathan C Shephard, it’s written in a fun, enthusiastic style while exploring the concepts, challenges, and opportunities that 3D cartography presents. With easy-to-understand workflows, the book does the following:

• Shows why some spatial content is best communicated in 3D.
• Explains 3D mapping concepts, such as surfaces, base heights, texturing, and lighting models.
• Introduces new twists on well-defined 2D cartographic principles, such as size, color, and text.
• Demonstrates how the z-dimension can convey time.
• Covers the best delivery mechanisms for 3D content.

Originally from Australia, Shephard currently works at Esri headquarters in Redlands, California, where he leads a team of software engineers who work on projects such as 3D and 4D navigation, flood simulation, and animation videos.

Mapping with Altitude: Designing 3D Maps is available in paperback (ISBN: 9781589485532, US$84.99) and e-book (ISBN: 9781589485549, US $49.99). This book can be obtained from most online retailers worldwide. Interested retailers can contact Esri Press book distributor Ingram Publisher Services.

About Esri

Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial technology and analytics, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions that leverage a geographic approach to solving some of the world’s most complex problems by placing them in the crucial context of location. Visit us at esri.com.

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