Working with 3D Maps - MapInfo_Pro - 2023

MapInfo Pro Help
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2023
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MapInfo Pro
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MapInfo Pro Help
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1985
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2023-09-12
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2023-09-12T16:39:16.995000

A 3D Map allows you to express your data using three axes: length, width, and height, which can give your maps greater impact. Prism Maps are a type of 3D map in which the height of the geography correlates to a specific value so that the greater the value, the higher the height of the geography. For more about prism maps, see Working with Prism Maps.

MapInfo Pro contains a 3D viewing capability. Based on Microsoft's implementation of OpenGL software graphics interface, it allows freehand tilt and rotation of the image. The traditional pan, zoom, and Info commands also operate in the 3DMap window.

You can create a 3D view of any map that contains a continuous grid layer. For example, import digital elevation model (DEM) files or interpolate from a layer of points that contain elevation values. The image of any other layers will be draped over the 3D surface. Keep in mind, the 3D surface is not limited to representing elevation. It can also be used to show property value, sales potential, population density, air temperature, etc.

The following figure shows is an example of a 3D map:



You can rotate, zoom, and pan the 3D view. Additionally, you can clone the 3D view. The 3DMap window is a stand-alone window. If you modify the tables in the Grid thematic map used to create the map, you can update it by right-clicking on the 3DMap and choosing Refresh Texture. To change the settings in a 3DMap window, right-click on the layer in the Map window and choose Properties to open the 3DMap Properties dialog box.

Creating a 3D Map

The Info, Pan, and Zoom commands are available for use within the 3DMap window. The Info command returns the grid elevation value at a selected point.

For more information on creating a Grid thematic map or to open an existing grid layer, see Working with Grid Thematic Layers.

To create a 3DMap:

  1. On the HOME tab, in the Window group, click 3DMap to open the Create 3DMap dialog box .
    Note: This menu option is only available if the active Map window contains a Grid thematic map.
  2. Select one of the following:
    • Camera - Specify the camera position and orientation.
    • Light - Designate the position and color of the light source.
    • Appearance - Specify appearance attributes including Units, Resolution, and Scale. Units is only available when first creating a 3DMap. Resolution and scale are available later as well.
  3. Click OK.

    This creates a 3DMap using the default settings. The 3D View of the map displays.

  4. Use the left mouse button to manipulate the 3DMap.

    The map displays land elevations in the United States. It is the ELEV_FT.MIG file from the MapInfo Pro DVD.

Understanding the 3DWindow Commands

When the 3DMap is the active window, a context menu is available when you right-click on the map. Choose from the following commands:

  • Refresh Texture - Regenerates the image used for the texture on the grid. Use this option if you change or update the tables or objects used in the 3DMap.
  • Clone View - Creates a clone of the 3DMap window.
  • Previous View - Returns to the previous view of the 3DMap.
  • View Entire Layer - Re-centers the 3DMap in the window. If you zoom or pan the map from view, use this option to redisplay the map in the window.
  • Viewpoint Control - Displays the Viewpoint Control dialog box which duplicates the functionality you have with the selection and the zoom commands, and includes a Mapper View button that repositions the 3DMap window to match the view from the original Map window.


  • WireFrame - Toggles between a wireframe and surface representation of the grid. Additionally, cloned 3DMap windows have the surface representation of the grid, even if the cloned window is in wireframe mode. To toggle the wireframe mode on and off, press the `W' key on the keyboard while the 3DMap window is active.

    Here is an example of a wireframe map:



    Note: This option is not saved to a workspace.
  • Properties - Display the 3DMap Properties dialog box displaying the current 3DMap settings. Use this dialog box to modify the Light and Appearance settings of the active 3DMap. Additionally, display this menu by right-clicking when in the 3DMap window.


Toggling Between a Wireframe and Surface Representation of the Grid

Use this feature when you want to show the resolution of the underlying grid.

To toggle between a wireframe and surface representation of the grid, right-click on the 3DMap and choose Wireframe.

Modifying the Properties of a 3DMap

The 3DMap Properties dialog box contains the current 3DMap settings. Use this dialog box to modify the Light and Appearance settings of the active 3DMap.

To access the 3DMap Properties dialog box:

  1. Click the 3DMap window to make it the active window.
  2. Right-click the 3DMap and choose Properties.

    The 3DMap Properties dialog box opens.

  3. Specify the desired options.

    For field descriptions, click Help.

  4. Click OK.

Refreshing the Grid Texture of a 3DMap

You can regenerate the image that is used for the texture on the grid. This is useful when the tables change or objects are updated.

To refresh the grid texture of a 3DMap:

  1. Make the 3DMap the active window.
  2. Right-click the 3DMap and choose Refresh Texture.

The image is regenerated.

Controlling the Viewpoint of a 3DMap and a Prism Map

The Control Viewpoint dialog box allows you to rotate, pan, or zoom in and out on the sample view of your 3DMap and Prism maps. Using the Mapper View button, you can also display the view of the map used to create the 3DMap or the Prism map.

To access the Control Viewpoint dialog box:

  1. Click the 3DMap window to make it the active window.
  2. Right-click the 3DMap and choose Viewpoint Control.

    The Viewpoint Control dialog box opens.

For a description of Rotate Viewpoint, click Help.

Manipulating a 3DMap

You can move the 3DMap window around to determine the most effective angle for displaying your information.

To manipulate the view of a 3DMap window:

  1. Display a 3D Map.
  2. Click the Select command.
  3. Click and hold the left mouse button in the 3DMap window.

As you move the mouse the viewpoint will be rotated around the focal point. You can also use the Grabber, and Zoom commands to move the 3DMap window around the Map window.

The Info command displays the grid elevation value at the point you select.

Viewing the Entire 3DMap

If you zoom or pan the 3DMap and the map becomes out of view. Use the View Entire Layer command to recenter the 3DMap in the window.

To display an entire 3DMap:

  1. Make the 3DMap the active window.
  2. Right-click the 3DMap and choose View Entire Layer.

Viewing a Previous 3DMap

By using Previous View repeatedly, you can toggle back and forth between two views of your map.

To return to the previous view of a 3DMap:

  1. Make the 3DMap the active window.
  2. Right-click the 3DMap and choose Previous View.

If you find yourself doing this often with a particular map, you might want to create two maps of the same table, each with a different view. Then you can view the two simultaneously.