Z8311 3D visualisation and modelling in cartography

Faculty of Science
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
1/2/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
doc. Mgr. Bc. Zdeněk Stachoň, Ph.D. (lecturer)
RNDr. Lukáš Herman, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. Bc. Zdeněk Stachoň, Ph.D.
Department of Geography – Earth Sciences Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: doc. Mgr. Bc. Zdeněk Stachoň, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Geography – Earth Sciences Section – Faculty of Science
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 20 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/20, only registered: 0/20
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to expand students’ knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to include the processing and visualization of three-dimensional (3D) spatial data. Such data have a wide range of applications—from urban and regional planning and crisis management to virtual tourism. The course focuses both on acquiring theoretical knowledge, such as understanding 3D data models, and on developing practical skills in working with 3D data, including data formats and their conversion, 3D spatial analyses, and the creation of interactive visualizations.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student will be able to:
- explain the principles of creation, structure, and use of 3D spatial data within GIS environments,
- distinguish between basic types of 3D data models and understand their characteristics,
- apply appropriate methods for processing, conversion, and management of 3D data,
- perform basic and advanced 3D spatial analyses,
- create interactive 3D visualizations for various application domains (e.g., spatial planning, crisis management, virtual environments),
- critically evaluate the quality and usability of 3D data for specific decision-making or presentation purposes.
Syllabus
Lectures - Introduction to the topic and terminology of 3D spatial data. - 3D data models and their classification. - 3D data standards and formats (e.g., CityGML, VRML, X3D) – their structure, properties, and applications. - Methods of 3D data acquisition, including laser scanning and photogrammetry. - Creation of 2.5D surfaces and 3D models. - Available sources of 3D data and their use in GIS. - 3D spatial analyses and their applications. - 3D visualization in web environments. - Applications and practical uses of 3D models. - Virtual reality and its use in geoinformatics. - Current trends in 3D GIS (user testing, indoor navigation, digital twins, etc.). Practical Exercises - Creation and processing of 3D vector data in GIS. - Storage and conversion of 3D data between different formats. - Creation, editing, and visualization of GRID and TIN surfaces in GIS. - 3D spatial analyses (illumination and shading, visibility analyses, set operations, and volume calculations). - Building detailed 3D models using graphic software. - Creation and use of 3D symbols; working with and applying textures. - Generating outputs – perspectives, fly-throughs, and animations. - Development of interactive 3D visualizations for web environments. - Creation of 3D models from photographs (photogrammetric workflows).
Literature
    required literature
  • Stachoň, Z., Kubicek, P., and Herman, L. (2020). Virtual and Immersive Environments.The Geographic Information Science & Technology Body of Knowledge (3rd Quarter 2020 Edition), John P. Wilson (ed.). DOI: 10.22224/gistbok/2020.3.9.
Teaching methods
Lectures and practical lessons.
Assessment methods
The final grade will be based on the results of practical exercises and an oral examination.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course is taught once in two years.
The course is taught every week.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, spring 2018, Spring 2020, Spring 2022, Spring 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2026, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/spring2026/Z8311