Visibility Map

Use this dialog to create a visibility map. The data basis is a terrain model, and the result is polygons for areas that are visible or not visible.

Where can I find the dialog?

In the toolbox for Planning, Design, and Execution in the terrain model drawing, select Create thematic map (landscape analysis)...

The function uses the grid model, but you can also include buildings and 3D objects that have been inserted into the drawing.

You can enter the eye point and target point manually or by pointing on the screen (Point...). Note that the Point... button retrieves the terrain elevation, so you must add the object's height manually.

Activate a field in the table for editing by pressing [F2] or by clicking the left mouse button. In edit mode, you can move between columns with [Tab] and [Shift]+[Tab]. Similarly, you can switch rows with the up and down arrow keys. Note that the arrow keys can also be used to move between fields when not in edit mode.

In the dialog, you can create a view map or a visibility map. For a visibility map, you want to find the areas from which an object is visible, for example, a building. In this case, enter the points that surround the object. The program then checks each grid point in the terrain model to determine whether the object is visible from that point or not. The result is polygons for the areas where you can see the object.

Visibility analysis: A = Point from which the object is not visible, B = Point from which the object is visible

Performing the Analysis

When the points are entered in the list, create the view or visibility map by clicking the Execute button. After the analysis is complete, you can paste the polygons onto an application layer. The program includes a template with presentation rules that you can use when creating the application layer.

Example of a view map

The map provides polygons for areas that are visible and not visible. In addition, the point is marked with a symbol.

Example of a view map with visible and non-visible areas