Study on the visualization method for three dimension terrain based on GIS

Terrain Visualization has become increasingly interested in recent years due to its wide application. In this paper, we summarized the present situation of three-dimension spatial data modelling, technology and software of the three-dimension terrain visualization. The 3D physiognomy image and visual cartoon files of the Miyun County in Beijing have been done by using the virtual GIS of ERDAS IMAGINE software. It is easy to compose the RS Image, DEM, Vectorgraph and Soil Erosion Distributing by means of virtual technology. The virtual and real time display technology of the large area and complex 3D terrain is a very challenged question for discussion. Though experts have carried out many studies in the fields, the works for methods of displaying the large and 3D terrain are still less. This paper introduced the current status of 3D spatial data model, 3D terrain simulation technology and the use of 3D terrain simulation software and so on, and made the 3D terrain image map of Miyun county in Beijing based on ERDAS IMAGINE, and realized 3D virtualization flight and spatial viewshed inquire and analysis.