The Visibility Dome tool analyzes and displays the area that is visible from a given point on the terrain within a 360° horizontal field of view. Several display options for the Visibility Dome are available so that the particular information required can be easily visualized. The Visibility Dome can be generated as a dome that defines the outer boundaries of the volume that is visible from the viewpoint, as a dome base that divides between visible and non-visible areas, or alternatively as a skyline that highlights obstructions to the field of view. After generating the visibility dome, results can be further analyzed by creating a profile graph.
To use the Visibility Dome tool:
- On the side toolbar >
> Tools tab > Visibility Dome.
- Select the mode.
- Dome
- Generates a full 3D dome-shaped volume that represents the areas of the 3D model and surrounding airspace visible from the selected viewpoint, within the specified radius and elevation angle. The dome is bounded by terrain, 3D models, and other obstructions that limit line of sight. Ideal for analyzing visibility coverage, threat envelopes, and sensor line-of-sight in complex environments.
- Dome Base
– Displays a circular surface on the ground that delineates the boundary between visible and non-visible areas from the viewpoint, based on the specified elevation angle. Useful for assessing ground-level visibility within a constrained vertical field of view.
- Skyline
– Highlights the silhouette of terrain and 3D objects that obstruct the view from the selected location, forming a visible horizon line. This mode is ideal for quickly identifying key obstructions in all directions.
- Skyline Base
– Draws radial lines from the viewpoint outward to the skyline, helping visualize the connection between the observer and the skyline edge. Useful for understanding the spatial relationship between the viewpoint and visibility limits.
- Dome
- Set the following properties:
- Radius – Sets the distance from the viewpoint within which visibility is analyzed.
- Viewer Altitude – Defines the height of the observer above the ground or object surface at the viewpoint.
- Elevation Angle – Specifies the vertical viewing angle from the viewpoint. A value of 0° produces a hemispherical view (or its base, if using Dome Base), while a higher angle narrows the vertical visibility cone.
- Click Set Position to manually place a viewpoint on the 3D model by clicking in the scene.
- In the 3D Window, click where you want to place a viewpoint. The visibility dome is generated. After the visibility dome is created, a profile graph can be displayed to show the height of the dome or the Skyline ring. It includes tools for identifying waypoints, elevation extremes, and slope changes.
- If you want to view a profile analysis for the visibility dome, in the Visibility Dome panel, click Profile Analysis
. A terrain profile graph is displayed, showing the terrain elevation profile. Turn on the information you want indicated on the graph: polyline waypoints, min/max altitude and max slope.