Creating a 3d Model for a Ski Hill in Aspen using QGIS

Introduction and Purpose

The purpose of this tutorial is to demonstrate how QGIS can be used to create a 3d model, and to demonstrate how to effectively create a model that will best represent what the user is trying to achieve. This tutorial will show how creating 3d models can be more effective for a map than a 2d map for certain situations. This tutorial will use the example of creating a map of a ski hill in Aspen. It will have the ski routes, gondola routes and key points that will be important for the map. This tutorial is meant for users who are brand new to 3d modeling, but also relatively experienced with QGIS and its main functions.

Downloading Imagery from Earth Explorer

To start, in order to create a 3d model we need elevation data. This is because without elevation data there is no 3d model. For this tutorial, we are going to be creating a 3d model of a ski hill in Aspen so in order to get this data you have to first find Aspen on the map. Next, once you find Aspen, create a study area using the "Polygon" feature found by scrolling down. Now you can either input manual coordinates or click "Use Map" and manually select the points for your polygon. Once this is done, on the bottom of the page select "Data Sets". For this tutorial, I used a Landsat Imagery DEM. You can select whichever Landsat dataset looks the best to you. Once you have your imagery selected, select "Results" and search for the proper imagery related to your area. You can do this by clicking on the foot looking button next to each selection. This will show a polygon of each DEM image. Once you find one that surrounds an Aspen ski hill you can download the imagery.