Learn to make 3D maps with light bubbles using rayshader in R. Adding lights to the scene will help globalize your visualization. Use the power plant database to create bubble maps and add depth to your visualization. Show off your power plant data with unique 3D light bubble maps. Check out the GitHub repo for more details. Happy mapping! ๐๐ฎ
Introduction ๐
In today’s tutorial, we will learn how to create 3D maps with light bubbles using rayshader in R. This tutorial will guide you through the process of adding lights to your scenes with the help of rayshader.
Step 1: Setting Up the Environment ๐ฆ
To get started, we’ll need to install a few libraries that are necessary for this tutorial. We will be working with the rayshader library, as well as the sf package for data visualization.
| Libraries Required | Purpose |
|---|---|
| rayshader | Creating 3D visualizations |
| tidyverse | Data wrangling |
| sf | Handling geospatial data |
Step 2: Downloading the Data ๐
We will be using the Global Power Plant Database to demonstrate how to add light point coordinates to your 3D maps. This database contains information about 35,000 power plants worldwide.
"The Global Power Plant Database is a comprehensive, global database that provides information on the location and types of more than 35,000 power plants."
Step 3: Preparing the Data ๐
Once we have downloaded the data, we will inspect and load it into R. We will filter the data based on specific criteria, such as country and plant type, to create a focused dataset for visualization.
| Country | Number of Power Plants |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | 513 |
Step 4: Data Visualization ๐บ๏ธ
We will use the sf package to transform the power plant data into a format suitable for 3D visualization. This will involve mapping the coordinates and identifying the boundaries of the selected country.
Creating 3D Light Bubble Maps ๐
Step 5: Adding Points and Rendering the Scene ๐จ
After preparing the data, we will add points to the 3D scene and render the object using rayshader. This involves defining the elevation matrix, applying shading, and creating color palettes for the visualizations.
Step 6: Generating 3D Plots ๐
Finally, we will use rayshader to create 3D plots with light bubbles. We will fine-tune the appearance of the plots, adjusting the color palettes, shadows, and other visual properties to create visually stunning 3D maps.
Conclusion ๐
In this tutorial, we have learned how to create 3D maps with light bubbles using rayshader in R. By following the step-by-step guide, you can replicate these visualizations with your own power plant data. If you’re interested in exploring additional tutorials on geospatial visualizations, be sure to check out our GitHub repository for more resources. Happy mapping!
Key Takeaways:
- Rayshader provides powerful tools for creating 3D visualizations in R
- The sf package is useful for handling and transforming geospatial data
- Adding lights and shades can significantly enhance the visual impact of 3D maps
FAQ:
- Is the Global Power Plant Database regularly updated?
- The database was last updated in 2013 and may not contain the most recent data.
For more tutorials on geospatial visualization and data exploration, don’t hesitate to get in touch and expand your skills in the exciting field of geospatial data analysis.
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