Visualize D-Day in 3D

The Normandy landings, also referred to as the D-Day landing was the largest seaborne invasion in history. The amphibious landings were preceded by extensive aerial and naval bombardment, and an airborne assault. 24,000 American, British, and Canadian airborne troops landed on the 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coast of France. The beach was divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.

In this lesson, you'll re-create the D-Day landing scene in ArcGIS Earth using 3D objects and explore the potential visual range of each unit using interactive analysis tools.

This lesson was last tested on March 15, 2024 with ArcGIS Earth desktop 2.1. If you're using a different version of ArcGIS Earth, you may encounter different functionality and results.

Requirements

• ArcGIS organizational account with a Publisher, Facilitator, or Administrator role in an ArcGIS organization (see options for software access)
• ArcGIS Earth desktop (see download options)

Visualize D-Day in 3D

Download and add data

Omaha Beach earned the nickname “Bloody Omaha” after the 2,400 United States casualties—double the total among any of the five D-Day beach landings the Allies invaded on June 6, 1944. The toll was so high that at one point, United States Lieutenant General Omar Bradley considered withdrawing.

First, you will download two datasets representing the fortifications on Omaha Beach and the initial landing area. Then, you will sign in to ArcGIS Earth and add the data.

1. Download and unzip the D-Day.zip file.

   This .zip file contains several file formats that are compatible with ArcGIS Earth and will allow you to visualize different units on Omaha Beach.

2. Open ArcGIS Earth and sign in using your ArcGIS account. If necessary, close the Take a tour and learn more window to continue.
3. Click the Add data button.

   

   The Add Data window appears. You can add data from ArcGIS Online or your organization, your computer, or a URL. You’ll first add the two layers you previously downloaded.

4. In the Add Data window, click the Add Files tab and click Select Files.
5. Browse to your D-Day folder and select the Initial Landing.kmz file.

   When the file is added, ArcGIS Earth zooms to the location. This file contains a georeferenced map of the initial landing plans.

6. Use your mouse to pan and zoom around beaches of Normandy in the scene.

   Next, you’ll add some mock battle data layers to help visualize the event in 3D. The file you downloaded contains 3D layers for B17, MG42, Observation Balloons, and Spitfire units.

7. Using the same method as before, add the Observation Balloon.kmz file.

   

Add an aircraft

Now that you've added the obstacles, you'll add the aircraft that provided air cover for soldiers on the beach.

Next, you'll add the Spitfire and B17 files.

1. Click the Add data button, and Select Files.
2. Browse to the Spitfire folder. Add either one of the spitfire 3D objects.

   

   The aircraft is added, but it is at ground level instead of in the air, and the scale is off. You’ll adjust the altitude and size in the Properties window, which appeared when you added the file.

3. In the Properties window, edit the following parameters:
   • For Altitude, choose Relative and type 80.
   • For Scale, type 0.10.

   

4. If necessary, right-click and tilt the view to see your changes.

   The size of the aircraft is more realistic, and it is flying at an appropriate height above the ground forces. The position handle also appears—you can use these handles to adjust the position of the aircraft.

5. Optionally, add the Spitfire layer a few more times and arrange them to create a squadron. Close the Properties pane when you are done.

   When the Properties pane is open for a 3D object layer, you can use the Move and Rotate buttons to change the object's location and rotation. To re-open a layer's Properties pane, right click on the layer in the Table of Contents and click Properties. You can learn more about editing 3D objects here.

   

   In addition to Spitfires, there were also several squadrons of B17 bombers. You’ll add a single bomber and adjust its configuration, but you can add more if desired to complete the squadron.

6. Click the Add data button, Select Files, browse to the D-Day folder and select B17.obj.
7. In the Properties window, do the following:
   • For Altitude, choose Relative and type 120.
   • For Scale, type 8.

   

8. Optionally, add more B17s and move them around the scene to create squadrons.

   The scene now includes one (or more) Spitfires and B17s.

   

Create a viewshed for MG42

Hours before the dawn attack, Allied bombers attempted to destroy German defenses dug deep into the steep bluffs overlooking Omaha Beach. Thick clouds hindered their views and most bombs missed their targets. As a result, soldiers from the attacking U.S. 1st and 29th Infantry divisions crossed hundreds of yards of open sand and into the well-entrenched veterans of the German 352nd Infantry Division.

The MG42 is a machine gun designed in Nazi Germany and was used extensively during the second half of World War II. The gun's low-cost, efficient production and high cycle rate made it extremely effective in providing suppressive fire. You'll add several of these along the beachfront.

1. Add the MG42.obj file to the scene.
2. In the Properties window, do the following:
   • For Altitude, choose Relative and type 1.4.
   • For Scale, type 2.
   • For Heading, type 112.
   • For Tilt, type 0.
   • For Roll, type 0.

   

3. Move the MG42 layer onto the beach.

   Note:

   If necessary, increase the Scale attribute to see the MG42 layer.

4. On the toolbar, click the Interactive Analysis button and choose Viewshed.

   

5. Click the MG42 location on the scene to place the observer.

   

   The Viewshed tool allows you to visually assess the firing field available to the MG42. You can change the color, heading, tilt, or vertical and horizontal angles to change the field of the viewshed. You can also use the other tools, Line of Sight and Elevation Profile, to extend your analysis.

6. Close the Viewshed window.

Create a flyby animation

After escorting a B-17 aircraft inland to clear the way for landing crafts, the Spitfires repeatedly attacked the beach with bombs and machine-gun fire to clear the way for soldiers. You can re-create this scene by configuring a flyby animation in ArcGIS Earth.

You will create a flight line and then create an animation showing the view as an aircraft follows that line.

1. Pan, zoon and tilt the scene so you can see the part of beach where you want to see the view from the aircraft.
2. On the toolbar, click the Draw button and choose Line.

   

   The Properties window appears. You’ll create a flyby line for the aircraft and set the altitude.

3. In the Properties window, do the following:
   • For Name, type Fly By Line.
   • For Altitude, choose Absolute and type 80.

   

4. Click the start point and add points to sketch the path the aircraft will fly along the beach.

   After the last point, right click and choose Finish Sketch.

   

5. On the toolbar, click the Interactive Analysis button and choose Viewshed. In the Viewshed window, click Animation
6. Under Animation settings, do the following:
   • For Select line, ensure that Fly By Line is chosen.
   • For Model, choose Aircraft.
   • For Speed, adjust the slider to the middle.

   

7. Click Start animation and watch as the viewshed updates as the aircraft moves along the flight line through the fortifications and over the beach.

   

8. When you are done reviewing the animation, click Stop animation and close the Viewshed window.

In this tutorial, you’ve re-created the scene for the initial landing at D-Day using .kmz, .kml, and .obj files in ArcGIS Earth. By using the Interactive Analysis tools, you were able to understand the viewshed range of different vehicles and weaponry. You can employ similar techniques to re-create other battles for instructional purposes, or to build a 3-D overview of a battle plan.