Spatial Analyst in Municipal GIS?

Question

Hi all, I'm about to activate a trial for the Spatial Analyst extension for our municipal GIS, and I want to get as much use out of it as possible while the trial is active. So my question is, what have you municipal/county/state GIS folks used Spatial Analyst for?

Our GIS is a mostly public works-oriented setup but we do have layers for zoning, open space, trails, 2-ft contours, traffic counts, traffic accidents, to name a few.

DanPatterson_Retired · Answer

If you are doing the slope profile determinations manually and would like to quasi-automate that the 3D analyst has some nifty profile tools.  They are particularly handy if you just need to get a gradient/slope for a particular road segment, park slope etc etc. If your municipality has a a good quality dem then you will appreciate it

Profile Tool Options—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

Using the interactive Terrain Point Profile tool—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

and more generally

Understanding the 3D Analyst toolbar options—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

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MikeCusi · Answer

Yes indeed Alex. All those calculations you can do with Spatial Analyst and if you do it on a fairly regular basis and in varying localities, you can even set up some model builder tools to semi-automate the process. And as Chris​ mentions below there are also a lot of tools in there that can help you better visualize your data.

ChrisDonohue__GISP · Answer

If nothing else, Hillshades!  It can really help make your aerials "pop" by adding a good hillshade.

Viewshed analysis' are another one to do.  A concern that comes up on some projects is just how visible a new structure will be, so running a Viewshed can help the Planners and public get a sense of where there is a potential visual impact.

As Mike mentions, taking a class can be very helpful in seeing what is possible.  Also, given the time constraint you have, I would line up the data before turning it on, as sometimes it can take some time to track down a good Digital Elevation Model (DEM) or other elevation data.

Chris Donohue, GISP