3D integrated representation model and visualization based on the global discrete voxel—GeoSOT3D

Abstract

With the development of earth observation technology, especially the rapid progress of LiDAR technology in recent years, the kinds and quantity of three-dimensional spatial information is increasing. How to effectively model and visualize the 3D spatial data has become a key issue for academic and applied science community. The global discrete voxel divides the earth into a series of different scale voxels according to specific rules. However, it is usually bound to the surface, the data model below the surface belongs to 3D geological modeling while data model above is geographic 3D modeling. The earth itself is a complete whole. Splitting it to two parts or using different model frameworks will bring errors caused by the boundary. In this paper, we propose a new global discrete voxel called GeoSOT3D, which is the abbreviation of Geographical coordinates Subdivision grid with One dimension integral coding on 2n-Tree for space. GeoSOT3D framework is an illimitably divisible, multi-level, multi-scale space division pattern, which can seamlessly fit the global space. Based on the GeoSOT3D, a global multi-scale 3D spatial data representation model can be established. It is a model that is trying to represent the spatial object using subdivision unit according to accuracy of spatial data and the size of the entity. At last, in order to verify the theory presented in this issue, we construct a 3D spatial information subdivision visualization prototype system using the GeoSOT3D representation method. We then use the earth's magnetic field data to demonstrate the 3D representation model.