Development of an automated modeler of environment and energy geographic information (E-GIS) for ecofriendly city planning

Abstract

Abstract In this study, an Energy Integrated Support System (EnerISS) Modeler (or simply, Modeler), an automated module of a knowledge-based urban planning support system, was developed to support the strategic technology implementation of environmentally friendly local energy planning. Modeler was developed as a tool that integrates various formats of the planning data into a unified format during the planning stage. It automates the three-dimensional (3D) modeling of the integrated urban space and presents visual information to support decision-making processes. The system architecture of Modeler includes the formation of building polygons, textures for classified land cover shape, topography, and 3D urban space. Modeler was developed on a native-based software (S/W) platform. It was created with a single document frame (SDF) from the Windows Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) Library and is driven by a 3D-based engine that can be used by a GIS client. Modeler was validated for a domestic city in the urban planning stage on a test bed platform. Because of the expansion of a ubiquitous environment and increasing social network services (SNS), the ability to port the Modeler to a web-based platform should be investigated, thus enabling easier access for decision makers.