Increasing detail of 3D models through combined photogrammetric and procedural modelling

Abstract

This study addresses the need of making reality-based 3D urban models more detailed. Our method combines the established workflows from photogrammetry and procedural modelling in order to exploit distinct advantages of both approaches. Our overall workflow uses photogrammetry for measuring geo-referenced satellite imagery to create 3D building models and textured roof geometry. The results are then used to create attributed building footprints, which can be applied in the procedural modelling part of the workflow. Thereby procedural building models and detailed façade structures, based on street-level photos, are created. The final step merges the textured roof geometry with the procedural façade geometry, resulting in an improved model compared with using each technique alone. The article details the individual workflow steps and exemplifies the approach by means of a concrete case study carried out in Singapore’s Punggol area, where we modelled a newly developed part of Singapore, consisting mainly of 3D high-rise towers.