Moving Towards 3D — From a National Mapping Agency Perspective

Abstract

As the National Mapping Agency of Great Britain, Ordnance Survey develops high quality and detailed topographic products at national coverage. We are always developing our product line and are currently investigating the addition of 3D data. In line with our role as a national mapping agency the approach is to do this, such that any data is part of a coherent range of products that are sympathetic with the terrain and existing 2D topographic data, are of national cover and are maintained. Such intentions create challenges beyond those faced by data suppliers of existing 3D data given that these are stand-alone, of limited geographic extent and unmaintained. We are therefore faced with the following challenges: 1. Determination of a specification and an appropriate capture methodology. The first of these is a non-trivial process since it has to be a com promise between multiple end uses and the economics of data capture. Automatic data capture techniques, for 3D features, are in their infancy and if a national coverage dataset is ever to be realised, these techniques must be significantly advanced. 2. Data modelling and storage of 3D data. 3. Maintenance in line with the existing policy of continuous update. 4. Supply of products in a format that is understandable to our customers systems and of a useable form. This paper will discuss those issues most pertinent to the development of a potential 3D product within Ordnance Survey. Subsequently, a better understanding of the complexity of implementing a 3D dataset into a national mapping agency’s product portfolio can be achieved.