3D GIS Research Articles

A REVIEW OF 3D GIS FOR USE IN CREATING VIRTUAL HISTORIC DUBLIN

Abstract. This paper illustrates how BIM integration with GIS is approached as part of the workflow in creating Virtual Historic Dublin. A design for a WEB based interactive 3D model of historic buildings and centres in Dublin City (Virtual Historic Dublin City) paralleling smart city initiates is now under construction and led by the National Monuments at the Office of Public Works in Ireland. The aim is to facilitate the conservation and maintenance of historic infrastructure and fabric and the dissemination of knowledge for education and cultural tourism using an extensive Historic Building Information Model. Remote sensing data is now processed with greater ease to create 3D intelligent models in Historic BIM. While the use of remote sensing, HBIM and game engine platforms are the main applications used at present, 3D GIS has potential to form part of the workflow for developing the Virtual Historic City. 2D GIS is now being replaced by 3D spatial data allowing more complex analysis to be carried out, 3D GIS can define and depict buildings, urban rural centres in relation to their geometry topological, semantic and visualisation properties. The addition of semantic attributes allows complex analysis and 3D spatial queries for modelling city and urban elements. This analysis includes fabric and structural elements of buildings, relief, vegetation, transportation, water bodies, city furniture and land use.

POINT CLOUD SEGMENTATION AND SEMANTIC ANNOTATION AIDED BY GIS DATA FOR HERITAGE COMPLEXES

Abstract. Point cloud segmentation is an important first step in categorising a raw point cloud data. This step is necessary in order to better manage the data and generate other derivative products, e.g. 3D GIS or HBIM. The idea presented in this paper involves the use of 2D GIS to help in the segmentation, classification, as well as (early) semantic annotation of the point cloud. This derives from the fact that in the case of heritage complex sites, often times the site has been previously documented in a 2D GIS often with attributes and entities. We used this 2D data to help in the segmentation of a 3D point cloud, with the added benefit of automatic extraction and annotation of the related semantic information directly to the segmented clusters. Results show that the developed algorithm performs well with TLS data of spread out heritage sites, with a median success rate of 93% and an average rate of 86%. While manual intervention is still inevitable in some parts of the workflow (e.g. creation of the base shapefiles and choice of object segmentation order), the developed algorithm has shown to significantly reduce overall processing time and resources required in terms of segmentation and semantic annotation of a point cloud in the case of heritage complexes.

A Strategy for Loading Oblique Photogrammetry Models and Multilayer Basemap Data

With the development of drone technology and oblique photogrammetry technology, the acquisition of oblique photogrammetry models and basemap becomes more and more convenient and quickly. The increase in the number of basemap leads to excessively redundant basemap tiles requests in 3D GIS when loading oblique photogrammetry models, which slows down the system. Aiming at improving the speed of running system, this paper proposes a dynamic strategy for loading basemap tiles. Different from existing 3D GIS which loading oblique photogrammetry models and basemap tiles inde-pendently, this strategy dynamically loads basemap tiles depending on different height of view and the range of loaded oblique photogrammetry models. We achieve dynamic loading of basemap tiles by predetermining whether the basemap tiles will be covered by the oblique photogrammetry models. The experimental results show that this strategy can greatly reduce the num-ber of redundant requests from the client to the server while ensuring the user’s visual requirements for the oblique photogrammetric model.

Uses of Augmented reality for urban utilities management

Augmented reality (AR) is based on supplementing the view of the physical world with a computer-generated content such as text, images videos, sound, 3D objects etc. The proliferation of smart mobile devices and their high computational capabilities combined with the possibility of GIS 3D visualization and interaction have enabled new kinds of mobile applications. AR is considered as an efficient technology for the underground utilities management. Damages to underground utility lines are considered as one of the major urban problems because incidents caused by unsafe digging practices can compromise community safety and disconnect people from vital services. A prospective study was conducted to identify examples and characteristics of each type of augmented reality. This paper summarizes researches about the types of AR and discuss how this technology could help in underground utilities repairing and maintenance. We present a new mobile location based augmented reality system using smart device sensors and the Real Time Kinematic (RTK) satellite navigation technology of ORPHEON network for the location accuracy. This system enables GIS data visualization to help field workers in outdoor maintenance of underground infrastructures.

Semantic-based 3D information modelling and documentation of rockeries in Chinese classical gardens: A case study on the rockery at Huanxiu Shanzhuang, Suzhou, China

Abstract Rockery, or Jia Shan, representing a high level of artistic achievement and aiming to show Chinese landscapes and culture, is an essential part of Chinese classical gardens. Taking the rockery in the backyard of Huanxiu Shanzhuang as an example, this study undertook digital measurements and 3D reality-based modelling, carried out semantic-based analysis and modelling, and built a 3D information system. The digital survey applied the integrated techniques of terrestrial digital photogrammetry and laser scanning. Once the integrated 3D digital data had been obtained, the rockery was systematically and clearly analyzed for its structure on the base of its relationship with mountains in nature. By obtaining the hierarchical and spatial relationships between rockery components, the rockery and its components were semantically named and modelled. According to the rockery analysis results, the 3D reality-based models were segmented into numbers of rockery components, and a 3D information system was built on the basis of a 3D geographic information systems (3D GIS). Through these methods, all the data and information obtained from the rockery on the study site were documented, stored, managed, and visualized. This research showed that rockeries in Chinese classical gardens and cultural heritage sites with similar characteristics can be digitally, informationally, and systematically documented, studied, and preserved.

A 3DGIS multi-agent geo-simulation model for assessment of building evacuation scenarios considering urgency and knowledge of exits

ABSTRACTA three-dimensional geographic information system (3DGIS)-based multi-agent geo-simulation model was developed using the GAMA simulation platform integrating 3D GIS layers and agent-based modelling for evacuation scenario modelling. The prototype model developed was used to generate building evacuation scenarios in order to perform a preliminary assessment of the effects of panic on the egress of building occupants, represented in the model as urgency (increased evacuation speed) and knowledge of exits. In the model, 3DGIS layers of the case study building were used as inputs to model the simulation agents referred to as ‘species’. PEOPLE species represents the building occupants evacuating to their target EXIT_POINTS along the INDOOR_PATHS. Their movement is affected by the chance of panic (CoP) and the chance of knowledge of exit (CoKE) parameters. CoP sets the number of PEOPLE agents ‘panicking’, which would be assigned with movement at 1.5 times the default speed. On the other hand, CoKE conditionally sets the target EXIT_POINT to either the designated exit attribute of the ROOMS where the PEOPLE species is located or to a random exit. Speed of movement along the INDOOR_PATHS is also affected according to path weights which are proportional to the number of PEOPLE species on the same path. Different simulation runs were performed, varying the CoP and CoKE. In general, knowledge of exit only reduced the total egress time slightly, but within the egress period, more people were able to exit quickly with increased knowledge of exit. Shorter egress time can be achieved with a random selection of exits and low CoP. However, as the number of occupants panicking increased, total egress time would eventually increase. The simulation illustrated the limitations of designating exits based on the shortest route only and indicate that knowledge of the volume of evacuating people along the indoor paths is beneficial for improving egress.

Multi-scaler 3D modelling to reconstruct an experiential landscape: An example from a worker's cottage at Mount Dutton Bay, South Australia

New advances in 3D GIS provide the opportunity to create and interact with spatial datasets that are both empirical and experiential, thus bridging the historical divide between cartography and phenomenology. Survey and photogrammetry data from the colonial-era woolshed and port of Mount Dutton Bay in South Australia are used to create a visually realistic 3D landscape model. Viewshed analysis provided important information about the use of space and construction techniques for the shearers' cottage on this site. The results demonstrate that rigorous quantitative analysis is not incompatible with understanding the human experience of an archaeological site, and therefore open up exciting new avenues of archaeological enquiry.

SEMANTIC MODELING OF UTILITY NETWORKS IMPLEMENTATION OF USE CASES FOR DEHRADUN CITY

Abstract. The current on-going boom in the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D GIS is widely being explored for vast urban related applications, analyses and simulations. Large amount of 3D city models are created using various sources of data. Substantial studies are carried out for above-surface features in 3D city models. This ensures providing relevant information about various spatial analyses over the urban systems and environment. Relevant researches explored the numerous applications of 3D GIS such as disaster management, city administration, urban and environment planning, environmental studies, etc. Utility infrastructures (overhead, subsurface or on-surface) play the critical role in the urban space; still they are not considered in 3D city models. OGC CityGML is acting well behind these applications by integrating the geographic information, semantics and the various interdependencies information with the 3D city model. Moreover, comparative studies over the existing network data models make Utility Network ADE as the perfect approach for data modelling. This research proposes the methodology for 3D semantic modelling of subsurface water supply network along with its various „subsurface, overhead and on-surface‟ utility network components with the help of OGC CityGML Utility Network ADE. This study is conducted for Dehradun area. As a result, semantically modelled utility network data is utilised for successful implementation of use cases such as 1) areas affected by utility failure; 2) street space affected by utility maintenance; and; 3) visualisation. These cases are investigated along with urban space.

Hyperspectral Imaging for Characterization of Lithic Raw Materials: The Case of a Mesolithic Dwelling in Northern Sweden

ABSTRACTThis study proposes a method for the classification of lithic raw materials by means of hyperspectral imaging, a non-destructive fast analytical technique. The information potential of this approach was tested on a dwelling site dated to mid-late Mesolithic (7200–5800 BP) at Lillsjön, Ångermanland, Sweden. A dataset of lithic tools and flakes (2612 objects) made of quartz and quartzite, was analyzed using a shortwave infrared hyperspectral imaging system. The classification of the raw materials was performed applying multivariate statistical models. A random test set of 55 artefacts was selected, classified according to spectral signature and divided into categories corresponding to different geological materials. The same test set was analyzed with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (ED XRF) to validate the classification. The entire dataset of lithics collected on the site was then classified applying a SIMCA model. The distribution of items on the site was visualized in a 3D GIS platform according to their geological characteristics to highlight patterns that could indicate different use of the space and dynamics of raw materials supply over time.

3D INDOOR ROUTING FOR FIRE EVACUATION PLANNING INSIDE MAIN LIBRARY, UP DILIMAN

Abstract. 3D indoor GIS is now being widely used as its improved spatial visualization can be applied to a variety of projects – one of which is emergency management in multi-level buildings. This study assesses the fire evacuation plan of the Main Library in the University of the Philippines – Diliman using 3D indoor GIS. Currently, the Main Library has a two-dimensional fire evacuation plan for every floor all following general routes to several exit points. With 3D indoor routing using GIS and network analysis, an origin-based and scenario-dependent evacuation management plan is created to have a more systematic process for fire events. Certain factors – priority of resources, origin of fire, all possible routes and exits, duration of evacuation – were used as basis of the fire evacuation plan assessment. The resulting geometric 3D model of Main Library is presented with both the library patron routes and staff routes that have stops along the way in to save priority resources before proceeding to exit points. Color-coded routes are mapped out symbolizing evacuation time while the route line thickness represents the population count in each route. Furthermore, three obstruction scenarios were created in order to simulate a fire event. Although a fire model was not considered, the scenarios proved to show the versatility of the generated routes in accordance to each case. Additionally, two new exit points were suggested for the ease of the library staff – who had a much longer evacuation time – resulting to an average time deficit of 15.25 seconds.

3D MODELLING TOWARDS STRATA REGISTRATION

Abstract. The rapid development of a country has resulted in limited land use. This is indirectly encouraging multilayer development (strata) especially for the development of residential properties such as condominiums, apartments and others. The idea of having 3D database for the cadastral system has been discussed for a good and efficient management in Malaysia. The development in 3D GIS will make a 3D cadastral realizable. In Malaysia, the current 2D cadastre system is regularly updated by the National Mapping Agency (NMA) and Land Offices (LO). However, this 2D information may not be able to serve complex situations. The 3D strata acquisition and 3D modelling are important for strata title to manage the Right, Restriction and Responsibility (RRRs). This means needs to the system extended into 3D cadastre environment. One of the data acquisition techniques is utilizing LiDAR data to solve the problem. 3D geospatial objects could be generated from the captured points cloud. The NMA attempts to make use of LiDAR datasets for strata registration purposes. This paper also discuss the needs the 3D strata registration via XML and IndoorGML for future 3D strata development in Malaysia.

Compactly representing massive terrain models as TINs in CityGML.

Terrains form an important part of 3D city models. GIS practitioners often model terrains with 2D grids. However, TINs (Triangulated Irregular networks) are also increasingly used in practice. One such example is the 3D city model of the Netherlands (3DTOP10NL), which covers the whole country as one massive triangulation with more than one billion triangles. Due to the massive size of terrain datasets, the main issue is how to efficiently store and maintain them. The international 3D GIS standard CityGML allows us to store TINs using the Simple Feature representation. However, we argue that it is not appropriate for storing massive TINs and has limitations. We focus in this article on an improved storage representation for massive terrain models as TINs. We review different data structures for compactly representing TINs and explore how they can be implemented in CityGML as an ADE (Application Domain Extension) to efficiently store massive terrains. We model our extension using UML, and XML schemas for the extension are automatically derived from these UML models. Experiments with massive real‐world terrains show that, with this approach, we can compress CityGML files up to a factor of ~20 with one billion+ triangles, and our method has the added benefit of explicitly storing the topological relationships of a TIN model.

A GRASS ROOT ORIENTED URBAN PLANNING APPROACH TO UPLIFT THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACET OF A CITY USING 2D AND 3D GIS: CASE STUDY ON MEHMEDABAD CITY, INDIA

Abstract. Being a developing nation, India is facing an array of problems owing to the huge population shift from rural to urban areas, thereby leading to an increasing urbanisation trend since the 1980s. As a result, the process of urban planning in India is extremely tedious and requires lots of manual intervention. Although the recent developments in GIS have immensely helped urban planners, extensive ground survey is still a big challenge in the context of Indian cities. In this work, the study area has been chosen as Mehmedabad which is a Tier-3 city in the state of Gujarat. A rigorous grass root oriented ground survey involving each and every household of Mehmedabad has been utilised for both requirement elicitation and site-suitability purposes. With the aid of both 2D and 3D GIS, a city development plan has been proposed for the year 2031. The planning process incorporated population projection, water supply demand, sewage discharge and road network analysis for building robust development control regulations which were essential to improve the socio-economic aspects of Mehmedabad. Additionally, cost estimations for each of the proposed sectors have been carried out so as to maintain an appropriate budget for uplifting the existing infrastructures of the city.

MODELING CITIES FOR 3D_GIS PURPOSES

Abstract. 3D Geographic Information Systems (3D GIS) are systems that are capable of making spatial analyses that consider the tridimentional and semantic representation of objects. These systems make these analyses through its planialtimetric coordinates. The City Geography Markup Language (CityGML) is used for the representation of cities and urban applications. The CityGML is an international standardized data model based on XML used to store and exchange information through 3D representation of cities. This standardized data model has 5 Levels of Detail – LOD, varying from LOD 0 (least detailed) to 4 (most detailed). The main challenges for the implementation of these systems refer to the techniques used for obtaining data and the data format, and also all the software used in the geometric modeling of the urban model. The data related to the buildings were manipulated with the QGIS software in this study. This made it possible to obtain the height of the buildings by the elevation difference between the Digital Surface Model and the Digital Terrain Model. This paper presents and discusses the first results of the geometric modeling made in the campus of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), by using airborne laser scanning data, integrating QGIS, Rhinoceros and CityGML.

INTEGRATING BIM AND GIS DATA TO SUPPORT THE MANAGEMENT OF LARGE BUILDING STOCKS

Abstract. The survey phase is an essential prerequisite for effective management and improvement of existing buildings. The low accessibility of information regarding the design and construction phases and the current state of the buildings, are the main causes of inefficient actions on existing buildings. The lack of “As Built” documentation (building components, installations, etc.) and the complex task of detecting their current status in terms of use (intended use and space dimensions, environmental context, etc.) and maintenance (conservation status of building components, age of the technological installations, previous maintenance work, compliance with current regulations, etc.) causes deep difficulties in planning, scheduling and controlling appropriate interventions. Starting from these assumptions, this paper shows the findings of a research, aimed at testing the integrated use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D Geographic Information Systems (3D GIS) in order to structure knowledge. The research concerns a case study and it has actually led to the development of a BIM- 3D GIS workflow which formalizes knowledge and information involved of a significant building, according to its management: the INA houses by Enrico Mandolesi, a residential complex for about 2500 inhabitants built around 1960 in the eastern suburbs of Cagliari (Italy).

HOW CAN 3D GIS BE USED TO BETTER STORE, INTEGRATE AND COMMUNICATE RESULTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS?

Abstract. In the United Kingdom, the process of conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a legal requirement for projects of considerable size or those that can affect the environment. EIA results are presented as an Environmental Statement, which includes multiple long reports often covering thousands of pages on large developments and includes complex information that is hard to understand for the intended audience of planners and the general public. To facilitate understanding, environmental professionals often use 2D maps. However, this approach is only partially useful, as it is difficult to locate specific information or to identify information related to a specific location on a very large site. This paper presents a pilot study into whether 3D GIS provide an alternative to better present, integrate and communicate the EIA results, with specific focus on three core environmental datasets: noise, air quality and bats’ flight paths, in relation to the building model of a real world development site. We focus in particular on off-the-shelf technologies that would be available to a standard Environmental Consultancy not having access to bespoke development, and will be usable by the planners, public and other decision makers, and look at tasks including 3D georeferencing, integration and visualisation of the data to be explored. It was concluded that while 3D GIS has a potential for environmental modelling, current technology and standards of data collection limit the practical use of 3D GIS at this stage.

BIM-GIS ORIENTED INTELLIGENT KNOWLEDGE DISCOVERY

Abstract. Urban and population growth results in increasing pressure on the public utilities like transport, energy, healthcare services, crime management and emergency services in the realm of smart city management. Smart management of these services increases the necessity of dealing with big data which is come from different sources with various types and formats like 3D city information, GPS, traffic, mobile, Building Information Model (BIM), environmental, social activities and IoT stream data. Therefore, an approach to mine/analysis/interpret these data and extract useful knowledge from this diverse big data sources emerges in order to extract the hidden pattern of data using computational algorithms from statistics, machine learning and information theory. However, inconsistency, duplication and repetition and misconducting with the different type of discrete and continuous data can cause erroneous decision-making. This paper focuses on providing a rules extraction and supervised-decision making methods for facilitating the fusion of BIM and 2D and 3D GIS-based information coupling with IoT stream data residing in a spatial database and 3D BIM data. The proposed methods can be used in those applications like Emergency Response, Evacuation Planning, Occupancy Mapping, and Urban Monitoring to Smart Multi-Buildings so that their input data mostly come from 2D and 3D GIS, BIM and IoT stream. This research focus on proposing the unified rules extraction and decision engine to help smart citizens and managers using BIM and GIS data to make smart decision rather than focus on applications in certain field of BIM and GIS.

THE URBAN HERITAGE CHARACTERIZATION USING 3D GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS. THE SYSTEM OF MEDIUM-SIZED CITIES IN ANDALUSIA

Abstract. The primary objective of this paper is to approach the use of the 3D Geographic Information Systems (3D GIS), as an instrumental tool that allows us to deal efficiently with the extensive amount of information that characterises a large part of the research carried out in the field of Urbanism and Regional Planning. Specifically, the study focuses on medium-sized cities in Andalusia, the most populous and the second largest region in Spain. The Andalusian urban system is substantially characterised by the historical importance of this type of cities within its territorial organisation, which dates back to more than two thousand years, and whose potential as sustainable and balanced stands out. In particular, it is intended to address features related to urban characterisation as medium-sized cities that have been declared as heritage sites, as well as, the integration of the cultural heritage into urban development planning as an active strategy by the cultural administration of the regional and local governments. In detail, this paper will analyse data relating to the development experienced, their characterisation through urban indicators or the evolution and traceability of their protection. In this sense, the use of 3D GIS will not only allow the efficient recording and the graphical representation of a significant amount of data resulting from the quantitative and qualitative analysis carried out but also model them using the third dimension to facilitate a cross analysis among the cities under study. Definitely, the aim is to demonstrate the suitability use of this technology in this type of scientific research.

TESTING THE IMPACT OF 2D GENERALISATION ON 3D MODELS – EXPLORING ANALYSIS OPTIONS WITH AN OFF-THE-SHELF SOFTWARE PACKAGE

Abstract. Popularity and diverse use of 3D city models has increased exponentially in the past few years, providing a more realistic impression and understanding of cities. Often, 3D city models are created by elevating the buildings from a detailed 2D topographic base map and subsequently used in studies such as solar panel allocation, infrastructure remodelling, antenna installations or even tourist guide applications. However, the large amount of resulting data slows down rendering and visualisation of the 3D models, and can also impact the performance of any analysis. Generalisation enables a reduction in the amount of data – however the addition of the third dimension makes this process more complex, and the loss of detail resulting from the process will inevitably have an impact on the result of any subsequent analysis.While a few 3D generalization algorithms do exist in a research context, these are not available commercially. However, GIS users can create the generalised 3D models by simplifying and aggregating the 2D dataset first and then extruding it to the third dimension. This approach offers a rapid generalization process to create a dataset to underpin the impact of using generalised data for analysis. Specifically, in this study, the line of sight from a tall building and the sun shadow that it creates are calculated and compared, in both original and generalised datasets. The results obtained after the generalisation process are significant: both the number of polygons and the number of nodes are minimized by around 83 % and the volume of 3D buildings is reduced by 14.87 %. As expected, the spatial analyses processing times are also reduced. The study demonstrates the impact of generalisation on analytical results – which is particularly relevant in situations where detailed data is not available and will help to guide the development of future 3D generalisation algorithms. It also highlights some issues with the overall maturity of 3D analysis tools, which could be one factor limiting uptake of 3D GIS.

VISIBLE ROUTES IN 3D DENSE CITY USING REINFORCEMENT LEARNING

Abstract. In the last few years, the 3D GIS domain has developed rapidly, and has become increasingly accessible to different disciplines. 3D Spatial analysis of Built-up areas seems to be one of the most challenging topics in the communities currently dealing with spatial data. One of the most basic problems in spatial analysis is related to visibility computation in such an environment. Visibility calculation methods aim to identify the parts visible from a single point, or multiple points, of objects in the environment. In this work, we present a unique method combining visibility analysis in 3D environments with dynamic motion planning algorithm, named Visibility Velocity Obstacles (VVO) with Markov process defined as spatial visibility analysis for routes in 3D dense city environment. Based on our VVO analysis, we use Reinforcement Learning (RL) method in order to find an optimal action policy in dense 3D city environment described as Markov decision process, navigating in the most visible routes. As far as we know, we present for the first time a Reinforcement Learning (RL) solution to the visibility analysis in 3D dense environment problem, generating a sequence of viewpoints that allows an optimal visibility in different routes in urban city. Our analysis is based on fast and unique solution for visibility boundaries, formulating the problem with RL methods.