3D Geovisualization Research Articles

Using augmented reality in 3D modeling and geovisualization of urban design patterns and landscape projection

Using augmented reality in 3D modeling and geovisualization of urban design patterns and landscape projection

User preferences for 2D markings of public buildings in immersive 3D geovisualizations

User preferences for 2D markings of public buildings in immersive 3D geovisualizations

Review of the state of practice in geovisualization in the geosciences

Geosciences modelling and 3D geovisualization is growing and evolving rapidly. Driven by commercial urgency and an increase in data from sensor-based sources, there is an abundance of opportunities to analyze geosciences data in 3D and 4D. Geosciences modelling is developing in GIS based systems, 3D modelling through both game engines and custom programs, and the use of extended reality to further interact with data. The key limitations that are currently prevalent in 3D geovisualization in the geosciences are GIS representations having difficulty displaying 3D data and undergoing translations to pseudo-3D, thus losing fidelity, financial and personnel capital, processing issues with the terabytes worth of data and limited computing, digital occlusion and spatial interpretation challenges with users, and matching and alignment of 3D points. The future of 3D geovisualization lies in its accelerated growth, data management solutions, further interactivity in applications, and more information regarding the benefits and best practices in the field.

Evaluation of 3D geovisualization of volumetric geospatial data in the form of horizontal planes using selected software

The main motivation of the paper is to provide an overview of 3D geovisualization capabilities of selected software and present selected methods of visualization of 3D geospa-tial data using horizontal planes. The paper is focused on the evaluation of software and meth-ods for the visualization of thematic geospatial data with an emphasis on visual analysis in 3D. Meteorological data of the ALADIN forecast model were used to create visualizations. The first part focuses on the evaluation of selected software in terms of 3D visualization capa-bilities. The evaluation encompasses software tools such as geographic information systems, web-based solutions, and 3D computer graphics software. The result is a comparison of these software in terms of suitability for visual analysis in 3D, for example in terms of spatial data support, 3D visualizations, or analytical functions. The second part is focused on the presen-tation of four methods of 3D data visualization using horizontal planes for visualizing thematic data, including single plane, multiple planes without transparency, multiple planes with trans-parency, and multiple planes overlay. These methods were evaluated based on graphical var-iables, both the original ones defined by Jacques Bertin and those added later by other car-tographers, to achieve the most optimal visual analysis in 3D. The article concludes by high-lighting the advantages and disadvantages of the different visualization methods, and their specifics in terms of graphical variables. The importance of interactive visualization environ-ments for fully utilizing the potential of these methods is emphasized.

Mapping Art: 3D geo-visualization and virtual worlds in cultural heritage

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the use of digital mapping and GIS in combination with 3D geo-visualization in depicting landscapes and cultural heritage sites. As computers evolve in their processing capabilities (graphics card, processor, memory speed), so does the graphical output representing our world that can be done in less time. Short processing times and available highly sophisticated software create conditions to test existing models of our 3D world or best create alternative renderings of monuments and landscapes. A study area has been chosen to present such a methodology. Ancient Pylos was selected as the study area due to the abundance of bibliographic references available, facilitating the creation of a cartographic representation of the region based on archaeological discoveries and historical sources. The advantages of employing 3D geo-visualizations in archaeology are numerous and are examined within this article. Visual imaging aids archaeologists in elucidating intricate or deficient details pertaining to a monument, simultaneously streamlining archaeological data for easier comprehension by the general public. The use of 3D geo-visualization to represent data and other non-photorealistic details is expected to dominate in the near future.

The Driving Role of 3D Geovisualization in the Reanimation of Local Collective Memory and Historical Sources for the Reconstitution of Rural Landscapes

The dynamics created by the process of territorial construction are partly based on the selective and functional incorporation of heritage. However, in rural areas, retrospection presents particular difficulties due to a lack of appropriate information. Τhis research proposes the implementation of a methodology that combines sources, methods, and tools where the extraction of timeless information is based on the use of 3D interactive representations incorporating the active participation of actors and their collective memory. The proposed methodology strives for the compatibility, objectivity, and synergy of information from various sources and historical periods. The scope of this research concerns the mapping of the route and landscapes that were explored and described by the traveller Leake 210 years ago in the Farsala-Almyros area in Thessaly (Greece). The results focus on the reconstruction of the spatial subsystems of land use and exploitation at the beginning of the 19th century. The analysis reveals a production system, organized to use the laws of nature in order to sustainably manage the relationship between humans, animals, and natural resources. At the same time, the comparison with the current space has revealed a serious degradation in the natural environment since then. Finally, this mixed methodology, by combining the “spatialization” of information, virtuality and interactivity, the transition in time and space, and, finally, the “territorialization” of information, forms the basis for the inclusion of the history of places in the modern process of constructing a territorial area.

Interactive 3D Geo-Visualization Systems, Deep Learning-based Image Classification Algorithms, and Virtual Navigation and Simulation Modeling Tools across Web3-powered Metaverse Worlds

Interactive 3D Geo-Visualization Systems, Deep Learning-based Image Classification Algorithms, and Virtual Navigation and Simulation Modeling Tools across Web3-powered Metaverse Worlds

Digital Twin-based Cyber-Physical Production and Interactive 3D Geo-Visualization Systems, Virtual Machine and Image Processing Computational Algorithms, and Ambient Sound Recognition and Decision Intelligence Tools in the Industrial Metaverse

Digital Twin-based Cyber-Physical Production and Interactive 3D Geo-Visualization Systems, Virtual Machine and Image Processing Computational Algorithms, and Ambient Sound Recognition and Decision Intelligence Tools in the Industrial Metaverse

Neural Network-based Recognition and Virtual Simulation Algorithms, Interactive 3D Geo-Visualization and Neuromorphic Computing Systems, and Tactile Sensing and Cognitive Modeling Technologies in Web3-powered Metaverse Worlds

Neural Network-based Recognition and Virtual Simulation Algorithms, Interactive 3D Geo-Visualization and Neuromorphic Computing Systems, and Tactile Sensing and Cognitive Modeling Technologies in Web3-powered Metaverse Worlds

VR Multiscale Geovisualization Based on UAS Multitemporal Data: The Case of Geological Monuments

Technological progress in Virtual Reality (VR) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) offers great advantages in the field of cartography and particularly in the geovisualization of spatial data. This paper investigates the correlation between UAS flight characteristics for data acquisition and the quality of the derived maps and 3D models of geological monuments for VR geovisualization in different scales and timeframes. In this study, we develop a methodology for mapping geoheritage monuments based on different cartographic scales. Each cartographic scale results in diverse orthophotomaps and 3D models. All orthophotomaps and 3D models provide an optimal geovisualization, combining UAS and VR technologies and thus contributing to the multitemporal 3D geovisualization of geological heritage on different cartographic scales. The study area selected was a fossilite ferrous site located in Lesvos Geopark, UNESCO. The study area contains a fossil site surrounding various findings. The three distinct scales that occur are based on the object depicted: (i) the fossilite ferrous site (1:120), (ii) the fossil root system (1:20), and (iii) individual fossils (≥1:10). The methodology followed in the present research consists of three main sections: (a) scale-variant UAS data acquisition, (b) data processing and results (2D–3D maps and models), and (c) 3D geovisualization to VR integration. Each different mapping scale determines the UAS data acquisition parameters (flight pattern, camera orientation and inclination, height of flight) and defines the resolution of the 3D models to be embedded in the VR environment. Due to the intense excavation of the study area, the location was spatiotemporally monitored on the cartographic scale of 1:120. For the continuous monitoring of the study area, four different UASs were also used. Each of them was programmed to fly and acquire images with a constant ground sampling distance (GSD). The data were processed by image-based 3D modeling and computer vision algorithms from which the 3D models and orthophotomaps were created and used in the VR environment. As a result, a VR application visualizing multitemporal data of geoheritage monuments across three cartographic scales was developed.

Auditing an urban park deck with 3D geovisualization—A comparison of in-situ and VR walk-along interviews

Virtual reality-based urban audit methods are gaining increasing attention; however, most virtual urban audit studies have focused on panoramic views. The 3D city model-based geovisualizations have remained until now rather unexplored in user studies for urban audits and for communicative urban planning. We explored the feasibility of a 3D geovisualization-based urban audit in virtual reality (VR) for assessing the perceived quality of an urban park deck in Helsinki, Finland. For this purpose, we created a photorealistic and geometrically accurate 3D model (Bryga 3D) based on photogrammetric and laser scanning data. Bryga 3D was implemented on a game engine to be viewed with a head-mounted VR display. Bryga 3D’s ability to convey information in a subjective urban audit, that is, subjectively perceived affordances of a park deck, was tested in a walk-along interview study comparing auditing in situ and via the VR method. A comparison of the results with in-situ (n = 13) and VR interviews (n = 21) show that the perception of several tangible elements, such as spatial division, landforms, paths, and chairs when using Bryga VR was similar to when performed in situ. Perception of vegetation was weaker in VR in terms of its detailed quality, which somewhat affected the presented development ideas and assessment of the seasonal context. Also, weaker perception of the surroundings and city context affected the results in VR. However, considering that Bryga 3D presents an example of a highly automated 3D city modeling process conducted with minimal manual work, its results are encouraging for future attempts to advance such realizations for the purposes of communicative urban planning. 3D geovisualization-based virtual audits could be used when urban green space audits are not possible or when they are demanding to implement in situ.

3D geovisualization for visual analysis of urban climate

This paper is about the relevance of proposing geovisualization methods to visually integrate, co-visualize and interact with urban and meteorological data into a 3D environment, in order to support the visual analysis of the urban climate. Meteorological experts and researchers already face meteorological data and climate models analysis issues, at larger scales into the city: yet even if they have existing practices and tools to address these issues, they could take benefit from the knowledge and the methods from the Geovisualization domain, to complement these analyses by a visuospatial reasoning approach.In this paper, based on the knowledge of the expectations of the meteorological experts we are working with, we brought climate analysis into the city and visuospatial reasoning closer, on both heterogeneous urban and air temperature data(1). We reviewed the existing works regarding geovisualization of spatio-temporal phenomena and visualization of meteorological data (2). We then presented the different approaches we fulfilled to provide a 3D geovisualization environment and graphic representations, visually integrating both meteorological and spatial data. One provides style and interaction capacities on those data, enabling the interactive 3D exploration of their spatial and value distributions, throughout the city. Another geovisualization-design experiment is presented as a co-visualization of meteorological data and morphological indicators on 2.5D maps (3). These complementary approaches are presented and discussed with the meteorological experts, based on their relevance to tackle climate analysis at a larger scale and on the refinements required to extend their exploration capacities (4).

A Web-Based Geoinformation System for Heritage Management and Geovisualisation in Cantón Nabón (Ecuador)

Since ancient times, human beings have been interested in knowing their environment in order to make the right decisions in territorial management. The spatial component is a feature of great importance in the assets that surround us. Heritage geoinformation is a convenient and effective way for management, protection and safeguarding of cultural and natural heritage. For optimal compliance, it is nowadays indispensable to rely on the use of new web technologies and geomatics knowledge that allow the documentation, visualisation, monitoring and management of heritage. Therefore, the main objective of this article is to develop a web-based cultural heritage management system in Cantón Nabón, Ecuador, as a case study. The system, consisting of a web-based geoportal accessible to the whole society, will allow consulting the geolocalised heritage information of the study area on a virtual map, as well as 3D geovisualisation in an interactive web viewer. The integrated system, once implemented, will take into consideration the preventive conservation cycle in the heritage field, highlighting, in Spanish, the creation of the heritage data models according to ISO21127:2014.

How do users interact with Virtual Geographic Environments? Users’ behavior evaluation in urban participatory planning

Abstract. For the past twenty years, the adoption of Virtual Geographic Environments is thriving. This democratization is due to numerous new opportunities offered by this medium. However, in participatory urban planning these interactive 3D geovisualizations are still labeled as very advanced means, and are only scarcely used. The involvement of citizens in urban decision-making is indeed carefully planned ahead to limit off-topic feedback. A better comprehension of Virtual Geographic Environments, and more specifically of users’ strategic behaviors while interacting with this medium could enhance participants’ contributions. The users’ strategic behavior was assessed in this article through an experimental study. A total of 107 participants completed online tasks about the identification of 3D scenes’ footprints, the comparison of buildings’ heights, and the visibility of objects through the scenes. The interactions of the participants were recorded (i.e. pressed keys, pointing device interactions), as well as the camera positions adopted to complete specific tasks. The results show that: (1) users get more efficient throughout the study; (2) interruptions in 3D manipulation appear to highlight difficulties in interacting with the virtual environments; (3) users tend to centralize their positions within the scene, notably around their starting position; (4) the type of task strongly affects the behavior of users, limiting or broadening their explorations. The results of this experimental study are a valuable resource that can be used to improve the design of future urban planning projects involving Virtual Geographic Environments, e.g. with the creation of personalized 3D tools.

Scale-Variant Flight Planning for the Creation of 3D Geovisualization and Augmented Reality Maps of Geosites: The Case of Voulgaris Gorge, Lesvos, Greece

The purpose of this paper was to study the influence of cartographic scale and flight design on data acquisition using unmanned aerial systems (UASs) to create augmented reality 3D geovisualization of geosites. The relationship between geographical and cartographic scales, the spatial resolution of UAS-acquired images, along with their relationship with the produced 3D models of geosites, were investigated. Additionally, the lighting of the produced 3D models was examined as a key visual variable in the 3D space. Furthermore, the adaptation of the 360° panoramas as environmental lighting parameters was considered. The geosite selected as a case study was the gorge of the river Voulgaris in the western part of the island of Lesvos, which is located in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea in Greece. The methodology applied consisted of four pillars: (i) scale-variant flight planning, (ii) data acquisition, (iii) data processing, (iv) AR, 3D geovisualization. Based on the geographic and cartographic scales, the flight design calculates the most appropriate flight parameters (height, speed, and image overlaps) to achieve the desired spatial resolution (3 cm) capable of illustrating all the scale-variant details of the geosite when mapped in 3D. High-resolution oblique aerial images and 360° panoramic aerial images were acquired using scale-variant flight plans. The data were processed using image processing algorithms to produce 3D models and create mosaic panoramas. The 3D geovisualization of the geosite selected was created using the textured 3D model produced from the aerial images. The panoramic images were converted to high-dynamic-range image (HDRI) panoramas and used as a background to the 3D model. The geovisualization was transferred and displayed in the virtual space where the panoramas were used as a light source, thus enlightening the model. Data acquisition and flight planning were crucial scale-variant steps in the 3D geovisualization. These two processes comprised the most important factors in 3D geovisualization creation embedded in the virtual space as they designated the geometry of the 3D model. The use of panoramas as the illumination parameter of an outdoor 3D scene of a geosite contributed significantly to its photorealistic performance into the 3D augmented reality and virtual space.

User VR Experience and Motivation Study in an Immersive 3D Geovisualization Environment Using a Game Engine for Landscape Design Teaching

Realistic 3D geovisualization is necessary to facilitate the perception of a landscape designer in relation to the environment, which is a determining factor in decision-making in landscape planning and management. In the field of landscape design teaching learning environments, game engines can offer an immersive 3D geovisualization mode through Virtual Reality technology, which, in addition, can be motivating for the student. Game engines allow designing the scenarios where videogames take place, but game engines can also be used for geovisualization tasks in landscape design teaching environments. In this article, we present the landscape workshop, using a Unity 3D game engine. Twenty-five architect students performed landscape design tasks and worked with an interactive 3D geovisualization low-immersive desktop screen environment. The perception of the 3D environment during geovisualization was analyzed through the Questionnaire on User eXperience in Immersive Virtual Environments, and the motivational factor with the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory. Results showed a high perception of the 3D environment during geovisualization in the nine subcategories (sense of presence, engagement, immersion, flow, usability, emotion, judgment, experience consequence, and technology adoption) analyzed. The game engine-based teaching approach carried out has been motivating for students, with values over 5 (in a 1–7 Likert scale) in the five subscales considered.

Identifying optimal graphical level of detail to support orienting with 3D geo-visualizations

ABSTRACT Limited hardware processing capacities and network bandwidth constrain the quality and quantity of photogrammetrically derived 3D terrain models that users can effectively visualize. In the present study, we examined what graphical level of detail (LOD) is sufficient to support effective spatial localization and orientation in 3D renderings of large-scale environments. We developed an interactive desktop split-screen orienting and geo-visualization task using photogrammetrically derived 3D terrain models, manipulating LOD on a trial-by-trial basis, tracking interactions during geo-visualization, and measuring orienting performance. Results demonstrated moderate (rather than maximum) LOD is sufficient for spatial orientation, suggesting new guidelines for the collection, transmission, and visualization of terrain models on end-user devices. We discuss these findings within the context of spatial perception, cognition, and behavior.

Multivariable 3D Geovisualization of Historic and Contemporary Lead Sediment Contamination in Lake Erie

Lead sediment contamination in Lake Erie stems from a long history of natural and synthetic resource production. Sediment samples with variable sampling densities were collected by the Canada Centre for Inland Waters in 1971, 1997/1998, and 2014. The kriging interpolation method was used to create continuous sediment contamination surfaces for time/space comparisons. Change detection analyses identified an overall decreasing trend in high lead pollution levels from 1971 to 2014, while sediments with the lowest concentrations increased in surface area. Lake-wide circulation patterns and bathymetric data were added to interpolated contamination surfaces to enhance the understanding of interrelated hydrodynamic processes and geophysical features in the movement of contaminated sediments. Utilizing visualization tools in Esri’s ArcScene, bathymetric data were employed to enhance the geographic context of contamination maps. The physical barriers to sediment transportation created by bathymetric features can be visualized in three-dimensions. Elevated features between lake basins are easily recognized as impedances to lake currents when circulation directions are draped over the bathymetric model. By using illumination tools and techniques, geovisualizations of lead sediment contamination throughout Lake Erie create a scientific communication tool for a wide audience to use in multiple-criteria decision making for environmental remediation of sediment contamination.

Tools Against Oblivion: 3D Visualization of Sunken Landscapes and Cultural Heritages Applied to a Dam Reservoir in the Gorges de la Loire (France)

Around the world, thousands of reservoir dams have flooded valleys and become concrete symbols of the Anthropocene. These landscapes, as well as material or immaterial cultural heritages, were flooded and thus became invisible, even though they remain in the memories of local populations. Today, alternative technologies can enable inhabitants to reappropriate these lost heritages and, in a way, make them visible again. 3D digital tools can effectively recreate representations of these landscapes and restore the visibility of these underwater heritage sites. In this study, we propose a 3D geographic information system methodology combined with 3D geovisualization to recreate sunken landscapes, and we demonstrate the results using the valley of the Gorges de la Loire in France as an example. We show how developing a historical database can provide a “backup copy” of lost landscapes and cultural heritage sites, enabling populations to safeguard and restore these features in their memory following flooding.

Emerging Geospatial Technologies in Environmental Research, Education, and Outreach

Drawing on the historical importance of visual interpretation for image understanding and knowledge discovery, emerging technologies in geovisualization are incorporated into research, education and outreach at the Center for Geospatial Research (CGR) in the Department of Geography at the University of Georgia (UGA), USA. This study aimed to develop the 3D Immersion and Geovisualization (3DIG) system consisting of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for data acquisition, augmented and virtual reality headsets and mobile devices, an augmented reality digital sandbox, and a video wall. We were working together integrated data products from the UAS imagery, including digital image mosaics and 3D models, and readily available gaming engine software to create augmented and virtual reality immersive visualizations. The use of 3DIG in research is demonstrated in a case study documenting the seasonal growth of vegetables in small gardens with a time series of 3D crop models generated from UAS imagery and Structure from Motion photogrammetry. Demonstrations of 3DIG in geography and geology courses, as well as public events, also indicate the benefits of emerging geospatial technologies for creating active learning environments and fostering participatory community engagement.
 Keywords: Environmental Education; Geovisualization; Augmented Reality; Virtual Reality; UAS, Photogrammetry
 Copyright (c) 2020 Geosfera Indonesia Journal and Department of Geography Education, University of Jember
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