增量法地形可视计算与分析

DEM在表达地形时具有水平等距网格和垂直高差的特点,根据DEM表达地形的特点,利用双增量地形可视计算方法,以水平方向矢量叉乘增量计算来判断点的可视性,采用垂直方向高程增量的谷地凹处盲区测试,根据地形高程的变化来消除不可视点,该算法思路清晰、计算复杂度低。同时重点分析该算法在地形的部分区域和不同特征地形上的特点,指出该算法在起伏山地和沟谷地形中的优势;横向上与ArcGIS功能模块进行比较,可视计算速度大大提高。     

一种用于三维城市建筑物的可视域分析算法

作为3DGIS的一种空间分析方法,可视域分析在城市规划、军事和考古等方面有着广泛的应用,其实现则主要基于点对点的通视分析。本文基于多数城市建筑物外形相对规则的特点,提取建筑物的最小矩形包围盒,基于视点位置得到每个模型的可视面角点和视点构成锥体,通过计算其他锥体底面在某一锥体底面所在平面上的投影区和该锥体底面多边形的差集得到每个模型的可视面,避免通过计算建筑物模型每个点的通视性得到建筑物的可视域,以减少计算量,提高计算效率,最后的实现效果证明了本文算法的可行性和有效性。     

R3视域算法与参考面算法的对比研究

在地形可视性分析中,R3视域算法和参考面算法是两种重要的算法。在对两种算法的计算结果进行对比后,可以发现参考面算法的计算结果总要比R3算法的结果偏高。本文在此对比的基础上继续深入分析造成这种结果差异的本质原因,进一步解释了这种差异多表现在山体和沟壑等地形起伏较大的区域原因,并得出结论:这种结果差异不能作为两种算法精度相互评价的依据。     

Application of the Fisher's “Horizon Viewshed” to a proposed power transmission line in Nozzano (Italy)

Visibility algorithms have progressed very little since early GIS software, and today the typical approach is still based on the simple binary logic (visible – not visible). Specialized packages, such as Esri's 3DAnalyst, provide tools able only to identify the cells from which an observer can see the evaluated target object. This technical note presents an experimental approach to combining different Esri tools into a model in order to return the visibility analysis based on the Fisher's “horizon viewshed” approach (Fisher, 1996 ). The latter consists in evaluating whether an object in the landscape rises above the skyline or remains below it. The model has been applied to study the visual impact of an High Voltage Power line in the area of Nozzano Castle, Lucca (Italy).     

A causal analysis of error in viewsheds from USGS digital elevation models

Users of GIS are faced with the ongoing and difficult problem of estimating the validity of a GIS output given the uncertainty of the quality of digital mapped data. This research project examines the manner in which error from a digital elevation model (DEM) results in error in an estimate of a viewshed. The data set includes two DEMs for the same study area. A 10-metre DEM serves as the control model to test a United States Geological Survey (USGS) DEM. The amount and spatial pattern of the error in the test DEM is determined by comparing it to the control DEM. A viewshed analysis is then performed at a set of 61 sites. After determining the relative accuracy of the viewsheds thus estimated, a causal model of viewshed error is developed, which links the sources of the DEM error with the error in the viewshed. The most important factor in DEM error is terrain roughness. The error in the viewsheds is a result of the error being propagated from the DEM, with landscape characteristics of the viewpoinr playing a role due to their effect on the error in the DEM. The conceptual path model developed sets the stage for a quancitative approach that will attempt to predict viewshed error from the landscape characteristics without direct knowledge of the error in the DEM.     

A New 3‐D Solar Radiation Model for 3‐D City Models

Estimates of solar radiation distribution in urban areas are often limited by the complexity of urban environments. These limitations arise from spatial structures such as buildings and trees that affect spatial and temporal distributions of solar fluxes over urban surfaces. The traditional solar radiation models implemented in GIS can address this problem only partially. They can be adequately used only for 2‐D surfaces such as terrain and rooftops. However, vertical surfaces, such as facades, require a 3‐D approach. This study presents a new 3‐D solar radiation model for urban areas represented by 3‐D city models. The v.sun module implemented in GRASS GIS is based on the existing solar radiation methodology used in the topographic r.sun model with a new capability to process 3‐D vector data representing complex urban environments. The calculation procedure is based on the combined vector‐voxel approach segmenting the 3‐D vector objects to smaller polygon elements according to a voxel data structure of the volume region. The shadowing effects of surrounding objects are considered using a unique shadowing algorithm. The proposed model has been applied to the sample urban area with results showing strong spatial and temporal variations of solar radiation flows over complex urban surfaces.     

基于参考面的可视域算法

与传统基于视线的可视域算法相比，该算法不需进行DEM内插，无冗余计算，计算时间和视点位置与可视域面积无关，受DEM区域影响不大。     

Parallel algorithm for viewshed analysis on a modern GPU

Spatial analysis, including viewshed analysis, is an important aspect of the Digital Earth system. Viewshed analysis is usually performed on a large scale, so efficiency is important in any Digital Earth application making these calculations. In this paper, a real-time algorithm for viewshed analysis in 3D scenes is presented by using the parallel computing capabilities of a graphics processing unit (GPU). In contrast to traditional algorithms based on line-of-sight, this algorithm runs completely within the programmable 3D visualization pipeline to render 3D terrains with viewshed analysis. The most important difference is its integration of the viewshed calculation with the rendering module. Invisible areas are rendered as shadows in the 3D scene. The algorithm process is paralleled by rasterizer units in the graphics card and by vertex and pixel shaders executed on the GPU. We have implemented this method in our 3D Digital Earth system with the DirectX 9.0c API and tested on some consumer-level PC platforms with interactive frame-rates and high image quality. Our algorithm has been widely used in related systems based on Digital Earth.     

Propagating effects of database generalization on the viewshed

Few studies have systematically examined the effects of different possible generalization methods on the products of GIS operations. In this paper the effects of generalizing a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) on the area which is determined to be visible (the viewshed) is examined. Among the many different methods of generalization which are possible, a limited set of operators is examined here. First, they all fit geometrically from one resolution to another, and they can be grouped into two types: regular sampling and statistical summaries. In the latter class four different operations are used: for any cell at the target resolution, elevations are determined, from the arithmetic mean, the maximum, the minimum, and the maximum difference from the mean of the cells within the kernel at the original scale. Changes in resolution of 0.5, 0.33, 0.25, and 0.2 of the original study area are studied at 100 viewing points in each of two study areas. At the original resolution a 120 × 120 pixel area was examined, giving generalizations to 60 × 60, 40 × 40, 30 × 30, and 24 × 24 pixels. The viewsheds determined over these different resolution DEMs are compared with a number of possible viewsheds derived by generalization of the viewshed over the original DEM. Of those tested, the maximum deviation from the mean within kernel emerges as the most reliable estimate of the pattern and area of the viewshed at all resolutions. The importance of this conclusion is that different generalization operators yield more or less faithful versions of the ungeneralized product (the viewshed), and it seems indicative that a similar variety in stability of the product with generalization operator will result in many, if not all, complex products of spatial analysis.     

Accurate 3D comparison of complex topography with terrestrial laser scanner: Application to the Rangitikei canyon (N-Z)

Surveying techniques such as terrestrial laser scanner have recently been used to measure surface changes via 3D point cloud (PC) comparison. Two types of approaches have been pursued: 3D tracking of homologous parts of the surface to compute a displacement field, and distance calculation between two point clouds when homologous parts cannot be defined. This study deals with the second approach, typical of natural surfaces altered by erosion, sedimentation or vegetation between surveys. Current comparison methods are based on a closest point distance or require at least one of the PC to be meshed with severe limitations when surfaces present roughness elements at all scales. To solve these issues, we introduce a new algorithm performing a direct comparison of point clouds in 3D. The method has two steps: (1) surface normal estimation and orientation in 3D at a scale consistent with the local surface roughness; (2) measurement of the mean surface change along the normal direction with explicit calculation of a local confidence interval. Comparison with existing methods demonstrates the higher accuracy of our approach, as well as an easier workflow due to the absence of surface meshing or Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generation. Application of the method in a rapidly eroding, meandering bedrock river (Rangitikei River canyon) illustrates its ability to handle 3D differences in complex situations (flat and vertical surfaces on the same scene), to reduce uncertainty related to point cloud roughness by local averaging and to generate 3D maps of uncertainty levels. We also demonstrate that for high precision survey scanners, the total error budget on change detection is dominated by the point clouds registration error and the surface roughness. Combined with mm-range local georeferencing of the point clouds, levels of detection down to 6 mm (defined at 95% confidence) can be routinely attained in situ over ranges of 50 m. We provide evidence for the self-affine behaviour of different surfaces. We show how this impacts the calculation of normal vectors and demonstrate the scaling behaviour of the level of change detection. The algorithm has been implemented in a freely available open source software package. It operates in complex 3D cases and can also be used as a simpler and more robust alternative to DEM differencing for the 2D cases.     

An Investigation into the Causes of Errors and Inconsistencies in Predicted Viewsheds

Previous evaluations of viewshed analyses have raised concerns about the accuracy and repeatability of the process. Digital elevation model (DEM) errors, the limited spatial resolution of DEMs, and differing algorithms employed by different GIS packages have all been suggested as possible sources for inaccuracy and non‐repeatability. This study compared a field surveyed viewshed to predicted viewsheds generated using a variety of software packages and DEM databases, some of which contained known amounts of error. We found that each of the factors suggested by previous authors contributes to errors in predicted viewsheds. DEM errors contribute most to the discrepancies between surveyed and predicted viewsheds, and the majority of their negative impact occurred at very low levels of DEM error. Differing algorithms used by different GIS packages also contribute significantly to surveyed/predicted viewshed discrepancies, but more importantly, result in predicted viewsheds that disagree with one other, thereby confounding comparisons of results generated with differing software systems. Finally, the spatial resolution of DEMs also has a significant effect on the degree of agreement between surveyed and predicted viewsheds, but the magnitude of this effect is not as great as are the effects produced by DEM errors.     

青藏高原冰雪覆盖变化监测的卫星立体影像方法

针对青藏高原冰雪覆盖变化监测问题,以各拉丹冬冰川为例,提出了利用ALOS立体像对提取冰雪DEM,并以同源不同时相的冰雪DEM监测冰雪覆盖变化及体量变化的方法。依据DEM纠正裁切后的影像,采用ISODATA分类方法得到了冰雪覆盖面积变化量,由不同时相网格DEM高程点数据高差与面积求得体积变化,得出了2009年与2010年冬季冰雪量大小。结果显示2010年12月比2009年12月冰雪量减少了19.728 3 km³,雪覆盖面积减少了349.691 km²。文中还列出了遇到的技术困难及有待进一步研究的问题。     

Deriving a minimum set of viewpoints for maximum coverage over any given digital elevation model data

This paper introduces how to automatically derive a minimum set of viewpoints for maximum coverage over a large scale of digital terrain data. This is a typical data and computation-intensive research covering a series of geocomputation tasks that have not been implemented efficiently or optimally in prior works. This paper introduces a three-step computational solution to resolve the problem. For any given digital elevation model (DEM) data, automatic generation of control viewpoints is the first step through map algebra calculation and hydrological modeling approaches. For each viewpoint, the viewshed calculation then has to be implemented. The combined viewshed derived from the viewshed of all viewpoints establishes the maximum viewshed coverage of the given DEM. Finally, detecting the minimum set of viewpoints for the maximum coverage is a Non-deterministic Polynomial-time hard problem. The outcome of the computation has broader societal impacts since the research questions and solutions can be adapted into real-world application and decision-making practice, such as the distribution, optimization and management of telecommunication infrastructure and wildfire observation towers, and military tactics and operations dependent upon landscape and terrain features.     

Improved Priority‐Flood method for depression filling by redundant calculation optimization in local micro‐relief areas

Depression filling is a critical step in distributed hydrological modeling using digital elevation models (DEMs). The traditional Priority‐Flood (PF) approach is widely used due to its relatively high efficiency when dealing with a small‐sized DEM. However, it seems inadequate and inefficient when dealing with large high‐resolution DEMs. In this work, we examined the relationship between the PF algorithm calculation process and the topographical characteristics of depressions, and found significant redundant calculations in the local micro‐relief areas in the conventional PF algorithm. As such calculations require more time when dealing with large DEMs, we thus propose a new variant of the PF algorithm, wherein redundant points and calculations are recognized and eliminated based on the local micro‐relief water‐flow characteristics of the depression‐filling process. In addition, depressions and flatlands were optimally processed by a quick queue to improve the efficiency of the process. The proposed method was applied and validated in eight case areas using the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission digital elevation model (SRTM‐DEM) with 1 arc‐second resolution. These selected areas have different data sizes. A comparative analysis among the proposed method, the Wang and Liu‐based PF, the improved Barnes‐based PF, the improved Zhou‐based PF, and the Planchon and Darboux (P&D) algorithms was conducted to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The results showed that the proposed algorithm is 43.2% (maximum) faster than Wang and Liu's variant of the PF method, with an average of 31.8%. In addition, the proposed algorithm achieved similar performance to the improved Zhou‐based PF algorithm, though our algorithm has the advantage of being simpler. The optimal strategies using the proposed algorithm can be employed in various landforms with high efficiency. The proposed method can also achieve good depression filling, even with large amounts of DEM data.     

DEM matching for bias compensation of rigorous pushbroom sensor models

DEM matching is a technique to match two surfaces or two DEMs, at different reference frames. It was originally proposed to replace the need of ground control points for absolute orientation of perspective images. This paper examines DEM matching for precise mapping of pushbroom images without ground control points. We proved that DEM matching based on 3D similarity transformation can be used when model errors are only on the platform’s position and attitude biases. We also proposed how to estimate bias errors and how to update rigorous pushbroom sensor models from DEM matching results. We used a SPOT-5 stereo pair at ground sampling distance of 2.5 m and a reference DEM dataset at grid spacing of 30 m and showed that rigorous pushbroom models with accuracy better than twice of the ground sampling distance both in image and object space have been achieved through DEM matching. We showed further that DEM matching based on 3D similarity transformation may not work for pushbroom images with drift or drift rate errors. We discussed the effects of DEM outliers on DEM matching and automated removal of outliers. The major contribution of this paper is that we validate DEM matching, theoretically and experimentally, for estimating position and attitude biases and for establishing rigorous sensor models for pushbroom images.     

Using Reverse Viewshed Analysis to Assess the Location Correctness of Visually Generated VGI

With the increased availability of user generated data, assessing the quality and credibility of such data becomes important. In this article, we propose to assess the location correctness of visually generated Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) as a quality reference measure. The location correctness is determined by checking the visibility of the point of interest from the position of the visually generated VGI (observer point); as an example we utilize Flickr photographs. Therefore we first collect all Flickr photographs that conform to a certain point of interest through their textual labelling. Then we conduct a reverse viewshed analysis for the point of interest to determine if it lies within the area of visibility of the observer points. If the point of interest lies outside the visibility of a given observer point, the respective geotagged image is considered to be incorrectly geotagged. In this way, we analyze sample datasets of photographs and make observations regarding the dependency of certain user/photo metadata and (in)correct geotags and labels. In future the dependency relationship between the location correctness and user/photo metadata can be used to automatically infer user credibility. In other words, attributes such as profile completeness, together with location correctness, can serve as a weighted score to assess credibility.     

Three‐dimensional terrain modeling with multiple‐source illumination

Three‐dimensional (3D) terrain modeling based on digital elevation models (DEMs) with the use of orthographic and perspective projections is a standard procedure implemented in many commercial and open‐source geoinformation systems. However, standard tools may be insufficient for 3D scientific visualization. In particular, single‐source illumination of 3D models may be deficient for topographically complex terrains. We present an approach for 3D terrain modeling with multiple‐source illumination in the virtual environment of the Blender free and open‐source software. The approach includes the following key stages: (1) automatic creation of a polygonal object; (2) selecting an algorithm to model the 3D geometry; (3) selecting a vertical exaggeration scale; (4) selecting types, parameters, a number, and positions of light sources; (5) selecting methods for generating shadows; (6) selecting a shading method for the 3D model; (7) selecting a material for the 3D model surface; (8) overlaying a texture on the 3D model; (9) setting a virtual camera; and (10) rendering the 3D model. To illustrate the approach, we processed a test DEM extracted from the International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean version 3.0 (IBCAO 3.0). The approach is currently being used to develop a system for geomorphometric modeling of the Arctic Ocean floor.     

Mapping 3D visibility in an urban street environment from mobile LiDAR point clouds

ABSTRACT

Visibility determination is a key requirement in a wide range of national and urban applications, such as national security, landscape management, and urban design. Mobile LiDAR point clouds can depict the urban built environment with a high level of details and accuracy. However, few three-dimensional visibility approaches have been developed for the street-level point-cloud data. Accordingly, an approach based on mobile LiDAR point clouds has been developed to map the three-dimensional visibility at the street level. The method consists of five steps: voxelization of point-cloud data, construction of lines-of-sight, construction of sectors of sight, construction of three-dimensional visible space, and calculation of volume index. The proposed approach is able to automatically measure the volume of visible space and openness at any viewpoint along a street. This approach has been applied to three study areas. The results indicated that the proposed approach enables accurate simulation of visible space as well as high-resolution (1 m × 1 m) mapping of the visible volume index. The proposed approach can make a contribution to the improvement of urban planning and design processes that aim at developing more sustainable built environments.     

Mobile Visibility Querying for LBS

This article describes research carried out in the area of mobile spatial interaction (MSI) and the development of a 3D mobile version of a 2D web‐based directional query processor. The TellMe application integrates location (from GPS, GSM, WiFi) and orientation (from magnetometer/accelerometer) sensor technologies into an enhanced spatial query processing module capable of exploiting a mobile device's position and orientation for querying real‐world spatial datasets. This article outlines our technique for combining these technologies and the architecture needed to deploy them on a sensor enabled smartphone (i.e. Nokia Navigator 6210). With all these sensor technologies now available on off‐the‐shelf devices, it is possible to employ a mobile query system that can work effectively in any environment using location and orientation as primary parameters for directional queries. Novel approaches for determining a user's visible query space in three dimensions based on their line‐of‐sight (ego‐visibility) are investigated to provide for “hidden query removal” functionality. This article presents demonstrable results of a mobile application that is location, direction, and orientation aware, and that retrieves database objects and attributes (e.g. buildings, points‐of‐interest, etc.) by simply pointing, or “looking”, at them with a mobile phone.     

A Triangular Form‐based Multiple Flow Algorithm to Estimate Overland Flow Distribution and Accumulation on a Digital Elevation Model

In this study, we present a newly developed method for the estimation of surface flow paths on a digital elevation model (DEM). The objective is to use a form‐based algorithm, analyzing flow over single cells by dividing them into eight triangular facets and to estimate the surface flow paths on a raster DEM. For each cell on a gridded DEM, the triangular form‐based multiple flow algorithm (TFM) was used to distribute flow to one or more of the eight neighbor cells, which determined the flow paths over the DEM. Because each of the eight facets covering a cell has a constant slope and aspect, the estimations of – for example – flow direction and divergence/convergence are more intuitive and less complicated than many traditional raster‐based solutions. Experiments were undertaken by estimating the specific catchment area (SCA) over a number of mathematical surfaces, as well as on a real‐world DEM. Comparisons were made between the derived SCA by the TFM algorithm with eight other algorithms reported in the literature. The results show that the TFM algorithm produced the closest outcomes to the theoretical values of the SCA compared with other algorithms, derived more consistent outcomes, and was less influenced by surface shapes. The real‐world DEM test shows that the TFM was capable of modeling flow distribution without noticeable ‘artefacts’, and its ability to track flow paths makes it an appropriate platform for dynamic surface flow simulation.