Spatial subdivision of complex indoor environments for 3D indoor navigation

As we realize that we spend most of our time in increasingly complex indoor environments, applications to assist indoor activities (e.g. guidance) have gained a lot of attention in the recent years. The advances in ubiquitous computing made possible the development of several spatial models intending to support context-aware and fine-grained indoor navigation systems. However, the available models often rely on simplified representations (e.g. 2D plans) and ignore the indoor features (e.g. furniture), thereby missing to reflect the complexity of the indoor environment. In this paper, we introduce the Flexible Space Subdivision framework (FSS) that allows to automatically identify the spaces that can be used for indoor navigation purpose. We propose a classification of indoor objects based on their ability to autonomously change location and we define a spatial subdivision of the indoor environment based on the classified objects and their functions. The framework can consider any 3D indoor configuration, the static and dynamic activities it hosts and it enables the possibility to consider all types of locomotion (e.g. walking, flying, etc.). It relies on input 3D models with geometric, semantic and topological information and identifies a set of subspaces with dedicated properties. We assess the framework against criteria defined in previous researches and we provide an example.     

A visualization-oriented 3D method for efficient computation of urban solar radiation based on 3D–2D surface mapping

The temporal and spatial distribution of solar energy in urban areas is highly variable because of the complex building structures present. Traditional GIS-based solar radiation models rely on two-dimensional (2D) digital elevation models to calculate insolation, without considering building facades and complicated three-dimensional (3D) shading effects. Inspired by the ‘texture baking’ technique used in computer graphics, we propose a full 3D method for computing and visualizing urban solar radiation based on image-space data representation. First, a surface mapping approach is employed to project each 3D triangular mesh onto a 2D raster surface whose cell size determines the calculation accuracy. Second, the positions and surface normal vectors of each 3D triangular mesh are rasterized onto the associated 2D raster using barycentric interpolation techniques. An efficient compute unified device architecture -accelerated shadow-casting algorithm is presented to accurately capture shading effects for large-scale 3D urban models. Solar radiation is calculated for each raster cell based on the input raster layers containing such information as slope, aspect, and shadow masks. Finally, a resulting insolation raster layer is produced for each triangular mesh and is represented as an RGB texture map using a color ramp. Because a virtual city can be composed of tens of thousands of triangular meshes and texture maps, a texture atlas technique is presented to merge thousands of small images into a single large image to batch draw calls and thereby efficiently render a large number of textured meshes on the graphics processing unit.     

Towards generating highly detailed 3D CityGML models from OpenStreetMap

About one decade has passed since US vice president Al Gore articulated his vision of Digital Earth (DE). Within this decade, a global multi-resolution and three-dimensional (3D) representation of the Earth, which sums up the DE vision, increasingly gained interest in both public and science. Due to the desired high resolution of the available data, highly detailed 3D city models comprise a huge part of DE and they are becoming an essential and useful tool for a range of different applications. In the past as well as at present, 3D models normally come from a range of different sources generated by professionals, such as laser scans or photogrammetry combined with 2D cadaster data. Some models are generated with semi-automated or fully automated approaches, but in most cases manual fine tuning or even manual construction from architectural plans is required. Further beyond outdoor city models, DE additionally envisages the provision of indoor information. That is, the interior structure of public or publically accessible buildings, such as airports or shopping malls, is represented and made available in 3D; however, at the moment, such models are mostly created by hand and essentially based on professional data sources. In contrast to such professional data, which is mainly captured by surveyors or companies, the last few years revealed the phenomenon of crowdsourced geodata, which receives an increasing attractiveness as an alternative data source for many Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Former research already demonstrated the power and richness of such geodata – especially OpenStreetMap (OSM) – and it has also been proved that this non-standardized, crowdsourced geodata can be combined with international standards of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). For example, CityGML Level-of-Detail 1 (LoD1) and LoD2 models have already been created automatically from OSM. The research presented in this article will further continue on the automated generation of CityGML models from OpenStreetMap. Essentially, a method for the creation of highly detailed CityGML LoD4 models with interior structures will be explained. By applying the invented approach on existing OSM data, limitations and restrictions of the IndoorOSM mapping proposal, the available data and the developed approach are revealed and discussed.     

Prediction and visualization of GPS multipath signals in urban areas using LiDAR Digital Surface Models and building footprints

This paper explains a ray tracing method which is applied to prediction and visualization of diffracted and reflected GPS signals in dense urban areas. Reflected and diffracted signals can have a detrimental effect on GPS positioning accuracy especially in highly built‐up areas. The ray tracing technique implemented in this paper is specially geared to LiDAR height pole data at 1‐m spatial resolution and 2D building footprints in raster and vector format, respectively. Such a simple data format allows for rapid implementation of 3D ray tracing in a GIS without further processing so that detailed 3D urban models in vector format are not required. Issues of spatial uncertainty in the data used are also addressed in relation to the identification of multipath signals. Some preliminary results obtained from fieldwork are presented and analysed in detail.     

Establishing a national standard for 3D topographic data compliant to CityGML

This article describes a research project that realised a national standard for 3D geo-information. The standard was developed as part of a pilot in which more than 65 private, public and scientific organisations collaborated to analyse and push 3D developments in the Netherlands (run between March 2010 and June 2011). The 3D standard was established through several steps. First, a comparison between the existing 3D computer-aided design and GIS standards was carried out that selected the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standard CityGML as the optimal 3D standard to align to. Second, the equivalent concepts in CityGML and the existing national standard for large-scale topography (Information Model Geography [IMGeo]) were identified. Third, IMGeo was extended to 3D following the principles of CityGML Application Domain Extensions. The model was tested by applying it to real data. Based on the experiences of this pilot, this article proposes a framework of guidelines and principles for extending CityGML for national purposes, deduced from the modelling experiences. This is a unique contribution since experiences on extending CityGML are new and not well described in the OGC CityGML specifications. Finally, this article presents the change requests (CRs) which have been submitted to OGC to make the CityGML standard more suited for integration with existing 2D topographic information models. The CRs were formulated based on experiences from developing this nationwide 3D standard.     

城市三维地质信息系统初探

地质问题已成为影响城市可持续发展的一个基础性问题,利用现代信息技术构建一个集信息输入、数据库管理和三维地质数据可视化分析功能于一体的城市三维地质信息系统,可有效满足城市发展对地质信息不断增长的需求。该文阐述了城市三维地质信息系统的建设目标和研究内容,认为其是一个集城市地表、地上、地下多维、动态空间信息于一体的大型综合性空间信息系统。介绍了系统涉及的数据、系统功能特征和总体架构,指出了城市三维地质信息系统的发展方向和需要重点解决的关键性技术问题。     

基于网格细分技术的三维地质模型光滑方法研究

针对粗糙的三维地质模型,利用网格细分技术,生成加密光滑的三维模型。分析网格细分技术在三维地质建模中的应用需求以及Loop细分和改进的蝶形细分技术,为保持地质体之间公共面数据的一致性,对"改进的蝶形细分法"做了进一步改进,增加了对边界约束的处理。探讨利用细分技术生成多分辨率模型,通过试验验证了该方法的有效性。     

Embedding user-generated content into oblique airborne photogrammetry-based 3D city model

Oblique airborne photogrammetry-based three-dimensional (3D) city model (OAP3D) provides a spatially continuous representation of urban landscapes that encompasses buildings, road networks, trees, bushes, water bodies, and topographic features. OAP3D is usually present in the form of a group of unclassified triangular meshes under a multi-resolution data structure. Modifying such a non-separable landscape constitutes a daunting task because manual mesh editing is normally required. In this paper, we present a systematic approach for easily embedding user-generated content into OAP3D. We reduce the complexity of OAP3D modification from a 3D mesh operation to a two-dimensional (2D) raster operation through the following workflow: (1) A region of interest (ROI) is selected to cover the area that is intended to be modified for accommodating user-defined content. (2) Spatial interpolation using a set of manually controlled elevation samples is employed to generate a user-defined digital surface model (DSM), which is used to reform the ROI surface. (3) User-generated objects, for example, artistically painted road textures, procedurally generated water effects, and manually created 3D building models, are overlaid onto the reformed ROI.     

Using multi-scale and hierarchical deep convolutional features for 3D semantic classification of TLS point clouds

ABSTRACT

Point cloud classification, which provides meaningful semantic labels to the points in a point cloud, is essential for generating three-dimensional (3D) models. Its automation, however, remains challenging due to varying point densities and irregular point distributions. Adapting existing deep-learning approaches for two-dimensional (2D) image classification to point cloud classification is inefficient and results in the loss of information valuable for point cloud classification. In this article, a new approach that classifies point cloud directly in 3D is proposed. The approach uses multi-scale features generated by deep learning. It comprises three steps: (1) extract single-scale deep features using 3D convolutional neural network (CNN); (2) subsample the input point cloud at multiple scales, with the point cloud at each scale being an input to the 3D CNN, and combine deep features at multiple scales to form multi-scale and hierarchical features; and (3) retrieve the probabilities that each point belongs to the intended semantic category using a softmax regression classifier. The proposed approach was tested against two publicly available point cloud datasets to demonstrate its performance and compared to the results produced by other existing approaches. The experiment results achieved 96.89% overall accuracy on the Oakland dataset and 91.89% overall accuracy on the Europe dataset, which are the highest among the considered methods.     

Spatial strategies for parallel spatial modelling

Abstract

Abstract. To achieve high levels of performance in parallel geoprocessing, the underlying spatial structure and relations of spatial models must be accounted for and exploited during decomposition into parallel processes. Spatial models are classified from two perspectives, the domain of modelling and the scope of operations, and a framework of strategies is developed to guide the decomposition of models with different characteristics into parallel processes. Two models are decomposed using these strategies: hill-shading on digital elevation models and the construction of Delaunay Triangulations. Performance statistics are presented for implementations of these algorithms on a MIMD computer.     

Assessment of rockfall susceptibility by integrating statistical and physically-based approaches

In Val di Fassa (Dolomites, Eastern Italian Alps) rockfalls constitute the most significant gravity-induced natural disaster that threatens both the inhabitants of the valley, who are few, and the thousands of tourists who populate the area in summer and winter.To assess rockfall susceptibility, we developed an integrated statistical and physically-based approach that aimed to predict both the susceptibility to onset and the probability that rockfalls will attain specific reaches. Through field checks and multi-temporal aerial photo-interpretation, we prepared a detailed inventory of both rockfall source areas and associated scree-slope deposits. Using an innovative technique based on GIS tools and a 3D rockfall simulation code, grid cells pertaining to the rockfall source-area polygons were classified as active or inactive, based on the state of activity of the associated scree-slope deposits. The simulation code allows one to link each source grid cell with scree deposit polygons by calculating the trajectory of each simulated launch of blocks. By means of discriminant analysis, we then identified the mix of environmental variables that best identifies grid cells with low or high susceptibility to rockfalls. Among these variables, structural setting, land use, and morphology were the most important factors that led to the initiation of rockfalls.We developed 3D simulation models of the runout distance, intensity and frequency of rockfalls, whose source grid cells corresponded either to the geomorphologically-defined source polygons (geomorphological scenario) or to study area grid cells with slope angle greater than an empirically-defined value of 37° (empirical scenario). For each scenario, we assigned to the source grid cells an either fixed or variable onset susceptibility; the latter was derived from the discriminant model group (active/inactive) membership probabilities.Comparison of these four models indicates that the geomorphological scenario with variable onset susceptibility appears to be the most realistic model. Nevertheless, political and legal issues seem to guide local administrators, who tend to select the more conservative empirically-based scenario as a land-planning tool.     

Solutions for 4D cadastre – with a case study on utility networks

The increasing complexity and flexibility of modern land use requires that cadastres need to manage information on the third and temporal (fourth) dimension. This article considers the registration of legal space of utility networks in cadastre in this 3D + time (=4D) context. A requirement analysis in three countries that have methods to register utility networks complying with their legal, organizational and technical structure (Turkey, the Netherlands and Queensland, Australia) is the basis for three alternatives for 4D cadastre to register utility networks. The three alternatives are analysed with respect to legal, organizational and technical cadastral requirements. This article presents a case study and a prototype from the Netherlands. In this country by law utilities are considered to be real estate objects with obligatory registration of ownership and geometry. This study shows that the 3D space and separate temporal attributes approach (state-based model) is a very promising solution to maintain temporal changes of utility networks and that this approach is to be preferred above the current practice, where the 3D and temporal aspects are not considered when registering a network.     

基于TIN的体布尔算法及其地质应用

提出一种基于TIN的体布尔操作算法,即采用快速碰撞检测方法、改进的三角形求交算法和三角形包含测试算法,能解决复杂地质体的交、并、差等布尔操作。该方法不仅可以有效处理具有侵入、交错等复杂空间关系的地质体建模问题,还适用于基于地质模型的工程分析应用,如开挖模拟等,并在北京市某岩土工程信息系统建设项目中得到了检验。     

森林景观模型研究新进展及其应用

森林景观模型(forest landscape models)是基于森林动态机制和干扰作用在景观尺度上模拟和预测森林时空变化特征的计算机模型。该类模型越来越多地用于森林规划、经营管理、生态资源保护与恢复及全球气候变化研究。本文通过对大量文献资料的整理,对森林景观模型的概念、尺度、类型、方法、应用和最新研究进展进行了综述。随着计算机、地理信息系统、遥感等技术的迅猛发展,森林景观模型将会越来越多地与地理信息系统、规划经营管理决策等紧密结合,未来将向服务性决策模型方向发展。     

极地陆生植物3D形态数据库(3D MPP)

植物3D形态是植物的重要生理特征和存在形式。3D形态由于与植物的光合作用效率息息相关,因而对植物生长具有重要意义。将2014年在南极乔治王岛长城站附近采集的56份苔藓植物标本鉴定为4科6属6种及1变种。从每一种中选取一个代表性群落样品用REVscan 3D扫描仪进行高精度的激光扫描,共获取120 M 3D点云数据,987 429个点和1 700 380个面,重构出7个植物样本的表面3D模型。在此基础上,基于Java Web技术、开源数据库系统My SQL、第三方开源Web GL库Three.js、开源Web应用服务器Tomcat等构建了国内首个极地植物3D形态数据库(3dmpp.gznu.edu.cn),提供了3D渲染功能。通过本数据库用户可以方便地浏览和搜索已有的物种信息数据,并全方位地获取植物的3D表面信息。本数据库的建立为极地植物的3D形态信息提供了储存、展示与共享的平台,为不同植物间3D表面形态的比较研究提供了基础数据和工具,为保护极地植物,特别是濒危植物的全息信息资料提供了重要保障。     

城市三维地理信息系统中三维模型的快速构建方法

大规模三维模型的快速构建一直是影响城市三维地理信息系统(3DUGIS)发展的一个重要因素.基于3DUGIS中景观模型的表达原则与分类,分别针对抽象的点、线、面状对象提出符号匹配和三角剖分的批量三维模型构建方法.这种建模方法方便、快捷、自动化程度高,可广泛应用于城市景观中地面、河流、道路、绿地、规则建筑物、地下管线等地物的三维建模.通过对上述三维模型快速构建方法的实现,验证了三维模型生成的效果和效率.     

基于Web Geocoding的三维GIS快速定位方法研究

三维GIS技术已经逐渐发展成熟,其对客观世界的表达能给人以更真实的感受,然而三维GIS软件所需数据是海量的。由于遥感技术的发展,纹理数据的获取和处理已经变得容易和快速,而对于矢量数据的采集、存储是一个非常艰巨的工作,如何在短期内获取海量、精确的矢量地理信息数据,减少数据采集的费用和时间成了一大难题。通过基于网络的地理编码来查询获取矢量点状地理信息,将地理信息存储到本地数据库,并且将数据应用到系统中进行快速定位显示,实现地理位置的实时定位和查询,为各种专题三维GIS软件开发提供服务和扩展功能。     

A combinatorial data model for representing topological relations among 3D geographical features in micro‐spatial environments

This research is motivated by the need for 3D GIS data models that allow for 3D spatial query, analysis and visualization of the subunits and internal network structure of ‘micro‐spatial environments’ (the 3D spatial structure within buildings). It explores a new way of representing the topological relationships among 3D geographical features such as buildings and their internal partitions or subunits. The 3D topological data model is called the combinatorial data model (CDM). It is a logical data model that simplifies and abstracts the complex topological relationships among 3D features through a hierarchical network structure called the node‐relation structure (NRS). This logical network structure is abstracted by using the property of Poincaré duality. It is modelled and presented in the paper using graph‐theoretic formalisms. The model was implemented with real data for evaluating its effectiveness for performing 3D spatial queries and visualization.     

The foreshore: geographical implications of the three legal systems in Great Britain

Despite the word 'foreshore' being in common usage relating to the coast, it has three distinct legal definitions in Great Britain. There are three property law regimes, English law in England and Wales, Scots law (feudal) in Scotland and Udal tenure in parts of Orkney and Shetland. These result in the boundaries between private property interests and public property interests lying in a different position on the beach area under each of these property regimes. This paper examines the physical extent of each of the foreshore definitions and highlights a number of associated issues that rely on these different boundaries fundamentally impacting upon the management of the coast.     

A three-step approach of simplifying 3D buildings modeled by CityGML

CityGML (City Geography Markup Language), the OGC (Open Open Geospatial Consortium) standard on three-dimensional (3D) city modeling, is widely used in an increasing number of applications, because it models a city with rich geometrical and semantic information. The underlying building model differentiates four consecutive levels of detail (LoDs). Nowadays, most city buildings are reconstructed in LoD3, while few landmarks in LoD4. For visualization or other purposes, buildings in LoD2 or LoD1 need to be derived from LoD3 models. But CityGML does not indicate methods for the automatic derivation of the different LoDs. This article presents an approach for deriving LoD2 buildings from LoD3 models which are essentially the exterior shells of buildings without opening objects. This approach treats different semantic components of a building separately with the aim to preserve the characteristics of ground plan, roof, and wall structures as far as possible. The process is composed of three steps: simplifying wall elements, generalizing roof structures, and then reconstructing the 3D building by intersecting the wall and roof polygons. The first step simplifies ground plan with wall elements projected onto the ground. A new algorithm is developed to handle not only simple structures like parallel and rectangle shapes but also complicated structures such as non-parallel, non-rectangular shapes and long narrow angles. The algorithm for generalizing roof structure is based on the same principles; however, the calculation has to be conducted in 3D space. Moreover, the simplified polygons of roof structure are further merged and typified depending on the spatial relations between two neighboring polygons. In the third step, generalized 3D buildings are reconstructed by increasing walls in height and intersecting with roof structures. The approach has been implemented and tested on a number of 3D buildings. The experiments have verified that the 3D building can be efficiently generalized, while the characteristics of wall and roof structure can be well preserved after the simplification.