The process is normally very complex

Mar 30, 2010 10:50 GMT  ·  By

Two researchers from the University of Twente, in the Netherlands, have each designed a computer-based approach to facilitate the modeling of cities in three-dimensions. Generally, this is done by in a very complex manner, and requires a lot of time and effort. But the investigators, scientists Shi Pu and Sander Oude Elberink, managed to create a method for doing this that relies solely on using laser-based data and topographic measurements of a specific location to create the 3D models, PhysOrg reports.

The measurements are collected from local land registries, meaning that the new models are entirely dependent in their accuracy on the quality of the data each individual city keeps of its structures. The new work was prompted by the fact that there is growing need worldwide for the development of 3D maps of cities, in addition to the regular ones. Two-dimensional representations are even now very accurate, and they can show the position of streets and buildings, but they need to be augmented considerably, the two experts say.

Pu and Oude Elberink received their PhD degrees at the University of Twente International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) on March 26. They explain that having 3D maps makes urban development a lot simpler. Planners and architects also find it more efficient to design a unified approach to a city's architecture by using the new system. The model allows for them to create more aesthetically-pleasing buildings that can be better integrated into the landscape.

In addition, the maps could be augmented to create virtual tours of that particular city, or to provide a new tool for emergency responders, in case of a flood or an earthquake. Knowing precisely which area was affected, and to what extent, could help emergency personnel plan their actions better and more efficiently, thus potentially increasing the number of people they would save in such a catastrophic event. More “mundane” applications are also possible, such as for instance mapping how a certain neighborhood will be lighted after a new building is added. Large infrastructure tends to block light in ways that are only apparent after the structure itself is built.