scholarly journals Incorporating Topological Representation in 3D City Models

Author(s):  
Stelios Vitalis ◽  
Ken Arroyo Ohori ◽  
Jantien Stoter

3D city models are being extensively used in applications such as evacuation scenarios and energy consumption estimation. The main standard for 3D city models is the CityGML data model which can be encoded through the CityJSON data format. CityGML and CityJSON use polygonal modelling in order to represent geometries. True topological data structures have proven to be more computationally efficient for geometric analysis compared to polygonal modelling. In a previous study, we have introduced a method to topologically reconstruct CityGML models while maintaining the semantic information of the dataset, based solely on the combinatorial map (C-Map) data structure. As a result of the limitations of C-Map's semantic representation mechanism, the resulting datasets could suffer either from semantic information loss or the redundant repetition of them. In this article, we propose a solution for a more efficient representation of both geometry, topology and semantics by incorporating the C-Map data structure in the CityGML data model and implementing a CityJSON extension to encode the C-Map data. In addition, we provide an algorithm for the topological reconstruction of CityJSON datasets to append them according to this extension. Finally, we apply our methodology to three open datasets in order to validate our approach when applied to real-world data. Our results show that the proposed CityJSON extension can represent all geometric information of a city model in a lossless way, providing additional topological information for the objects of the model.

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stelios Vitalis ◽  
Ken Ohori ◽  
Jantien Stoter

3D city models are being extensively used in applications such as evacuation scenarios and energy consumption estimation. The main standard for 3D city models is the CityGML data model which can be encoded through the CityJSON data format. CityGML and CityJSON use polygonal modelling in order to represent geometries. True topological data structures have proven to be more computationally efficient for geometric analysis compared to polygonal modelling. In a previous study, we have introduced a method to topologically reconstruct CityGML models while maintaining the semantic information of the dataset, based solely on the combinatorial map (C-Map) data structure. As a result of the limitations of C-Map’s semantic representation mechanism, the resulting datasets could suffer either from semantic information loss or the redundant repetition of them. In this article, we propose a solution for a more efficient representation of geometry, topology and semantics by incorporating the C-Map data structure into the CityGML data model and implementing a CityJSON extension to encode the C-Map data. In addition, we provide an algorithm for the topological reconstruction of CityJSON datasets to append them according to this extension. Finally, we apply our methodology to three open datasets in order to validate our approach when applied to real-world data. Our results show that the proposed CityJSON extension can represent all geometric information of a city model in a lossless way, providing additional topological information for the objects of the model.


Author(s):  
K. Al Kalbani ◽  
A. Abdul Rahman

Abstract. The paper investigates the capability to integrate the surface and subsurface 3D spatial objects data structure within the 3D spatial data infrastructure (3D SDI) based on the CityGML standards. In fact, a number of countries around the world have started applying the 3D city models for their planning and infrastructure management. While others are still working toward 3D SDI by using CityGML standards. Moreover, most of these initiatives focus on the surface spatial objects with less interest to model subsurface spatial objects. However, dealing with 3D SDI requires both surface and subsurface spatial objects with clear consideration on the issues and challenges in terms of the data structure. On the other hand, the study has used geospatial tools and databases such as FME, PostgreSQL-PostGIS, and 3D City Database to generate the 3D model and to test the capability for integrating the surface and subsurface 3D spatial objects data structure within the 3D SDI. This paper concludes by describing a framework that aims to integrate surface and subsurface 3D geospatial objects data structure in Oman SDI. The authors believe that there are possible solutions based on CityGML standards for surface and subsurface 3D spatial objects. Moreover, solving the issues in data structure can establish a better vision and open new avenues for the 3D SDI.


Author(s):  
G. S. Floros ◽  
C. Ellul ◽  
E. Dimopoulou

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Applications of 3D City Models range from assessing the potential output of solar panels across a city to determining the best location for 5G mobile phone masts. While in the past these models were not readily available, the rapid increase of available data from sources such as Open Data (e.g. OpenStreetMap), National Mapping and Cadastral Agencies and increasingly Building Information Models facilitates the implementation of increasingly detailed 3D Models. However, these sources also generate integration challenges relating to heterogeneity, storage and efficient management and visualization. CityGML and IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) are two standards that serve different application domains (GIS and BIM) and are commonly used to store and share 3D information. The ability to convert data from IFC to CityGML in a consistent manner could generate 3D City Models able to represent an entire city, but that also include detailed geometric and semantic information regarding its elements. However, CityGML and IFC present major differences in their schemas, rendering interoperability a challenging task, particularly when details of a building’s internal structure are considered (Level of Detail 4 in CityGML). The aim of this paper is to investigate interoperability options between the aforementioned standards, by converting IFC models to CityGML LoD 4 Models. The CityGML Models are then semantically enriched and the proposed methodology is assessed in terms of model’s geometric validity and capability to preserve semantics.</p>


Author(s):  
M. Buyukdemircioglu ◽  
S. Kocaman

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> In parallel with the technological developments, the conventional ways of mapping and the presentation of the geospatial data have changed significantly. 3D city models including the digital terrain models (DTMs) have become important for many application fields, such as simulation and visualization tasks for navigation, urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster management, etc. Although currently most 3D city models are employed for visualization purposes, their application areas are increasing continuously. The presentation of these models on the web is also becoming more common than before while overcoming the performance issues with newer data types and functionalities. The biggest advantage of using web browsers is that they can be accessed everywhere without any additional software requirements. Therefore, the tools for web-based implementations of virtual globes, which allow users to navigate their data in 3D, have been available with greater numbers of functionality they offer. Online virtual web globes provide a good base for the 3D Geographical Information System (GIS) applications as well. 3D city models have also become virtual environments where different spatial queries and analysis can be performed. As a part of a 3D WebGIS, a city model enriched with semantic information provides a virtual platform for decision makers and allows realistic simulations for planning. The main aims of this study are to develop a prototype of a 3D GIS environment for Hacettepe University Beytepe campus, including 3D building geometries enriched with semantic information and a high resolution DTM; and to design a web interface using an open source virtual globe.</p>


Author(s):  
Nishith Maheshwari ◽  
K. S. Rajan

There have been various ways in which the indoor space of a building has been defined. In most of the cases the models have specific purpose on which they focus such as facility management, visualisation or navigation. The focus of our work is to define semantics of a model which can incorporate different aspects of the space within a building without losing any information provided by the data model. In this paper we have suggested a model which defines indoor space in terms of semantic and syntactic features. Each feature belongs to a particular class and based on the class, has a set of properties associated with it. The purpose is to capture properties like geometry, topology and semantic information like name, function and capacity of the space from a real world data model. The features which define the space are determined using the geometric information and the classes are assigned based on the relationships like connectivity, openings and function of the space. The ontology of the classes of the feature set defined will be discussed in the paper.


Author(s):  
K. Chaturvedi ◽  
T. H. Kolbe

Abstract. Semantic 3D City Models are used worldwide for different application domains ranging from Smart Cities, Simulations, Planning to History and Archeology. Well-defined data models like CityGML, IFC and INSPIRE Data Themes allow describing spatial, graphical and semantic information of physical objects. However, cities and their properties are not static and change with respect to time. Hence, it is important that such semantic data models handle different types of changes that take place in cities and their attributes over time. This paper provides a systematic analysis and recommendations for extensions of Semantic 3D City Models in order to support time-dependent properties. This paper reviews different application domains in order to identify key requirements for temporal and dynamic extensions and proposes ways to incorporate these extensions. Over the last couple of years, different extensions have been proposed for these standards to deal with temporal attributes. This paper also presents an analysis to which degree these extensions cover the requirements for dynamic city models.


Author(s):  
I. Apra ◽  
C. Bachert ◽  
C. Cáceres Tocora ◽  
Ö. Tufan ◽  
O. Veselý ◽  
...  

Abstract. In guiding the energy transition efforts towards renewable energy sources, 3D city models were shown to be useful tools when assessing the annual solar energy generation potential of urban landscapes. However, the simplified roof geometry included in these 3D city models and the lack of additional semantic information about the buildings’ roof often yield less accurate solar potential evaluations than desirable. In this paper we propose three different methods to infer and store additional information into 3D city models, namely on physical obstacles present on the roof and existing solar panels. Both can be used to increase the accuracy of roof solar panel retrofit potential. These methods are developed and tested on the open datasets available in the Netherlands, specifically AHN3 lidar point-cloud and PDOK aerial photography. However, we believe they can be adapted to different environments as well, based on the available datasets and their precision locally available.


Author(s):  
Nishith Maheshwari ◽  
K. S. Rajan

There have been various ways in which the indoor space of a building has been defined. In most of the cases the models have specific purpose on which they focus such as facility management, visualisation or navigation. The focus of our work is to define semantics of a model which can incorporate different aspects of the space within a building without losing any information provided by the data model. In this paper we have suggested a model which defines indoor space in terms of semantic and syntactic features. Each feature belongs to a particular class and based on the class, has a set of properties associated with it. The purpose is to capture properties like geometry, topology and semantic information like name, function and capacity of the space from a real world data model. The features which define the space are determined using the geometric information and the classes are assigned based on the relationships like connectivity, openings and function of the space. The ontology of the classes of the feature set defined will be discussed in the paper.


Author(s):  
A. Uyar ◽  
N. N. Ulugtekin

In recent years, 3D models have been created of many cities around the world. Most of the 3D city models have been introduced as completely graphic or geometric models, and the semantic and topographic aspects of the models have been neglected. In order to use 3D city models beyond the task, a generalization is necessary. CityGML is an open data model and XML-based format for the storage and exchange of virtual 3D city models. Level of Details (LoD) which is an important concept for 3D modelling, can be defined as outlined degree or prior representation of real-world objects. The paper aim is first describes some requirements of 3D model generalization, then presents problems and approaches that have been developed in recent years. In conclude the paper will be a summary and outlook on problems and future work.


Author(s):  
A. Labetski ◽  
S. van Gerwen ◽  
G. Tamminga ◽  
H. Ledoux ◽  
J. Stoter

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> CityGML, an OGC standard, is an open data model for virtual 3D city models and includes buildings, roads, terrain, water bodies, etc. While many modules are well-developed (eg buildings, bridges, tunnels), the transportation model is, based on our consultations with various government agencies and municipalities, not sufficient for most transportation applications. We propose in this paper several improvements to the CityGML v2.0 Transportation module, and to the previous efforts for improving it. Our additions are based on the consultations we had, and on the use-cases that were identified. We argue that the following changes are necessary: A) multi-LoD modelling of roads, B) carriageway representation, C) detailed intersection modelling and, D) introducing waterways as a new sub-class.</p>


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document