GML-Based Data Management and Semantic World Modelling for a 4D Forest Simulation and Information System

Various types of 3D simulation applications benefit from realistic forest models. They range from flight simulators for entertainment to harvester simulators for training and tree growth simulations for research and planning. This paper's 4D forest simulation and information system integrates the necessary methods for data extraction, modelling and management. Using modern methods of semantic world modelling, tree data can efficiently be extracted from remote sensing data. The derived forest models contain position, height, crown volume, type and diameter of each tree. This data is modelled using GML-based data models to assure compatibility and exchangeability. ForestGML is the name of a new schema family developed to provide a common basis for forestry data. A flexible approach for database synchronization is used to manage the data and provide caching, persistence, a central communication hub for change distribution, and a versioning mechanism. Combining various simulation techniques and data versioning, the 4D forest simulation and information system can provide applications with “both directions” of the fourth dimension. This paper outlines the current state, new developments, and integration of tree extraction, data modelling, and data management. It also shows several applications realized with the system.

GML-Based nD Data Management With a Big Geo Data Semantic World Modeling Approach

3D simulation applications benefit from realistic and exact forest models. They range from training simulators like flight or harvester simulators to economic and ecological simulations for tree growth or succession. The nD forest simulation and information system integrates the necessary methods for data extraction, modeling, and management of highly realistic models. Using semantic world modeling, tree data can efficiently be extracted from remote sensing data – even for very large areas. Data is modeled using a GML-based modeling language and a flexible data management approach is integrated to provide caching, persistence, a central communication hub, and a versioning mechanism. Combining various simulation techniques and data versioning, the nD forest simulation and information system can provide applications with historic 3D data in multiple time dimensions (hence nD) as well as with predicted data based on simulations.

GML-Based Data Management and Semantic World Modelling for a 4D Forest Simulation and Information System

Various types of 3D simulation applications benefit from realistic forest models. They range from flight simulators for entertainment to harvester simulators for training and tree growth simulations for research and planning. This paper's 4D forest simulation and information system integrates the necessary methods for data extraction, modelling and management. Using modern methods of semantic world modelling, tree data can efficiently be extracted from remote sensing data. The derived forest models contain position, height, crown volume, type and diameter of each tree. This data is modelled using GML-based data models to assure compatibility and exchangeability. ForestGML is the name of a new schema family developed to provide a common basis for forestry data. A flexible approach for database synchronization is used to manage the data and provide caching, persistence, a central communication hub for change distribution, and a versioning mechanism. Combining various simulation techniques and data versioning, the 4D forest simulation and information system can provide applications with “both directions” of the fourth dimension. This paper outlines the current state, new developments, and integration of tree extraction, data modelling, and data management. It also shows several applications realized with the system.