URBAN

There are many expectations about the usage of 3D data for urban environments. Users of this data demand growing efficiency and want a quality improvement in the underlying recording methods. The URBAN project examines several of the most urgent problem areas concerning the use of 3D data for urban environments.

3D data

A first domain wants to generate 3D data for large sections of cities, with a main focus on precision. The chosen system uses a van with several cameras and a computer program that obtains 3D information by selecting points in an image.

In the collection process of this 3D data, the recognition of objects is especially important. On one hand local governments want to know exactly where street signs and street furniture such as benches, receptacles, etc., are positioned. On the other, in order to provide optimal visualization, the functionality should allow certain elements, for example bikes or cars, to be filtered out.

Visual realism

Sometimes accuracy is less important and the focus lies mainly on visual realism. The research on 3D modeling for visualization works with a brief description of the models in order to easily stream this to a platform with limited calculating power.

Another important aspect being examined is the interaction with 3D city modeling: how important is streaming and server capacity? Which forms of interaction do clients desire? Which new usage practices are being made possible thanks to immersive ‘locative media’ and ‘urban computing’?

Legal aspects

A final domain URBAN scrutinizes are the legal aspects: Where are the boundaries of privacy when collecting images? How does this intervene with the intellectual property rights associated with architecture?

Leaflet in English