Over the past few weeks we have been exploring exploring new methods and techniques for visualising data. Developed as part ourMasters course in Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation we are now looking into issues of scale, realtime rendering, rapid visualisation and 3D exhibition spaces.
Regular readers will know we have been exploring Unity due its interactive nature and ability to import various file types into its game engine (see Particles, Agents and Emergent Behaviour ). Unity is still an option but for rapid visualisation Lumion also offers distinct possibilities. The movie below details our first draft example of building an exhibition space (SketchUp), retexturing and adding various crowd/delegate models (3DMax) and the Twitter map (ArcGIS) using Lumion:
If Lumion offered a stand alone viewer rather than purely movie based output then it would be our engine of choice. As such it is currently a weigh up between Lumion and Unity, our Unity example is under development, we will post it soon as we can...
Back in the heady days of 2008 when Neogeography was the 'in thing' we looked into importing geographic, urban and climate information within Second Life. Progress was swift and we demonstrated how output from ArcGIS could be not only imported but also manipulated on the fly, along with step inside panoramas and live data feeds:
That was 2008, since then our land with NATURE in Second Life has sadly timed out and nowadays its hard to justify resources to rent virtual space. As such our thoughts are tuning to OpenSim, nothing new there of course but the clip below from Intel has got us thinking.
The movie demonstrates the progress in scaling the capabilities of the ScienceSim virtual world and features a collection of projects aimed at expanding the web to include interactive 3D applications.
ScienceSim is interesting and with the possibility of running several 1000 avatars on a server brings about interesting possibilities for virtual simulations.
Bentley’s 3D City GIS product portfolio is an integrated suite of products allowing the creation of smart 3D City models and the management of these models across the lifecycle. It also provides a rich set of tools to use the 3D City model in a variety of activities. GIS professionals, urban planners, designers, project managers, engineers, and citizens alike will benefit from going beyond traditional 2D GIS technology and using Bentley’s newest 3D City GIS products.
They have produced the demo movie below, to be honest we expected something a little more exciting and the whole 'flame/light effect' on text feels a bit dated:
Maybe its just us, but it failed to grab our interest, and we like this sort of thing. Lets hope this is not the pitch they give to local authorities / municipalities, which is a shame as the whole 3D Intelligent City idea is finally reaching the market place.
3D tools for urban planners are too be honest few and far between. There is a strong need for simple integration between a GIS, 3D model database and a communication suite for architects to upload models direct for consideration within the master planning process. As such we are particularly intrigued by Clover Point's Asset Tracking Anywhere 3D Master Planning Tool.
The movie below provides an overview:
The 3D module is tied directly a web GIS linked to real world coordinates, clicking on any object brings back the related meta data and presents it through the interface. The system also access inside buildings and indeed underground.
The engine is designed to accept most common types of 3D models, C4D, Sketchup, 3DSMax, Revit and many others. This allows users, such as Architects, to login via the web, given they have the appropriate rights, give a UTM or position off a monument and scale, and upload their models.
The models are then 'dropped' into the 3D world and the whole system is updated. Many of the other attributes in the model, such as the trees, are placed directly from GIS data, for example if trees are moved in the GIS the 3D model changes as well.
Use Case's include:
·Competing Architects do not see each other's work, due to the inherent security system, but the Planners can see everything. Planners can toggle off and on buildings and complete density studies and forward thinking community plans.
·Planners can use the model in community meeting and stakeholder presentations. It's interactive with controls that are similar to a gaming engine, they are very easy and configurable.
·Engineers, Planners and Architects work together with spatially accurate data to plan future developments. Engineers, for example, can go underground to examine the subterranean infrastructure prior to the plans being placed.
In short, we like the sound of the system, we have not used it ourselves yet but if we manage to get hold of a copy we will post a review.
UpNext 3D NYC is the first 3D city app we have seen on the iPhone. The application allows the user to explore Manhattan via a 3D map with the normal subway/search functions.
The demo below provides a walkthough:
In days gone by this would of been called 'mobile 3D GIS', nowadays mapping apps are ubiquitous with the inclusion of 3D fast becoming the selling point. Is the 3D map anything more than a gimmick? The same question has been asked for years about 3D GIS in general, for the record we think its great.. iTunes Link: http://www.itunes.com/app/upnextnyc
The final design of the Orange County Great Park has been approved providing a wide array of active and passive uses, including a 2.5 mile canyon and lake, miles of walking and biking trails, a cultural terrace, Orange County's largest sports park, a botanical garden, and a tethered helium observation balloon that will be an icon for the Great Park. More than 3,885 of the 4,700 acres will be dedicated to open space, education, and other public uses. Fuscoe Engineering provided an Interactive 3D GIS system controlled by a 3D mouse at the reception of the final presentation by the design team.
The model was built by compiling each of the design team disciplines' plans into GIS software. Over 20,000 3D trees were shown in real-time along with the grading plan, architecture, and surrounding terrain.
The system gave the public a chance to experience the future park virtually and understand it's size and scope. The video above detailing fly-over of the park was also shown during the final presentation by the design team. An interesting and perhaps rare example of the use of 3D GIS for design, decision making, communication and public outreach.
