3D geospatial data visualization with AI Integration
Kruti Sutaria, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Computer science
and Engineering, Parul University, Gujarat, India
kruti.sutaria25509@paruluniversity.ac.in
Sri Jaya Sankar Punati, Dept. of Computer science and
Engineering, Parul University, Gujarat, India
200303124434@paruluniversity.ac.in
Abstract
Abstract In the digital age, mapping services have become an
integral part of our daily lives. However, when it comes to 3D
mapping, particularly in regions like India, the options are
limited. This research project delves into the challenge of
developing custom 3D maps for areas that are underserved by
existing mapping platforms. Unlike conventional 3D maps that
primarily focus on popular landmarks, our goal was to create
immersive and customizable maps that blend the richness of
traditional map services with the versatility of 3D vector
mapping. Our journey began by recognizing the absence of
public 3D maps covering many regions, with most offerings
being 2D maps with labels for prominent locations. In India,
the absence of 3D mapping services like Google Maps or
Google Earth prompted us to explore the potential of crafting
our solution. We envisioned a map that not only provided a
three-dimensional perspective but also incorporated features
familiar to users of existing map services, including Places,
Terrain View, Current Location, and Local Places. The project’s
development phase led us to a critical crossroads in choosing
the right methodology. We discovered that most available
methods were either proprietary or closed source, limiting our
customization options, or posing significant implementation
challenges. As a result, we embarked on an experimentation
journey with Unity and Godot, attempting to create vector maps
from scratch. Ultimately, we found our solution in Google
Vector Maps, which offered a balance of ease of
implementation and the flexibility we desired. The project’s
evolution continued as we transitioned our application from a
desktop cross-platform solution to a web-based platform. This
transition opened up new possibilities for accessibility and
reach. Through this project, we demonstrate the feasibility of
creating 3D maps and showcase that, with substantial effort and
a deep understanding of web technologies and graphic systems,
it is possible to construct a 3D mapping experience by
synergizing multiple languages and frameworks. Key
components of our solution include the use of Svelte for
building web and user interface elements, Google Maps API for
obtaining vector data, and with necessary libraries for
translating coordinates into a threedimensional space.
Furthermore, we leveraged Three.js for rendering vector maps
and seamlessly integrating custom 3D models into the map
environment.
I. INTRODUCTION
Polygon Geospatial pioneers spatial technology solutions
for the real estate sector and leverages satellite data for precise
feature extraction. Our flagship product,
Plotview, revolutionizes real estate layout management,
reducing conversion time and costs while offering
comprehensive decision-making tools.
• Innovation: Pioneering technology solutions that
drive industry advancement.
• Collaboration: Building partnerships that
strengthen the impact of spatial technology.
• Precision: Ensuring accuracy and reliability in
every solution we deliver.
• Customer-Centricity: Understanding and
addressing the unique needs of our clients.
Overall, Polygon Geospatial mission is to continually
innovate, providing solutions that redefine how spatial data
transforms industries.
 Objectives of the Application
Polygon Geospatial is a company that provides real estate
and surveying services. They use drones and other technologies
to capture data and create 3D models of properties and land.
This data can be used to create virtual tours, floor plans, and
other marketing materials. It can also be used to track progress
on construction projects and monitor environmental changes
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
Polygon Geospatial team management through
computerized systems are fast and reduces data anomalies, data
redundancy. Computerized systems reduces paper usage and
generates information sophistically for the clients to view and
take a reference on the data that we provide on the maps that
help various sectors.
III. PROPOSED SYSTEM
During my internship, I will be an integral part of WebGIS
solution team, focusing on drone imagery and satellite data for
the extraction of building features. Here I collect the information
from the drones and train the AI model via a Python program
and render a 3D buildings from the information and create a Map
that is helpful for the clients..
Data Preprocessing: Engage in data preprocessing tasks,
ensuring the quality and relevance of satellite and drone
imagery data for effective model training.
Algorithm Optimization: Work on optimizing existing
algorithms and exploring new methodologies to enhance the
accuracy and efficiency of feature extraction models.
Documentation: Maintain thorough documentation of the
developed models, algorithms, and methodologies to facilitate
knowledge transfer within the team. Collaboration:
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including GIS
experts, software developers, and remote sensing
specialists, to integrate the developed models into our
WebGIS solution. Testing and Validation: Conduct rigorous
testing and validation of the models to ensure robust
performance under various scenarios and conditions.
. Now regarding to the architecture explained in detailed
later on allows the user to enter data record and use that data
for business. easily by using the application. The architecture
is now explained in depth in later section of the paper.
AI-powered Feature Extraction and Analysis:
• Develop an AI model that automatically extracts
buildings, vegetation, or terrain features (e.g., roads, rivers)
from your 3D geospatial data.
• Analyse the extracted features to uncover patterns,
trends, or relationships.
• This could be used for tasks like:
– Mapping urban areas and analysing building density.
– Assessing changes in forest cover over time.
– Identifying potential erosion risks in terrain.
Generating Realistic 3D Models:
• Use AI to generate realistic 3D models of
buildings, vegetation, or terrain based on your data.
• This could be used for:
– Creating immersive visualizations for public
engagement or education.
– Developing virtual simulations for urban planning or
environmental impact assessment. – Generating 3D assets for
gaming or other real-time applications future offers messages,
and addresses(only if the customer is comfortable in sharing
their address with us).
Software and Tools:
• GIS Platform: You’ll need a GIS platform capable of
handling 3D data and integrating with AI tools. Popular
options include ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, and Bentley
MicroStation.
• 3D Modelling Software: If you want to create
advanced 3D models, consider tools like Blender, SketchUp,
or Maya.
• AI Tools: Depending on your project goals, you may
need specific AI libraries or platforms. Python libraries like
TensorFlow or PyTorch are common choices for AI
development. Data Sources:
• Elevation Data: Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) or
LiDAR data are crucial for building 3D terrain. Sources like
USGS or open data portals might provide free options.
• Imagery: Satellite imagery (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel)
or drone data provides visual details for textures and features.
Consider data providers, cost, and resolution needs.
• Additional Data: Depending on your project, you
might need other data, like property maps, building
footprints, or demographic information. Research relevant
sources and formats.
Implementing Backend of project Google Maps API Google
Maps API provides vector maps with WebGL functionally
which enables developers to be able to edit the map for their
own needs. we took use of this functionality to place custom
3D models in Google Maps (Lots of the features are
undocumented which increased our development time, but it
was worth it). Took advantage of map control variables &
methods to control orientation, scale, zoom and heading of
map. This is achieved using google.
maps.WebGLOverlayView and
Google.maps.ThreeJSOverlayView. These objects provide a
bridge between the Google Maps API and the Three.js library,
enabling seamless integration. The code proceeds to load a
3D model specified in the MODELS object using the
GLTFLoader. This model is then scaled and positioned on the
map at a defined latitude, longitude, and altitude. The latitude
and longitude coordinates correspond to a specific location
on the map, while the altitude parameter determines the
vertical position of the model. The model’s rotation is also
adjusted as necessary. The WebGL renderer is initialized and
associated with the Google Maps canvas. The onDraw
function updates the camera’s projection matrix to ensure that
the 3D scene aligns correctly with the map. Subsequently, the
scene is rendered using the renderer, allowing for the model
to be displayed within the Google Map. In conclusion, the
provided code successfully demonstrates the integration of a
WebGL overlay onto a Google Map. This integration
facilitates the rendering of 3D models on map.
Map Loader
Elaboration of A 3D Virtual Area
A three-dimensional city model is a digital representation of
the Earth’s surface and its related objects such as buildings,
trees, vegetation, and some manmade features belonging to
the urban area [33]. This realistic visualization represented in
our study is a prototype that can help decision makers in
future projects. Future projects may relate to the sites of
works or other electrical network extensions, while taking
into account what has been performed. In order to allow
different levels of modeling, several levels of details (LOD)
have been defined: LOD 0 (Regional model): this is a digital
terrain model (2.5D) showing the entire landscape and for
which its data come mainly from airborne laser; LOD 1
(Urban model): “block model” in which the buildings are
schematized in the form of blocks without roof structures,
thus giving an idea of the distribution of the height of the
buildings; LOD 2 (Urban model): same as the above, but with
textures for facades and roofs (oblique photogrammetry);
LOD 3 (Urban model): same model as the above but with a
more detailed architectural level; LOD 4 (Interior model):
truly architectural “walkable” model, that is to say that it has
models of the interior of buildings . The CityGML standard
was used in our study, which is an XML-based encoding for
3D representation, allowing the sharing and storage of virtual
models of cities and landscapes. It is executed as an open data
model deployed as an application schema for Geography
Markup Language 3, the extensible international standard for
spatial data exchange released by the Open Geospatial
Consortium (OGC). CityGML offers a standard model to
describe 3D objects in terms of their geometry, topology,
semantics, and appearance. It also contains generalization
hierarchies between classes, aggregations, relationships
between objects, and spatial properties. We proceeded to
model the geographic space, which delaminates a region of
10 km around the city . The first step is to display the digital
terrain model in a 3D planimetric view. We then modeled
various elements that make up MV/LV networks based on the
drawing commands (geometry, coloring, and modification)
and photos taken in the field. The modeling of the land use
components of our study area was performed by adding the
different data layers (urban component, roads, hydrography,
and electrical network) in the scene and superimposing them
with the relief and then performing an extrusion of the
buildings to create realistic 3D objects (extrude according to
the heights and the number of floors). The 3D model of the
study area obtained. MV/LV transformer stations.
Elaboration of A 3D Virtual City A three-dimensional city
model is a digital representation of the Earth’s surface and its
related objects such as buildings, trees, vegetation, and some
manmade features belonging to the urban area . This realistic
visualization represented in our study is a prototype that can
help decision makers in future projects. Future projects may
relate to the sites of works or other electrical network
extensions, while taking into account what has been
performed. In order to allow different levels of modeling,
several levels of details (LOD) have been defined: LOD 0
(Regional model): this is a digital terrain model (2.5D)
showing the entire landscape and for which its data come
mainly from airborne laser; LOD 1 (Urban model): “block
model” in which the buildings are schematized in the form of
blocks without roof structures, thus giving an idea of the
distribution of the height of the buildings; LOD 2 (Urban
model): same as the above, but with textures for facades and
roofs (oblique photogrammetry); LOD 3 (Urban model):
same model as the above but with a more detailed
architectural level; LOD 4 (Interior model): truly
architectural “walkable” model, that is to say that it has
models of the interior of buildings . The CityGML standard
was used in our study, which is an XML-based encoding for
3D representation, allowing the sharing and storage of virtual
models of cities and landscapes. It is executed as an open data
model deployed as an application schema for Geography
Markup Language 3, the extensible international standard for
spatial data exchange released by the Open Geospatial
Consortium (OGC). CityGML offers a standard model to
describe 3D objects in terms of their geometry, topology,
semantics, and appearance. It also contains generalization
hierarchies between classes, aggregations, relationships
between objects, and spatial properties. We proceeded to
model the geographic space, which delaminates a region of
10 km around the city of Medjez El Bab. The first step is to
display the digital terrain model in a 3D planimetric view. We
then modeled various elements that make up MV/LV
networks based on the drawing commands (geometry,
coloring, and modification) and photos taken in the field. The
modeling of the land use components of our study area was
performed by adding the different data layers (urban
component, roads, hydrography, and electrical network) in
the scene and superimposing them with the relief and then
performing an extrusion of the buildings to create realistic 3D
objects (extrude according to the heights and the number of
floors
Multi model Loading
Web and 3D Web GIS Applications and Website
Development
This phase is related to the realization of a Web GIS in order
to offer users the possibility of consulting the produced
products by using the internet. The world had 4.79 billion
Internet users in 2020 or 5.5% more than in 2019. This is
166% more users that existed 10 years ago . The Internet and,
in particular, the World Wide Web enable easy access to
spatial data and applications that can offer fast and simple
solutions to the spatial needs of people, such as public
services and business operations. Web-based GIS
applications have gained popularity due to their ease of use
and simplicity . In the framework of our study related to an
electrical network, the client side is a spatial data
visualization interface (Map Viewer) based on GeoExt. The
latter is a web application developed under OpenLayers to
create and publish maps. This interface allows adding WMS
(Web Map Service) layers from GeoServer and from an API
(Application Programming Interface) such as Google Maps.
IV. CONCLUSION
This study used GIS to improve different plannings made
by the client for a Polygon Geospatial company. They built
a detailed database with maps, satellite imagery, and GPS
data. They analyzed slope, land use, and road networks to
optimize maintenance routes. 3D visualizations and web
applications were created to share this information so that it
will be helpful for the clients that use our platform.
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