Acquisition of 3D topography

This research is part of BSIK-RGI project '3D Topography', which aims to develop methods for acquiring, storing, and querying 3D topographic data as a feasibility study for a future national 3D topographic database.

"Acquisition of 3D Topography" focuses on the automated acquisition of 3D topographic objects. Laser data and 2D map data are integrated and processed in a rule-based approach. For groups of objects rules for 3D reconstruction are set-up. These rules have to ensure the geometrical, topological and semantic correctness of the 3D map. Focus in on the reconstruction of 3D roads, including complex situations like interchanges, and 3D buildings. Quality analyses include predicting the quality of the reconstructed model by using least squares adjustment and error propagation formulas.

The outline of this PhD project is to develop algorithms for an automated acquisition of 3D topographic objects, like roads and buildings, by fusing map and laser data. Results are reconstructed interchanges with roads on all height levels, and 3D buildings. Several roof details like chimneys and dormers can be detected and reconstructed automatically, although this depends on the density of laser data.

Airborne laser data (AHN)		Topographic map data (TOP10NL)
Result of reconstructed model

More information and intermediate results (a.o. a 3D reconstruction of the complex interchange Prins Claus Plein) can be found on: www.itc.nl/personal/oudeelberink/