Virtual 3d Mapping and Analysis Using Remote Sensing Data and Photographs
With the rapid growth of urbanization, visualization in the three-dimensional aspect is getting more importance nowadays. 3D modeling and visualization techniques help in decision making process to understand the third dimensional features in cities. Planners, urban designers, landscape architects and other planning professionals use computerized vi-sualization techniques to encourage the participation of public in urban planning. Aerial and Satellite images can be used to generate 3D models, but they cannot give a realistic feel due to the absence of texture information. The objective of this study is to build a 3D model along with texture information using currently available software tools and to make it freely viewable for the public. High resolution satellite data are useful for 3D mapping and analysis. In the current study, field photographs and satellite images are used to create 3D database of few iconic buildings in Bangalore city. Satellite images are used to identify the georeferenced footprint of the buildings or features. The designing and creation of 3D database is carried out using Sketchup software tools. Texture information is added from the photographs to get a realistic feel of the 3D building. The 3D features are visualized in Arcscene using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and orthorectified high resolution Satellite data. Further, techniques have been employed to generate a 3D cadastre prototype for visualization of vertical growth of buildings. Line of sight and shadow analysis was carried out using the 3D model analyst toolbar in Arcscene for understanding the potential of this technology for locating security cameras.
Advanced principles of 3D cadastral data modelling
This is a publisher's version of a paper presented at the 2nd International Workshop on 3D Cadastres, Delft, The Netherlands, 16-18 November, 2011 published by FIG. http://3dcadastres2011.nl/papers/
Geographic And Environmental Influence On Maya Settlement Patterns Of The Northwest Yucatan: An Explanation For The Sparsely Settled Western Cenote Zone
Most settlement pattern research and GIS analysis of the ancient Maya of the Northern Yucatan have focused on water availability in a dry landscape where cenotes are often the only water source. While water is of paramount importance, permanent settlement secondarily requires farmable soil, a resource often as precious as water in many parts of the Yucatan. The dynamics between these resources reveal areas of ideal settlement and more challenging landscapes for which the Maya developed strategies to overcome environmental conditions. A region of the southwest "Cenote Zone", however, appears to have presented the ancient Maya with insurmountably poor environmental conditions despite abundant water resources. The lack of dense population and stone architecture in this area emphasizes the lack of a simple correlation between cenotes and settlement. This thesis uses GIS analysis to identify and explore such problematic settlement areas to better understand the factors and complexities involved in the more successful settlements of neighboring regions. iv This work is dedicated to my late father, who first introduced me to the Mundo Maya through a visit to the ruins of Tikal at the age of nine, and who instilled in me strength, curiosity, and a love for exploring the world. v ACKLOWLEDGEMENTS I'd like to acknowledge Dr. Arlen Chase and Dr. Diane Chase for providing such outstanding opportunities and instruction, and for leading by example both in the field and in the classroom. Dr. John Walker for his eye-opening perspectives, GIS instruction, inspiring hard-working attitude, and patience in the field. Dr. Clifford Brown and Dr. Walter Witschey for their invaluable correspondence and for their contributions to mapping and GIS data of Maya sites.