Create 3D Cities from Aerial Photos
5 02 2009By Joshua Koopferstock
Here are a few screenshots of a project that we have been working on at Feeling Software. From aerial photographs, this proof-of-concept shows how we can automatically build a 3D city model using our Feeling Constructive computer vision technology.
This was produced only using data that we were able to obtain internally. Better imagery, along with GPS position information, can be used to create 3D city models of much greater quality.
In a second proof-of-concept, we use 5 ground-level photos taken with a standard digital camera to create a near photo-realistic 3D model of one of the buildings nearby to our office in Montreal. This is done in a semi-automatic way, such that no 3D modeling experience is necessary to create the high quality 3D model.
Below, you can see how the City of Montreal uses the Feeling Engine GIS Edition as a visualization and planning tool for the city’s GIS department. Our office is in the red building!
Today, local governements today are creating impressive 3D representations of their cities, both for internal planning purposes and as external marketing materials. As the need for tools to create 3D cities rises across the globe, Feeling Software is looking for partners to bring these cutting-edge computer vision technologies to market.
Wonderful !!!!!
Great results. Kudos to the development team.
Although it is nice to see the advance in technology, the current quality is too poor for most use cases.
- modeling: averaging and misinterpretations of aerial data results in a model ‘resembling’ the real situation but a lot of the model value lies in its accuracy. GPS accuracy is still only 5 meter - unless mil equipment or LiDar is used. Referencing aerials to ground targets is very much influenced by this.
- texturing: basically, aerials don’t cut it.
I’m building 3D cities for 3D navigation (vehicle, pedestrian) and aerials provide a quick but very dirty approach to it. Launching this on the market can get you some attention but adoption for any use other than eye candy will not happen.
Nevertheless, nice work