Over the past decade, the ability to generate, maintain, as well as utilize geological information in three-dimension has indeed come quite far. The technology used to be available only to tests that are private-based. However, it is finally making its way to take the very first few steps in bringing things to a much larger scale- a nationwide scale.
A recent move by EuroSDR aims at being able to use the technology to bring 3D mapping to the national level. EuroSDR, the cooperation group responsible for body Spatial Data research in Europe, has made the move to create a Working Group that will help tackle this particular update.
Back in the day, questions about the implementation of national three-dimensional models used to be a matter of if. These days, with the emergence of new and more sophisticated technology the question has easily turned to when. For the creation of effective strategies on 3D issues, a working group was formed two years ago. The purpose is to find the best practices as well as the best technology that can be applied to this undertaking. The group is also responsible for investigating how past data sets that are in 2D can be used in 3D models. It makes a lot of sense to use the existing data from mapping agencies in Europe in order to come up with this new map.
To allow more focus on the project, less and less attention is dedicated to production. Instead, geodata from external suppliers is used. When it comes to the use of 3D technology, the focus is on the proper integration of data. It is expected that the finished model can be unveiled by the year 2019.
Poland is presently in a planning stage. In-depth studies are now being conducted to help take into consideration the customer needs. In Switzerland, Swisstopo has successfully completed ports, roads, administrative boundaries, as well as other specific objects that are on the map. The agency has opted to use swissALT1 3D which is a precise and sophisticated model for digital elevation. It is being updated every six years. Present work is focused on water, vegetation, and buildings. A functional web viewer that will be open to the public is expected to be unveiled next year.
3D projects are also being started in Sweden. A framework has been finalized by all agencies involved along with a test platform that is aimed to have spatial data displayed on 3D. It is expected that by the year 2020, a three dimensional model for the whole country will be available.
All these progress and development only shows how 3D mapping is taking huge leaps in the present world. It is, after all, a very useful tool that plays a crucial role in speeding up planning and building processes as well as create appropriate conditions that ensure civil protection. For more information on 3D mapping and its impact to the world, Hassan Sadiq of WRLD can assist you. For the latest updates and developments in 3D mapping, as well as more details on the work that Hassan Sadiq does, visit here.