GIS – 3D and Beyond



This new mobile system requires more research efforts to address some issues. It has been recognized that the following would contribute to the development of such system.

  1. New spatial data modeling,
  2. New spatial database formalism,
  3. Interfacing between 2D, 3D and the ubiquitous GIS, and
  4. Smart display and visualization devices.
As most GIS users wish to have a GIS system that could do many fantastic spatial analysis operations anytime and anywhere, then the next section highlights few aspects that could lead to it.

6. RESEARCH EFFORTS TOWARDS 3D GIS AT UTM SKUDAI
Efforts to realize true 3D GIS are taking place. We address some of the issues like 3D spatial data modeling, 3D visualization navigation, and 3D databasing. Below is the summary of our current PhD research works:

6.1 3D topology for 3D GIS
This research attempts to produce a new topological model that works for 3D spatial objects, and eventually new breed of 3D spatial analysis. New 3D spatial operators are anticipated from this research project.

6.2 Spatial data modeling for 3D cadastre
Since we want to explore the possibility of providing sound information to the land and property owners then the project has been formulated and geared toward the direction. This is inline of the government policy – that is to provide fast and accurate service to the community.

6.3 3D navigation for 3D GIS
This is to enhance the current topological research work. Navigation will provide means to locate and explore the 3D spatial objects in great detail interactively. The project incorporates some aspects of VR and dynamic 3D visualization.

6.4 Managing 3D spatial objects for large area
It is our aim to have a 3D spatial database that caters for large areas, i.e. statewide or nationwide. National mapping agency would be one of the possible research targets and users.

6.5 3D utility mapping and databasing
At the moment most of our spatial plans are based on surface based features. However, it is quite hard to have a good system that able to manage subsurface utility objects like pipelines, power cables, telecommunication cables including pay-TV cables, gas, water pipelines, and other utility lines. These objects require 3D utility mapping and 3D database.

7. SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK
The paper has described the evolution of GIS, i.e. from traditional GIS systems to ubiquitous version of GIS. The real concerned of this paper is the spatial data modeling, it is the core component of any GIS software development. This is the core component of any GIS software development. Further research is required to investigate methods of spatial data modeling in mobile environment especially for 3D spatial objects so that sound 3D geo information could be generated and produced in situ. Significant testing on the developed model like the CoS (Condensed Spatial) spatial model is also required to ensure that all the object primitives are fully interrelated. Lastly, with regards to ubiquitous GIS further investigation with respect to interfacing to the existing systems are also required.

REFERENCES
  • Abdul-Rahman, A. (2006). Development of Web 3D GIS software – an overview. Malaysian GIS Quarterly, Vol. 1, No. 1. GIS Development Publication.
  • Hunter, A. and V. Tao (2002). Ubiquitous GIS, data acquisition and speech recognition. Proceedings of ISPRS, IGU, and CIG Joint International Conference, Ottawa, Canada
  • Molenaar, M. (1991). Formal data structures, object dynamics and consistency rules. Digital Photogrammetry Systems, Herbert Wichmann Verlag GmbH, Karlsruhe, pp. 262-273
  • Peng, W. (1997). Automated generalization in GIS. PhD thesis, ITC, the Netherlands
  • Pilouk, M. (1996). Integrated modeling for 3D GIS. PhD thesis, ITC, the Netherlands
  • Zlatanova, S. (2000). 3D GIS for urban environment. PhD thesis, TU Graz, Austria
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