August 2012 : 3D

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Publication: 10 of every month I Posting: 15 / 20 of every month

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R.N.I No - UPENG/2010/34153 Registration no: UP/GBD-136/2011-13 YOUR GEOSPATIAL INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

www.geospatialworld.net AUGUST 2012 VOL 03 ISSUE 01 ISSN 2277 - 3134

Price: INR 150 / US$ 15 Subscriber’s copy. Not for Sale

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Inside...

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ARTICLES

31

3D street level imagery:

Securing the missing perspective Mark Taris and Bart Beers

34

3D terrestrial laser scanning:

A whole new world Geoff Jacobs

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3D building models:

An 'alternative' route with energy efficiency Geoff Zeiss

3D Data

CASE STUDIES

Exploring new horizons

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Helsinki, Finland:

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Tainan, Taiwan:

42

Gothenburg, Sweden:

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Graz, Austria:

44

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:

Prof Ian Dowman and Vaibhav Arora CHAIRMAN

M P Narayanan

PUBLISHER

Sanjay Kumar

PUBLICATIONS TEAM Managing Editor Editor - Latin America (Honorary) Sr. Associate Editor (Honorary) Executive Editor Product Manager Assistant Editors

Prof. Arup Dasgupta Tania Maria Sausen Dr. Hrishikesh Samant Bhanu Rekha Shivani Lal Deepali Roy, Aditi Bhan, Vaibhav Arora, Anand Kashyap

DESIGN TEAM Sr. Creative Designer Graphic Designer

Deepak Kumar Manoj Kumar Singh

CIRCULATION TEAM Circulation Manager

Vijay Kumar Singh

Improving efficiency with the third dimension Towards improved decision making Public at the forefront City planning gets a boost Assessing flood risk

IN FOCUS

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D ISCLAIMER Geospatial World does not necessarily subscribe to the views expressed in the publication. All views expressed in this issue are those of the contributors. Geospatial World is not responsible for any loss to anyone due to the information provided.

OWNER, PUBLISHER & PRINTER Sanjay Kumar PRINTED AT M. P. Printers B - 220, Phase-II, Noida - 201 301, Gautam Budh Nagar (UP) INDIA PUBLICATION ADDRESS A - 92, Sector - 52, Gautam Budh Nagar, Noida, India

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Rio+20 and geospatial systems

The Promised Land

INTERVIEW

46

"We are changing perspectives about laser scanning" Joe Arezone Senior Vice President and Managing Director - Asia Pacific, FARO

PRICE: INR 150/US$ 15

07 Editorial

08 News

Abbas Rajabifard President, GSDI Association

Greg Bentley CEO, Benltey Systems

Juergen Dold President, Hexagon Geosystems

Preetha Pulusani Chief Strategy Officer, Rolta Group

Aida Opoku Mensah Director - ICT Division UN Economic Commission for Africa

Prof Ian Dowman First Vice President ISPRS

Kamal K Singh Chairman and CEO Rolta Group

Shailesh Nayak Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India

Bryn Fosburgh Vice President Trimble

Jack Dangermond President, Esri

Mark Reichardt President and CEO Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc.

Vanessa Lawrence CB Director General and CEO, Ordnance Survey, UK

Derek Clarke Chief Director-Survey and Mapping & National Geospatial Information Department of Rural Development & Land Reform, South Africa

Josef Strobl Director, Centre for Geoinformatics, University of Salzburg, Austria

Matthew M O'Connell President and CEO GeoEye

Geospatial World I August 2012

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EditorSpeak

Realising ‘the world we want’ oday, an applicant for a driving licence is made to practise on a simulator which presents a virtual world full of traffic hazards. 'Accidents' can easily be reversed, unlike in the real world where an accident can mean unplanned expenses and a break in the learning process. In fact, one of the most important uses of 3D models which show both terrain and structures is in simulators for training pilots, navigators and drivers.

This electronic terrain with buildings and other structures has emerged from the union of two different computer graphics applications. With the advent of computer graphics, 3D terrain representation could be easily achieved in GIS. In the same way, engineers found that computer graphics could easily be used to render true representations of structures like buildings and bridges in CAD. It was but a matter of time before these two graphic models coalesced into one.

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Advances in data acquisition like digital stereo cameras, interferometric SAR and LiDAR provide the necessary data for the software. However, the ingenuity of using this data and software is illustrated in applications which extend from professional applications like building information modelling (BIM) to 3D role-playing games. LiDAR and digital stereo imagery are also being used at the ground level to create 3D models of structures which are useful in municipal management and even restoration of historical icons like the Bamian Buddhas. The opportunities for applications of 3D models extend beyond just engineering.

Disaster management requires such models to, for example, evaluate flood risk and plan evacuation routes. 3D models are serving as a means of conveying and discussing urban plans with citizens. 3D models are also finding applications in developing smart and green cities.

Prof. Arup Dasgupta Managing Editor arup@geospatialmedia.net

Many of these applications have great relevance for some of the goals of the recently concluded Rio+20 conference. The final document of the conference mentions the importance of geospatial systems. The major goals are the realisation of sustainable development with equity keeping in mind the needs of the underprivileged citizens. Poverty alleviation and freedom from hunger are guiding goals. It is up to the geospatial community to rise to the challenge of helping to realise 'The World We Want'.

Geospatial World I August 2012

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NEWS GMV will install testing platforms in South Africa for conducting practical tests.

SOUTH AFR ICA

Google expands live traffic coverage Google expanded its live traffic coverage to South Africa, with the service now available in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria. The traffic overlay on Google Maps shows current traffic conditions and also provides estimated travel times based on traffic conditions. The service uses crowd-sourcing technology.

Climate map boosts green building design The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) created a new Koppen-Geiger map to quantify the climatic conditions in South Africa. These maps contribute to the design of buildings that are responsive to the specific character-

Satellite navigation project launched SBAS Awareness and Training for South Africa (SATSA) project has been launched. GMV, a Spain-based firm is leading the satellite navigation project in collaboration with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). The project aims to increase the technological navigation capacity in the region. SATSA is an eighteen-month project during which

CAM E ROON

Satellites to monitor forest cover changes Cameroon has joined a Congo Basin initiative that uses satellite imagery to monitor changes in forest cover in an effort to curb deforestation and help Central African countries access carbon finance. Cameroon will use images from the SPOT satellite earth observation system which could assist in protecting its rich forest reserve. The Agence Française de DÊveloppement is financing the provision of SPOT satellite imagery to Central African countries.

N IG E R IA

Aerial photography to mitigate disasters istics of the climate in which they are placed. The adoption of the Koppen-Geiger map allows building designers to rapidly identify appropriate climate-responsive design techniques and would facilitate the computational performance modelling of buildings.

Nigeria is taking the aerial photography route to monitor natural diasters.

Federal Ministry of Works, Nigeria, is also planning satellite mapping of the region to help the country in mitigating disasters. The ministry is also considering developing a GIS database.

KE NYA

Website tracks maps of lesser relevance A new website called DeadUshahidi has been launched which tracks Ushahidi mapping projects that have experienced little use. A report published in techPresident stated, "DeadUshahidi will cause people to engage in some more critical thinking before turning to mapping to solve their problems. On the flip side, mocking people or organisations whose maps don't succeed is not noble and could even deter experimentation. While its intentions are ultimately good, it is hard to see how DeadUshahidi fosters such a culture in the world of crisis management."

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Geospatial World I August 2012

I N DIA

Sat data to map development of Delhi

Image courtesy: NRSC

The Government of Delhi commissioned a study whereby satellite data will be used to keep track of the development work being carried out in NCR (National Capital Region) (Delhi and its adjoining towns). NCR

Planning Board signed an MoU with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to carry out the study and report whether the development in all zones is being carried out in sync with Regional Plan-2021. As per the MoU, the satellite imagery will capture the built-up area, the land use pattern, transport facilities and green cover.

250 GPS centres for quake monitoring With a view to monitor and study earthquakes, over 250 GPS centres would be set up across India. Most of

Geospatial World I August 2012

these centres will be set up in the Himalayan region. Four centres will also be set up in the state of Rajasthan. The project is funded by the seismology division of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

GIS market in APAC to grow at 7.8 pc Researchers at Technavio, a market research firm, forecasted that GIS market in APAC region will grow at a CAGR of 7.8 percent over the period 2011-2015. According to the report, the public sector is one of the major end-user segments in the GIS market in the APAC region. Many government and military organisations are investing heavily in GIS technology to enhance their national security infrastructure.

The public sector is expected to retain its dominant position in the market for the next few years.

Moreover, the industry is developing GIS technology and applications to meet the specific requirements of the government and military organisations.

ISRO may hive-off satellite production The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) might hive-off the production of communication satellites and polar satellite launch vehicles (PSLV) to the industry. "We want to explore the possibility of 'producing' PSLV and communication satellites through the industry," K Radhakrishnan, Chairman of ISRO said. If satellites and launch vehicles can be produced by industry players, ISRO scientists will be able to concentrate on research-oriented activities.

Invitation to cooperate on GLONASS Russia offered to jointly upgrade its GLONASS satellite navigation system with India. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said, "We have offered our Indian counterparts not only the use of the GLONASS system but also

participation in upgrading it. We practically see it as a joint effort. I think our Indian counterparts will be interested in it." Russia and India have been cooperating on the use of GLONASS for more than four years, but Russia has not previously offered equal joint participation in upgrading the system.

UAE

GST introduces Lynx Mobile Mapper Global Scan Technologies (GST), the authorised supplier/reseller for Optech (Canada) products in the UAE, partnered with Al Ain Municipality, for a project which involves updating basemap of the entire emirates of Al

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months. The project will make Ras Al Khaimah the sixth emirate in the UAE to implement the Leica Reference Station Network.

CH I NA Ain and Abu Dhabi. As part of the project, GST has sold the innovative Lynx Mobile Mapper to the municipality. The mobile mapper can be easily fixed on top of a car and used to collect various features on the road as the vehicle drives through at high speed. The data collected with the help of this device will be used to update the basemap. This is the first time ever that the system is being implemented anywhere in the UAE.

DT establishes network RTK system Dutco Tennant LLC (DT), Leica Geosystems distributor in the UAE, established a Network RTK (Realtime Kinematic) system for the entire emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The project would be executed in five phases.

The first phase of the project is currently underway and is expected to be completed in the next three to four

China to invest in geodetic network China will invest CNY 517 million (USD 81.24 million) to build a modern national network to monitor movements in earth's crust. The national geodetic network aims to build 360 GPS reference stations, and a satellite-geodesy control network consisting of 4,500 control points. Li Weisen, Deputy Director, National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation said the network will ensure people can get timely geodetic information.

KAZAKHSTAN

Augmented navigation system soon Kazakhstan's National Space Agency is developing GPS/Glonass augmented

navigation satellite system. "We will be able to accurately determine the location of cars, planes and trains. We intend to launch the first 60 differential stations by late 2013 - early 2014," Talgat Mussabayev, Chairman of Kazakhstan's National Space Agency said. The differential regional stations will be able to issue correcting and controlling data on locations for satellite navigation receivers using GPS signals, as well as Glonass signals.

MALAYSIA

Soil mapping tool to help farmers Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) developed ‘Soil Properties Mapping System (SOILPROP)’ which enables local farmers to manage their paddy fields in terms of optimising fertiliser input and rice yield. “What is unique about this system is that it is the only known variable rate technology available for paddy farmers here in Malaysia,” said Ir Dr Mohd Amin Mohd Soom, professor of soil and water engineering at UPM’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

AFG HAN ISTAN

Afghanistan has become the first country in the world whose 70 percent of the area has been mapped using hyperspectral imaging. The US Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with the Department of Defense Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO), mapped the country in order to assist Afghanistan in understanding their abundant natural resources.

"These maps clearly show the enormous size of Afghanistan's mineral wealth and position the country to become a world leader in the minerals sector," Jim Bullion, Director, TFBSO said.

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Image courtesy: USGS

Hyperspectral map reveals mineral wealth

Geospatial World I August 2012

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UK

UN launches digital humanitarian network United Nations, in collaboration with MapAction, CrisisMappers and GISCorps, launched 'Digital Humanitarian Network'. The network is aimed at providing better access to priority information for aid agencies. Jonny Douch of MapAction said, "We are hoping this new system will help to unlock the potential of technology expertise worldwide to contribute to positive humanitarian outcomes in disasters. Our team will play a vital role in the network by being a bridge between the innovative communities in the 'cloud and crowd', and the emergency responders on the front line."

Google brings indoor mapping to UK Google launched its indoor mapping service in the UK, after launching it in the US last November. The service is

available on android smartphones.

More than 40 venues in the UK currently have their floor plans available, ranging from places like the British Museum and National Theatre to the O2 Arena and Paddington Station.

OS launches vernacular geography project Ordnance Survey created a new system, FINTAN, which is being trialled in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Maritime Rescue Coordina-

tion Centres (MRCCs). FINTAN allows MRCC staff to add local names for beaches, waterways and other features with local names onto the existing mapping data. "With the huge variety of place nicknames that exist, we could never hope to capture them all ourselves," said Glen Hart, Ord-

nance Survey's Head of Research.

"Projects like this can provide us with useful research data. By having a set of 'unofficial' names, we could help the emergency services quickly locate the right place, and maybe even save lives," he added.

Real-time flood map goes online A real-time flood warning system, FloodAlerts map, has gone online.

The map offers real-time updates on areas at risk in England and Wales.

The system allows people to track areas that are in danger of imminent flooding. The system, developed by Shrewsbury-based firm Shoothill, uses data from the Environment Agency's (EA) nationwide network of monitoring stations.

Air traffic agency to test EGNOS Europe is rolling out operational service of its satellite-based aircraft navigation system EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service). An 18-passenger aircraft serving the island of Alderney, located off the French coast of Normandy,

BAE takes on GPS with NAVSOP BAE Systems developed a new positioning system, Navigation via Signals of Opportunity (NAVSOP), which could complement or even replace current technologies such as GPS. NAVSOP relies on the signals used by mobile phones, TVs, radios and Wi-Fi rather than navigation satellites. "We are not saying that our technology should necessarily replace GPS, but rather complement it. If the GPS signal is there, by all means, use it. If not, we say that with Navsop, you can determine your position anyway," said Ramsey Faragher, principal scientist at the BAE Advanced Technology Centre.

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Geospatial World I August 2012

will be the first to use EGNOS. "We're now at the point where we're beginning to land aircraft from space through satellite navigation," said Ken Ashton, head of navigation architecture at NATS. "This is the first certified operation in Europe for satellite navigation approaches to land," Ashton added.

Smartphones to predict future location UK researchers developed an algorithm that can predict a person's future geographic location using data gathered from their friends' smartphones. In a study, the algorithm predicted the location of some users 24 hours later to be within 100 metres, others as close as 20 metres.

The algorithm predicted users movements by comparing their data with people in their social group.

ESA to expand GlobeNet The European Space Agency (ESA) is considering launching a third datarelay satellite to expand data-relay service GlobeNet. GlobeNet would provide a third platform in geosta-

tionary orbit to speed the flow of data from unmanned aerial vehicles and earth observation satellites to users.

ESA is looking for an industrial partner for the satellite launch. The satellite would likely be owned by Astrium Services of Europe.

ROMAN IA

Street nomenclature to be standardised The National Agency for Cadastre and Land Registration (ANCPI), in collaboration with the Association of Communas of Romania (ACoR) and National Association of Public Administration Information Systems (ANIAP), launched the National Electronic Register of Streets Nomenclature (RENNS) project in Romania.

The project aims to standardise and make available the allocation of street names and administrative numbers to simplify administration activities and reduce costs.

Satellite positioning for railways launched The EU-funded Satloc project

demonstrated satellite-based train control for low-traffic railways on the Brasov-Zarnesti line in Romania. The Satloc project is aimed at developing a reliable and competitive satellitebased rail transport operation and management system. "We will show that GNSS-based train positioning and speed determination using EGNOS is compliant with current applications for train control and traffic management," project coordinator George Barbu said.

B E LG I U M

EC opens tender for GIO-EMS service The European Commission (EC) opened tenders for a framework contract on GMES Initial Operations: Emergency Mapping Validation

G E R MANY

GEOkomm to facilitate innovation among SMEs GEOkomm, the association of the geospatial industry in Germany, has introduced the project INGEOS (innovative geospatial services) to facilitate and accelerate research & development among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country. SMEs in Germany interested in R&D for innovations often face several technical problems. A high-risk development intention for research is not often sufficient; a concrete order is a must. GEOkomm is supporting these intentions through INGEOS that is based on cloud computing with in-memory technology that accelerates standard processes by up to factor 100,000.

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Geospatial World I August 2012

Service (GIO-EMS). The core character of the GIO-EMS service lies in the provision of timely and accurate information derived from satellite imaging sensor data in all phases of the emergency management cycle.

The information generated by the service can be used as supplied by the contractor (e.g. as digital or printed map outputs) or further combined with other data sources (e.g. as digital feature sets in a GIS) to support analysis and decision-making processes of emergency managers.

SPAI N

EuroGEOSS integrates environmental data EuroGEOSS (European Environment Earth Observation System) developed a tool which integrates all information on forestry, drought and biodiversity produced by different European systems of earth observation.

Explaining the relevance of this interoperability, Professor of Computer Languages and Systems at the Universitat Jaume I de Castellón (Spain) Joaquín Huerta Guijarro said, "If we integrate systems related to weather, soil quality and water, we may develop an efficient agriculture or reforestation project. The tool aims to offer relevant multi-disciplinary data that will improve environmental monitoring."

ITALY

Military buys spy satellite from Israel The Italian Defense Ministry bought a

Geospatial World I August 2012

high-resolution optical reconnaissance satellite from Israel for USD 100 million. The satellite purchased

by Italy has a ground sampling distance sharper than 1 metre. Its performance could approach that of Israel's Ofeq 9 optical reconnaissance satellite, which was launched in 2009. The satellite would use the IMPS 2 platform built by Israel Aerospace Industries, Israel's principal satellite builder.

CGS to design earth observation satellite CGS SpA Compagnia Generale per lo Spazio, satellite manufacturer, and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) signed a contract to design an Italian-built high-resolution optical earth observation (EO) satellite that the Italian government would operate for military and civil applications. CGS will perform an 18-month Phase B design of Italy’s OpSis system under contract with the ASI valued at EUR 13.5 million (USD 17 million).

FRANCE

Eumetsat to aid in disaster management The European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satel-

Galileo interoperable with GPS European Space Agency's (ESA) first two Galileo navigation satellites transmitted dummy signals in a modulation scheme designed to allow full interoperability with the US GPS. An advanced modulation technique offers robust protection against signal interference and the misleading signal reflections known as ‘multipath’

"This is European version of the Multiplexed Binary Offset Code signal standard agreed with the United States for the interoperability of Galileo and GPS. So this transmission helps demonstrate how the two systems will work together in future with no risk of signal interference," said Marco Falcone, Head of Galileo System Services.

lites (Eumetsat) formally became the newest member of the International Charter 'Space and Major Disasters'.

Eumetsat will provide satellite data to help disaster management authorities in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. As the charter's newest member, Eumetsat will act as a coordinator for securing access to Eumetsat data for the members and beneficiaries of the Charter.

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Electromagnetic survey for mining

Image courtesy: Geoscience Australia

An extensive airborne electromagnetic survey was conducted in Australia to explore its mining potential. "The Frome airborne electromagnetic

Varsity, JAXA to develop new GNSS

Transport dept to invest in g-tech

Australian Technical University, RMIT signed an agreement with the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) to develop a new global satellite navigation system. Under the agreement, JAXA will lend two GNSS receivers to RMIT to conduct the Multi-GNSS Joint Experiment in the Asia-Oceania region. The experiment seeks to help regional countries and organisations integrate GNSS services into their infrastructure and promote new uses of multiple-GNSS.

Citing lack of planning around geospatial infrastructure, the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) said it is looking to consolidate the technology it uses to undertake geospatial planning into a single shared services panel. The organisation is expected to spend USD 2.4 million on the project over two years.

NZTA will use enterprise GIS tools which will be procured through an agency-wide overarching Geospatial Governance Committee (GGC).

N EW Z EALAN D

ANZ forum for regional cooperation

Aeromagnetic survey for mineral exploration survey was the most extensive of its type ever undertaken in Australia, covering more than 95,000 square kilometres,â&#x20AC;? Martin Ferguson, Minister for Energy and Resources, said.

The dataset can be used to promote exploration for a number of commodities in the region, including gold, copper, magnesium, iron ore and coal, as well providing information about groundwater.

New Zealand government is considering conducting aeromagnetic survey for minerals at world heritage sites on the West Coast. Tracy Dillimore, spokeswoman, Economic Development Ministry said, "New Zealand has a high potential for wide range of minerals.â&#x20AC;? The survey is part of the West Coast Geophysical Data Acquisition and Processing project and will cost USD 1.67 million.

Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) members in the Australia & New Zealand (ANZ) region, with the assistance of the Australian and New Zealand Land Information Council (ANZLIC), chartered an ANZ Forum to support regional coordination and communication regarding geospatial standardisation activities. ANZ Forum will identify regionally important interoperability requirements and communicate these into the OGC's international standards development and interoperability test bed process.

Australia to get access to Landsat 8 data

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Image courtesy: NASA

Geoscience Australia signed an MoU with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), that makes Australia a partner in the operation of the new Landsat 8 satellite. "When launched, the satellite will provide Australia with immediate and direct access to the highest quality satellite data, replacing its current reliance on the ageing Landsat 5 and 7 satellites," Martin Ferguson, Minister for Resources and Energy said. The agreement will further ensure that Australia receives priority of satellite image delivery in times of national need such as assisting in emergency management.

Geospatial World I August 2012

DigitalGlobe acquires GeoEye B USI N ESS

Google slashes map price by 88 pc Google has reduced its map price by 88 percent. The price cut comes in response to Apple's announcement that they will be developing their own maps and no longer wanted to rely on Google Maps. To avoid losing a large customer base, Google has slashed the price hoping that customers will continue to use Google for their mapping needs.

TerraGo acquires Geosemble Tech TerraGo Technologies acquired Geosemble Technologies in a bid to create a comprehensive suite of geospatial intelligence software. "The strategic acquisition of Geosemble will enable our customers to discover, visualise, monitor and share geospatial intelligence relevant to their operations and areas of interest. We warmly welcome our new colleagues to the TerraGo team, which, as always, remains committed to our tradition of product innovation and dedication to customer success,â&#x20AC;? said Rick Cobb, President, CEO, TerraGo.

MDA acquires satellite company MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) acquired Space Systems/ Loral, Inc. (SS/L) for USD 875 million in a transaction that is immediately accretive. The acquisition strength-

Geospatial World I August 2012

DigitalGlobe and GeoEye announced a merger agreement under which the companies will combine in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately USD 900 million. The combination of DigitalGlobe and GeoEye will create a global leader in earth imagery and geospatial analysis with a more diversified revenue base.

The combined company will be named DigitalGlobe. It will have a 10member board of directors, with six members from the current DigitalGlobe board and four from GeoEye board. Jeffrey R. Tarr, President and CEO of DigitalGlobe, will serve as President and CEO of the combined company.

The new company will have a pro forma 2012 revenue base of more than USD 600 million, after adjusting for the currently proposed lower US government fiscal year 2013 EnhancedView funding plan.

DigitalGlobe shareowners are expected to own approximately 64 percent and GeoEye shareowners are expected to own approximately 36 percent of the new company. The combined company is expected to have a constellation of five earth observation satellites and a broad suite of highvalue geospatial production and analytic services. The new company will also have two state-of-the-art satellites under construction, WorldView-3 and GeoEye-2. Over time, the combined company plans to maintain an optimised three-satellite constellation. Taken together with other operating efficiencies, the net present value of future savings is estimated to be more than USD 1.5 billion.

The combined company will enable the US government to meet the requirements of EnhancedView at a reduced cost. By bringing together the imagery collection, processing and analytic capabilities of both companies, the new company will be better able to serve a wide range of customer needs.It will also provide a stable and predictable funding environment for shareholders.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012 or the first quarter of 2013.

ens MDA's position in commercial communications and provides the company with critical mass in the US market. Daniel Friedmann, CEO, MDA, said, "With one move, we are bringing together two market leaders to create a unique global communications and information company with a strong commercial focus.â&#x20AC;?

MRM market to touch USD 21 bn According to Global Industry Analysts (GIA), global market for mobile resource management (MRM) handset-based solutions is forecasted to reach USD 21.3 billion by the year 2018. The report further states that

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the easy adaptability and affordability of GPS devices, as well as improved network connectivity has opened up newer verticals for the MRM industry.

‘GIS mkt in North America to grow at 11 pc’ Technavio, a market research firm, forecasted the GIS market in North America to grow at a CAGR of 11 percent over the period 2011-2015. The report further states that one of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the increasing need for knowledge infrastructure. The GIS market in North America has also been witnessing the increasing need for automated content extraction techniques. However, the high cost of GIS solutions could pose a challenge to the growth of this market.

M ISCE LLAN EOUS

NGS improves National Spatial Reference Sys The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Geodetic Survey (NGS)

released the results of three major improvements to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS). The three improvements to the NSRS are: new realisation of the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), new gravimetric and hybrid geoid models and determination of updated elevations in the Gulf Coast Height Modernisation Project. These improvements will provide users with positions and elevations that are both spatially and temporally consistent.

or the Defense Department.

USGS to digitise topographic maps The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is about to complete a massive project to digitise its cache of approximately 200,000 historic topo-

DARPA’s data analysis innovation The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) launched the Innovation House Study programme to bring in "trailblazers" to work on new ways to improve visual and geospatial analysis. The project is being conducted in partnership with George Mason University in Arlington, and is an eight-week intensive programme for "radical innovation." Eight teams will be given access to a "residential research environment" to figure out how to identify people, places and even activities from both stills and videos made available via either open source

graphic maps. When taken as a whole, the collection can be considered a nNational mMap, a cartographic library of “last resort, containing hard-to-find maps when all other sources fail,” said archive manager Greg Allord.

Suomi NPP transmits real-time data NASA's earth-observing (EO) satellite Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (NPP) started transmitting

‘Future digital earth more local than global’ Michael Goodchild, Professor of Geography, University of California, envisioned the next-generation of digital Earth as being more "local instead of global". "There's more of a social perspective now, and less emphasis on permanent objects," Goodchild wrote in a paper titled, 'Next-generation Digital Earth'. Despite the move away from ultra-high precision in mapping, there continues to be an overarching need for the next generation digital earth to be scientifically accurate and it's the scientific community's job to ensure that accuracy, Goodchild observed.

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Geospatial World I August 2012

real-time data that will be used in everything from weather forecasts to disaster response. The High Rate Data (HRD) link is an antenna aboard the Suomi NPP satellite that provides 'direct broadcast' data to users in real-time. In general, a satellite stores data on-board until it passes over a ground station where it downloads or 'dumps' the data. In Suomi NPP's case, data is dumped every time it passes over the ground station in Svalbard, Norway, about 14 times every 24 hours.

COLOM B IA

Colombia implements landslide project The Colombian Agustin Codazzi Geographic Institute (IGAC) in collaboration with the Regional Corporation of the State of Antioquia (CORANTIO-

Codazzi (IGAC) has been registered as a member of Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). IGAC serves as a coordinator to the Colombian Spatial Data Infrastructure (ICDE). As OGC members, both IGAC and ICDE will be able to participate in research processes and ensure geographic information interoperability.

VE N E Z U E LA

APPLICATIONS

Estimating geographic info from one image Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University, US, created software that helps identify where in the world a photo was taken. The software matches a given photo

Commission on land boundaries set up President of the Legislative Council of the State of Miranda, MP Michel Ferrandina, has set up a special commission to examine the legal basis of the boundaries of municipalities El Hatillo and Baruta.

The Commission comprises of the heads of Christian Democratic Party (COPEI), Primero Justice, Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV). MP Ferrandina said, "The Commission will not only rectify the boundaries, it will also solve economic and social issues of these two jurisdictions."

against millions of geo-tagged photos available on Flickr. By finding similarly-composed shots on Flickr—such as those containing narrow streets or tall cathedrals, the software can figure out where an image was likely to have been taken. A dataset of over 6 million GPS-tagged images from the Internet was used for this research.

JAMAICA QUIA) implemented a project on floods and landslides. The project aims to generate cartography on a scale of 1:25,000 based on the ITC methodology. The project consists of three phases. The project starts with the Cauca and Nechi rivers, mapping geomorphologic units to generate threats maps.

IGAC joins OGC The Geographic Institute Agustin

Geospatial World I August 2012

Disaster risk assessment atlas unveiled The University of the West Indies (UWI) developed Caribbean Disaster Risk Atlas to meet the need for reliable data in the development of comprehensive risk management strategies in the Caribbean. “The regional risk atlas contains spatial

data on risk from floods and earthquakes for three Caribbean countries namely: Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada. Another significant feature of the Atlas is that it will be available free of cost to most users,” said Dr David Smith, principal investigator for the Caribbean Disaster Risk Atlas Project. The World Bank will provide USD 510,000 for the project.

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Image courtesy: Microsoft Vexcel

3D data: Exploring new horizons 3D data has been collected and used for over 100 years. What has changed recently is the ability to collect vast quantities of 3D data, to present and interrogate the data in new ways. While BIM has become essential for professionals in construction industry, 3D technology is finding huge utility in defence and internal security, facilities management, urban planning, gaming and entertainment industries. Read on to find out the trends in 3D technology, which is being actively pursued by geospatial industry..

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Geospatial World I August 2012

Cover Stor y

Image courtesy: Microsoft Vexcel

G

eospatial information is three dimensional. However, it is often presented in 2D, 3D or even 4D. Instrumentation and software to collect 3D data have changed significantly over the past 10 years. Laser scanning from the air and the ground is the biggest development, but the development of digital cameras and the software to carry out stereo matching has allowed the use of images to compete with laser scanning. Laser scanning and imagery is combined in mobile mapping systems. In addition, the collection of 3D data for database updating, often covering small areas, has been greatly enhanced by the use of GNSS, allowing accurate, rapid collection of data on tablets. Today, 3D information can be visualised dynamically on large computer screens, but users also want information on their tablets and phones, which is not easy.

The introduction of building information models (BIM) in the construction industry is certainly a growing professional application. 3D visualisations have found an important niche in navigation, where the emphasis is on the data being up-to-date rather than being accurate at centimetre scale. A more professional application is mapping of public facilities for inventory and facility management.

Today, the use of 3D data is not confined to large scale applications. There is a growing interest in 'digital globes' showing information on both natural and man-made features worldwide. In this case, visualisation is often dynamic and the question of scalability becomes important. Let us explore the trends and look at the direction in which the collection and use of 3D data is moving.

DATA ACQUISITION Geospatial data has been collected for centuries, initially only in two dimensions. But since the 18th century, principally starting in France and India, elevation data has been collected and shown in various ways. Elevation has been shown as contours, giving an accurate model of relief and through various forms of texturing. The data for these 2D maps has been collected by traditional survey methods: plane tables, tacheometry and later from aerial survey. With the advent of computers, the concept of a digital elevation model (DEM) has been introduced. This allowed computation for earthworks, for example, to be done and even basic visualisation. By the 1960s, DEMs has become commonplace and excellent visualisations were available. The main source of elevation data was

Geospatial World I August 2012

then aerial survey, contours were initially drawn manually, or spot heights measured manually, but the development of stereo matching software in the 1980s allowed this to be done automatically. At first, the DEMs generated had errors and gaps but now they are much more reliable, though manual editing is still required. Images come from aerial cameras and satellite sensors. There are several global DEMs available as shown in Table 1: In the past decade, laser scanning has become an Table 1: Global DEMs available DEM

Spacing

Vertical Accuracy

Source

ETOPO30

30"

25m

Mainly DTED

SRTM

30/90m

10-15m

Interferometric SAR

AstriumSPOT HRS 1"

7m

SPOT HRS Stereo imagery

ASTER GDEM

30m

7-14m

ASTER stereo imagery

AstriumTanDEM-X

2m (relative) / 10m (absolute)

12m x 12m raster

Interferometric SAR

Best accuracy 5m

ASTER, SRTM, GTOPO

NEXTMap World30 30m

alternative technique of collecting 3D data, both from the air and ground. Images can be taken with the laser data from the air to generate photorealistic orthoimages and mobile mapping systems from the ground combine images with laser scanning. Laser data and DEMs generated from images can be collected separately and combined.

Fully automated generation of very dense 3D point clouds and digital surface models (DSM) from stereo aerial images (nadir and oblique) is rapidly gaining ground.

The most efficient method is to use Semi Global Matching (SGM) algorithms. There are a number of software packages which produce accurate point clouds for 3D analysis as well as textured DMSs from imagery collected in flight missions by aeroplanes, helicopters, UAVs, satellite imagery or terrestrial photography collected by mobile mapping vehicles (Table 2).

A new development in mobile mapping systems is Trimble's Indoor Mobile Mapping System (TIMMS). It is a manually operated push-cart designed to accurately model interior spaces without accessing GPS. It consists of three core elements: LiDAR and camera systems engineered to work indoors in mobile mode, computers and electronics for completing data acquisition and data processing workflow for producing final 2D/3D maps and

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Table 2: Methods of collecting 3D data with user examples.

Equipment

Method

Examples

Comment

Ground Survey, GNSS

Accurate survey by NMAs to update national data bases

Ordnance Survey, GB

Efficient and accurate

Aerial Survey

Stereo imagery using robust matching algorithms to generate dense 3D models

Traditional method used by many organisations

Well established but needs manual editing; good for rural areas

Satellite imagery

Stereo imagery and interferometric radar

SRTM, TerraSAR (radar), Stereo satellites like CARTOSAT and SPOT HRS

Extremely efficient for global models

Airborne laser scanning

Dense point cloud from range and azimuth measurement from the aircraft

Now available from many companies

Very accurate, dense point clouds, but relatively expensive

Terrestrial laser scanning

Dense point cloud from range and azimuth measurement from the ground

Now available from many companies

Very accurate, dense point clouds, ideal for BIM

Mobile mapping systems

Combination of the above two.

A range of systems developed for particular applications.

Popular for facility management and street mapping

VGI

Multiple images collected on consumer cameras to generate 3D models using software such as Photosynth.

See http:// photosynth.net/

Mainly used by specialists

models. The models are geolocated, meaning that the real-world position of each area is known. Refer to April 2012 edition of Geospatial World for a more detailed explanation of mobile mapping systems and airborne LiDAR.

PRESENTATION OF 3D DATA Three dimensional solid models date back to the 18th century and what is claimed to be the oldest large scale

mountain relief in the world, created between 1762 and 1786 by F. L. Pfyffer von Wyher can be seen, along with other examples in the exhibition room of the Lucerne Glacier Garden. These models were expensive and only used for special purposes and were essentially for display purposes rather than to provide accurate dimensions.

Raw data can be processed by a user with a range of tools. These are improving today but for a long while, there were limitations to the processing possible with laser scanned data. The presentation of 3D data used to be constrained by the media available. Until the 1970s, the medium was paper. The advent of the electronic computer allowed 3D displays of the data; the big breakthrough was the concept of the DTM or DEM, at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1956. Originally developed for the terrain, the DEM has now progressed for the representation of anything from surfaces of oil paintings to the surface of the earth and other planets. Not only has the range of scale expanded, but so has the detail shown.

3D visualisations are now widely available for display on a wide range of devices. These range from 3D street views, such as those available from Google and Bing, to view on phones, tablets or large computer screens through to massive scientific models such as used by the Japanese supercomputer centre for environmental modelling.

For simulations to present an accurate picture of the real world, the accuracy of the geodata used is extremely important. Besides, it should be based on the latest available imagery. 3D city and terrain models form the basis of simulations across a plethora of applications and industries.

There are a range of 3D city models available

Image courtesy: Space Imaging

1 m DEM of Sahara Desert extracted from Stereo IKONOS satellite image data at 0.8 m resolution

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Geospatial World I August 2012

Image courtesy: Space Imaging

3D image of London by Google Earth

today. ComputaMaps, France, has recently introduced its DxM digital elevation product line, which covers over 275 metropolitan areas worldwide. DEMs serve as the base layer for mapping across a broad range of applications such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, defence and security. LandSIM3D allows the creation of 3D virtual models of entire cities and landscapes by combining geospatial data with 3D or CAD objects in a realtime 3D georeferenced environment. This allows improved decision making related to planning, management and development of sites and territories.

Esri's CityEngine is a standalone software that offers professional users in urban planning, architecture, GIS, entertainment and general 3D content production with a conceptual design and modelling solution for creating 3D cities, buildings and streetscapes.

Bentley Map V8i offers the capability to visualise smart 3D models; create thematic maps; capture smart 3D features of buildings, roads and other infrastructure; integrate 3D data from different sources; and thus create realistic renderings and animations.

CityGML is a common information model for the representation, storage and exchange of 3D urban objects and landscape models. It is an OGC standard for presenting real-world features in 3D with different levels of detail.

It offers a mechanism for describing 3D objects with respect to their geometry, topology, semantics and appearance. This makes it possible to employ virtual 3D

Geospatial World I August 2012

city models for sophisticated analysis tasks in different application domains like simulations, urban data mining, facility management and thematic inquiries.

PLETHORA OF APPLICATIONS 3D digital data is being used in building information modelling (BIM). BIM is an innovative approach to the designing and documentation of building projects. BIM offers the ability to model and manage not just graphics, but also information, which in turn allows the automatic generation of drawings and reports, design analysis, schedule simulation and facilities management. All this gives Table 3: Examples of online 3D visualisation tools Visualisation Tool

Capabilities, comments

Google Earth

Good in terms of ease of use, user base, earth imagery.

Supported platforms include Windows, Linux and Macintosh

World Wind, NASA

Not as easy to use as Google Earth. Elevation database is superior, but baseline imagery isn't as good. Supports many sources of data and good for science applications

MSN Virtual Earth

Runs as a plug-in in Internet Explorer for now, and not as easy to use as Google Earth

ArcGIS Explorer

An easy way to explore, visualise and share GIS information

SkyLine Globe

Some interesting capabilities (built-in real-time GPS tracking, TrafficCam layer, custom weather, terrain tools, etc.); can plot shapefiles directly. Image quality is variable.

Eye on Earth

Created for sharing of environmentally relevant data and information online through interactive map-based visualisations.

Earth Browser

3D virtual globe offers real-time weather conditions, earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes etc. Supported platforms include Windows, Macintosh

Bing Maps

Easy to use; good collection of street maps, satellite photos and aerial maps

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Building information model

the building team the ability to make more informed decisions. Besides, BIM supports a distributed team which allows effective sharing of information throughout the lifecycle of the building and eliminates any possibility of data redundancy, data re-entry, data loss, miscommunication and translation errors. An example of the use of BIM is with Crossrail in UK (discussed in Geospatial World in March 2011). In MASDAR City (Geospatial World July 2011), 3D models have been used to estimate temperature rise due to solar heating and structural shapes and to look at the contribution of cities and suburbs to heat dissipation. It appears that tall buildings and urban canyons actually are cooler than open residential areas.

The use of 3D models to look at how sound travels is another planning application.

Defence and homeland security: Governments around the world are today faced with monumental challenges tackling the threats to national security. Technology breakthroughs are offering the advantage of low-cost, easy-to-use and realistic visualisation capability for planning, training and decision making. 3D technology is used for diverse purposes in the defence sector including hazardous material safety training, emergency response training, maritime security training, crisis management and war training.

A three-dimensional virtual model of the ene-

3D city model of Masdar City created using Esri CityEngine

my territory or actual mission place can be created using satellite imagery and emergency procedures can be practiced for various scenarios in advance. Real-time 3D visualisation is a fundamental tool in any situation related to defence and homeland security. Developed by Bohemia Interactive Australia, Virtual Battlespace is a military simulator which uses 3D gaming technology to offer realtime scenario management facilities. The combination of military simulator functionality and modern gaming technology has led to a broad military customer base from around the world including the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Entertainment industry: Geospatial technology has today become an integral part of the 3D entertainment industry. The use of satellite imagery has gained popularity in the video games. The availability of high-resolution stereo satellite imagery allows users to experience video games in a realistic 3D simulated world.

High-resolution stereo satellite images, together with a terrain elevation model, helps game developers to create a simulation model and visualise the landscape in three dimensions. 3D terrain models are used for map updating and in the creation of 3D city models, which are a prerequisite for generating virtual reality environments.

While these were earlier used to simply

ASTER (15m) Satellite Image of Mountains of Ararat, Turkey in 3D View Image courtesy: NASA/Japanese Space Team

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Geospatial World I August 2012

Image courtesy: Techgage

Image from 3D game HAWX 2 with GeoEye satellite imagery

visualise the built environment, they are used nowadays as 3D interfaces for refined simulation modelling.

In most cases, models of buildings, vegetation and terrain surface are the major features of interest. LiDAR technology can be used to obtain the DSMs. LiDAR data can further be combined with satellite images to generate DEMs to create a 3D virtual world. In Microsoft's aircombat game titled H.A.W.X. 2, satellite imagery from GeoEye-1 has been used to present diverse vistas such as mountains, coastal regions, deserts and some prominent cities like Cape Town, which allows gamers to pilot the fighter jets with amazingly realistic experience.

Nokia's Ovi Maps Racing is a location-based racing game that makes use of Ovi Maps to let the users experience the thrill of racing on the tracks through real world cities by utilising maps data by NAVTEQ and the gaming device's GPS. The game offers 3D environment of real world cities created using actual site imagery.

3D visualisations from images are used in the film industry with films such as The Matrix and Spiderman making extensive use of photogrammetry in constructing action scenes. Another 3D application is Hawk-eye used in tennis and cricket to determine the path of the ball.

CONCLUSION The third dimension is an integral part of geospatial information. 3D data has been collected and used for over 100 years. What has changed is the ability to collect vast

26

quantities of 3D data using new technology, and the ability to present and interrogate the data in new ways.

There is no doubt that tools such as BIM will become essential for professionals, particularly in the construction industry. Those working on the environment will use 3D models of the terrain, enhanced with environmental information, at all scales from global to local.

3D city models and landscape models are now available, but one would want to know who the users are. Can a single specification satisfy all? How do National Mapping Agencies (NMAs) respond to different requirements? NMAs are handicapped with uncertain or vague possibilities for the utilisation of 3D landscape models. This stops them from deciding the level of detail to adopt. Then there is the problem of accuracy. Is the DTM accurate enough to allow the 3D features to fit into it without misfits? How will data be captured to ensure that there are no gaps and that roads and rivers fit properly to the terrain? Workflows will need to be adjusted to collect 3D data from images, LiDAR or field survey; and staff will need to be trained in the new requirements. All of this suggests that it will be some time before NMAs add 3D landscape models to their portfolio of products.

Prof Ian Dowman, Member-Advisory Board, Geospatial World idowman@cege.ucl.ac.uk Vaibhav Arora, Assistant Editor, Geospatial World

vaibhav@geospatialmedia.net

Geospatial World I August 2012

3D STREET LEVEL IMAGERY

Securing the missing perspective Geospatial information is increasingly being displayed in three dimensions. Global players like Goo o gle, Nokia, Microsoft and Apple have recently made announcements showing realistic looking 3D maps from a bird's eye view. But what has been announced so far lacks detail where it matters most: at stt reet level.

THIRD DIMENSION IN CITY MAPS Geospatial information is traditionally collected and displayed in two dimensions. However, to successfully manage growth, our increasingly complex society and infrastructures require more detailed spatial information.

Here the need for a third dimension comes into place.

Many global players like Google, Nokia, Microsoft, Apple and Amazon have jumped into the cartography pool and currently present realistic-looking 3D maps that let users move around in major metropolitan areas that are rendered in photorealistic detail, but only from a bird's eye view. However, as soon as one comes close to street level (if this is even allowed), the building faรงades either resemble 'melted ice cream' or one is directed into a panoramic 'bubble' that shows the surroundings from fixed positions only. What is missing from these 3D maps is a realistic 3D street level component. Detailed 3D street information is the most important component to generate traffic as it provides the most realistic impression of a city, the locations of advertisers and the places of interest for end users.

Geospatial World I August 2012

3D point cloud, 3D mesh and textured 3D mesh

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DCR TECHNOLOGY The DCR (digital cyclorama recorder) camera and processing technology make it possible to collect detailed and accurate 3D panoramic street level imagery of every street, alley and highway. These recording systems can be mounted non-intrusive on almost any vehicle, vessel or train for rapid collection, processing and upload of highly accurate and detailed spatial data for mapping and GIS applications or just simple viewing.

OBTAINING 3D INFORMATION FROM 2D IMAGES In the past decade, studies were conducted with high precision LiDAR technology in which the surroundings are continuously mapped by laser distance measurement from driving vehicles and transformed into a 3D point cloud. Via automated data fusion they succeeded in precisely matching this high density LiDAR data with their photogrammetrically correct cycloramas. The resulting so-called '3D depth cycloramas' enable new possibilities e.g. precise overlay of 2D and 3D map data (taking occlusions into account), single click measurements of points, distances and areas, as well as road profiling. Although this automated data fusion is highly feasible, it showed specific errors due to distortions, which are inherent to LiDAR point cloud data. These errors can be detected, but nevertheless lead to unreliable depth data.

As a result, this solution will not give high level quality and reliability. Further, a recording system comprising LiDAR sensors is expensive in terms of investment and operational and maintenance costs. For these reasons, CycloMedia started to investigate alternative techniques, solely based on image content, e.g. Structure from Motion (SfM) and Dense Matching. These techniques are, in principle, based on a process of identifying identical points in a set of successive images. By calculating the 3D location of these points, one can create a 3D point cloud that can be used to fill in the photorealistic 3D street level component that lacked in the bird's eye view.

Apart from a 'simple' 3D point cloud, 3D meshes and textured 3D meshes can also be produced, combined with cosmetic correction of noise, point cloud thinning (for data reduction) and finally the generation of 3D models (containing object descriptions).

OUTLOOK Large-scale production of 3D point clouds from their panoramic images is the way forward. Key in this implementation is the precision and reliability of every single point in the 3D point cloud, as well as high throughput enabling large-scale projects.

Work is also on for extremely high resolution and high throughput next generation recording systems, specially designed for global roll-out of its SfM 3D processing pipeline. This focuses on resolution, image quality, positioning quality and recording speed. Together, these developments are aimed to lead to even higher quality and even more precise and realistic 3D street level data for a multitude of applications.

Mark Taris and Bart Beers Cyclomedia Technology B.V.

info@cyclomedia.com

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Geospatial World I August 2012

Image courtesy: 3D Laser Imaging

3D TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING

A whole new world Advances in terrestrial laser scanning are rapidly enabling adoption for 3D applications that were once considered interesting, but not practical or economic. Here's a look at how 3D terrestrial laser scanning is capturing the imagination of geospatial professionals and users

T

he first commercial 3D laser scanners to capture detailed surface geometry of sites and large structures - such as buildings and industrial plants - debuted in the market in 1998. Some of these original developments are now in their fifth generation, while other new scanners have also since appeared.

Today, almost all leading survey instrument manufacturers make laser scanners - thousands of scanners are in use every day and adop-

34

tion is strong, with an estimated annual double-digit growth. Likewise, today almost all leading 3D CAD software vendors have some level of "point cloud" support. In many places and for many applications, terrestrial laser scanning is now mainstream.

Terrestrial laser scanner advancements One of the reasons for strong adoption of laser scanners is continuous

advancement. Overall, scanner advances have reduced laser scanning and training costs and have led to increasingly dense and informative scans. Several notable recent advances include: â&#x20AC;˘ All-in-one design: scanner, power supply, control/display, data storage and digital camera in a single, compact, portable unit â&#x20AC;˘ Standard survey workflow options: traverse, resection and back-sighting make scanning easier to learn and more efficient

Geospatial World I August 2012

such as for Revit

• Faster scanning: Scanning now often takes just a few minutes per scan and has shorter set-up times

• Point cloud capabilities embedded directly within CAD applications

• Increasing "accuracy at range" and better ability to capture dark and oblique surfaces • Reductions in scanner size, weight and price • Improved accompanying digital imagery • Many scanner accessories are now common items - survey controllers, total station batteries, tribrachs, iPADs, etc.

Point cloud software for terrestrial scanning While terrestrial laser scanners have noticeably improved, most users feel that the field side of scanning was already relatively simple and very fast. Rather, most users considered the main technology adoption barrier to be software and the office side.

Large file sizes (easily into the GBs), plus the foreign nature of "working in 3D," have long represented inherent challenges for transforming point cloud data into useful, actionable information.

Fortunately, recent advances on the software and workflow side have also reduced office processing costs and training costs - in many cases dramatically: • Emergence of "panoramic scan images" as valuable, low-cost, scanbased client deliverables • Quick-to-create ortho-images made of scan points • Clients' increasing, direct use of point clouds • Increased automation • 64-bit versions of point cloud software • New scan data formats that speed working with large scan data files • More point cloud plug-ins for CAD,

Geospatial World I August 2012

Also, not be underestimated, are increased office efficiencies that a growing army of laser scanner users gain over time.

Today almost all leading 3D CAD software vendors have some level of "point cloud" support. In many places and for many applications, terrestrial laser scanning is now mainstream

Tipping point At a conference in April 2012, I spoke with an owner of a small survey firm his new scanner and office workin the US. The conversation captured flows for creating even standard surthe essence of what today's scanner vey deliverables were now so effiand software advances mean to cient that it simply cost less to do many geospatial professionals. many of his common survey projects The owner first explained that he with scanning than to conduct them had gotten into laser scanning in conventionally. The new scanner and 2005 with what were then a state-ofsoftware were also much easier for the art, survey-grade scanner (introhis staff to learn. duced in 2003) and point cloud softAccelerating market pull ware. Over time, he used scanning The above discussion focuses on on several projects where it was how costs have come down signifivaluable. However, these were not cantly for those who provide the common applications for his firm, so service. Recent developments on the his scanner spent far more time in other side of the coin - the market storage than originally hoped. pull for laser scanning The owner then explained that at also paint a bright a laser scanning user conference in picture.

June 2011, he interacted with several One big successful scanner owners who had "pull" factor is the latest generation (released in the over2009) of the scanner he used and all latest version of software. He decided to try out these latest tools. His trial went very well and he soon traded in his old scanner for the new version and updated his software.

When I spoke with the owner this April, he was glowing in excitement about his scanning tools and how they were benefiting his business. In a span of just a few months, the utilisation of his new scanner was already well over 50% - a very healthy sign - and he was attractOrtho Images based on laser scan points are a popuing new clients. He explained that lar, easy-to-use, low cost deliverable

35

Image courtesy: Dynasty Group

Image courtesy: 3D Laser Imaging

• Reduced power consumption

Image courtesy: J-Tech Laser Scan

Image courtesy: MTSI

36

Volume and quantity surveys are everyday applications of laser scanning

The use of laser scanning is rapidly growing for fabrication QA and virtual field fit-up

industry trend toward 3D - for design, visualisation, communications and even marketing. As leading CAD vendors heavily promote 3D, their customers listen intently. Two user presentations at the Hexagon 2012 conference in June really brought home this point. One was by a civil engineering firm that specialises in airport infrastructure design; the other was a civil engineering firm that specialises in septic system design.

Both presenters explained that their small companies had recently switched to 3D design and this, in turn, also prompted them to switch to laser scanning for their topographic and site survey needs. One reason was that 3D scans fit very effectively with their 3D design approach. In one case, the firm outsourced scanning services receiving registered 3D point clouds from their provider. In the other case, the firm acquired a 3D laser scanner, as they do more than 150 septic system projects each year. The firm also used their scanner - a versatile model - to develop new clients outside the septic business. This is a common scenario today: a company acquires a

strongly embraced the benefits of terrestrial laser scanning. One symptom is that clients are now requiring scanning for various types of projects and applications. Many transportation agencies, plant engineering firms, tunnelling contractors and car manufacturers have standardised on scanning for their requirements.

Another symptom of accelerating client demand is the rapid proliferation of portal services that feed panoramic scan images/data into multiple disciplines for a single project. Piping, structural, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), mechanical, civil, equipment, electrical design and even safety and maintenance staff can all use the same rich scan data to extract information for their specific tasks. Portals quench this multi-discipline thirst for the same data by giving all staff ready access to laser scans (and associated imagery) via the internet and panoramic scan/image data sets.

scanner to plug into their existing projects (doing them more efficiently) and then uses this same tool to help diversify their business.

Clients "get it" The client base of laser scanning service providers - typically designers, contractors, architects, fabricators, and asset owner/operators - is rapidly expanding. For these clients, the rich, digital, 3D aspects of laser scanning and scanning's fast, remote capture capability provide many value-added benefits over traditional surveying: • Safety: Less exposure to hazardous locations and situations (e.g. busy roads, industrial plants, unstable terrain) when collecting data • For designers: Better as-built information leads to better retrofit designs • For contractors: Better retrofit designs, in turn, lead to smoother, lower cost construction projects; also, better project QA reduces projects risks • For owner/operators: Smoother construction and fast, remote data collection mean less down-time for their infrastructure, building, site, and plant assets.

There are many symptoms of how the client community has

Rapidly emerging applications When scanning was first introduced,

Geospatial World I August 2012

vendors touted many interesting "potential applications." Today, many of these are surging into their next level of adoption. Here are a few: Forensics - Aided by today's efficient, accurate tools and quick, easy-touse deliverables, laser scan data has proven a big winner in the courts.

Both prosecutors and defendants are rapidly switching to scanning as the ultimate truth of what a scene was like at the time of the incident - a scene they can view in 3D. Government agencies are buying scanners for multiple offices.

For example, UK agencies recently acquired more than 30 scanners for road incident management, timed around the 2012 Olympics. The California Highway Patrol has seven scanners for accident investigations.

Heritage - Recent growth in this segment is dramatic. In addition to restoration and refurbishment projects, scanning is now also being used for archive, education and site management. Entire organisations, like CyArk, have sprung up in this area and have already captured large numbers of important heritage sites around the world.

BIM - Building information modeling (BIM) is a very high growth application for scanning. Here, laser scans of existing buildings - interiors and exteriors - are used to help create 3D intelligent models. This approach is rapidly catching on with contractors and pulling lots of

Geospatial World I August 2012

laser scanning with it, as scanning is often the best way to quickly capture buildings with sufficient 3D detail.

Ships - Used for ship modification projects in scanning's early days, it has broken through into ship and rig building as well for construction and fabrication QA and detailed design.

Fabrication and construction QA-It has become common to find scanners in fabrication shops and yards capturing the detailed geometry of large complex objects, like piping spools or large equipment. Scans of an object in the fab shop are virtually fitted with scans of the site or structure where the fab shop structure is planned to be installed. This "virtual fit-up" process has caught many potentially costly mistakes early and allowed cost-effective fixes in the fab shop. The same applies to the use of scanning for construction QA of buildings. It is being increasingly used to check critical items, such as floor flatness and floor-to-floor utility alignments, before work proceeds to the next step. Scanning is also now being used to capture the geometry and location of objects before

For the client base of laser scanning service providers, the rich, digital, 3D aspects of laser scann ning and scanning's fast, remotecapture capability provide many value-added benefits over tradition nal surveying

things are covered up, i.e. before concrete is poured and wall and ceiling surfaces are put in place.

Conclusion Thanks to recent advances in laser scanners and laser scanning software, in many cases today it simply costs less to scan a site or structure and provide the needed deliverable than to use conventional methods.

Combined with increasing client demand for terrestrial laser scanning based on its proven added-value benefits, scanning has become mainstream for many applications and is enjoying rapid adoption for other applications once considered interesting, but not yet practical or economic. These positive trends are expected to continue.

Geoff Jacobs Sr Vice President - Strategic Marketing Leica Geosystems Geoff.Jacobs@hds.leica-geosystems.com

Laser scanning has recently broken n through into ship building QA Image courtesy: 3D Verifier AS

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HELSINKI, FINLAND

Improving efficiency with the third dimension 3D modelling of the city is facilitating citywide mapping, improved communication and faster decision making

City of Helsinki 3D model supports the Master Plan

igital mapping of the City of Helsinki began in 1982, while the first 3D digital model of an area of the city was created as part of an architectural competition in 1987. The city is on target to realise a fully detailed 3D model by 2013.

Case Study

D

CITYWIDE MAPPING The coastline and numerous islands that lie within the city boundary pose a particular challenge, and

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the complicated nature of the local terrain has resulted in a modelling project that is both extensive and comprehensive.

Laser scanning now covers one-third of the city each year, so the raw data is never more than 3 years old.

The city surveying department gathers data and creates basic maps and models, which are passed to the city planning department. Sections of the model begin as outline

2D sketches, and then blocks are placed over the map. According to Jarmo Suomisto, IT manager incharge of workflows within the department, the use of MicroStation throughout the organisation has helped to revise and refine the department's myriad processes to implement streamlined workflows.

INTELLIGENT PLANNING The system has made it possible to model a signifi-

cant development area within just half a day. This provides an almost instant opportunity to visualise individual urban spaces and how they might connect with each other. The Oracle planning database is so large that it is broken down into separate entities and managed using ProjectWise, Bentley's project team collaboration software, which the city uses across several departments.

ACCURATE SPATIAL ANALYSIS Precision is vital if the impact of new buildings is to be assessed. With Bentley products, users can achieve accuracies of less than one metre, with error margins of 10-15 cm in detailed modelling. This enables professionals in other disciplines to understand the possible consequences of proposed developments such as the threat of rising water levels in low-lying areas or critical

Geospatial World I August 2012

3D project model of the Kalasatamanranta area of the city of Helsinki

vistas and visual corridors.

In Helsinki, all building construction requires a permit and each permit request has to be supported by a detailed plan of the city, based on the 3D model. It is clear thus that the 3D city model will have a future role in the regulatory review process.

Helsinki Energy, which is responsible for district heating infrastructure, now references the 3D city model data while planning its networks. In addition, communications service providers in Helsinki also

Geospatial World I August 2012

reference the 3D city model when planning upgrades and extensions to their networks.

CLEAR PUBLIC COMMUNICATION During public consultations, all communication with residents features the

city model. For city planners, this means that approvals can be granted much more quickly than before. For example, a process that earlier took 2.5 years may now be completed within 1.5 years. That represents huge cost savings, because an office or retail

development would generate income and local taxes up to one year earlier.

The 3D city model is also improving transparency as the basic models and renderings for all proposed and approved developments are available on the City of Helsinki website. The 3D models have been plotted out for presentation to the public, both in Helsinki and overseas.

Case Study

EFFICIENT REGULATORY PROCESSES

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TAINAN, TAIWAN

Towards improved decision making aTinan’s IGS combines spatial technology and 3D

ainan, Taiwan's most culturally diverse city developed a multi-objective cadastral GIS in 1993. The system was upgraded

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from 2D to 3D three years ago using PilotGaea Universe platform. It combined spatial technology and 3D, besides using real-time geodata to improve decision making.

BENEFITS TO THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT Tainan City’s 3D GIS has been divided into professional edition and public edition. PilotGaea Scene-Producer was applied as photo-realistic 3D GIS modeling tool while PilotGaea Universe was applied as Web-based 3D GIS server to transmit the geo-

, besides using real-time geodata

information and the city models. The system provides users with benefits such as the ability to query the geolocation, buffer analysis, view and query the plane map of buildings, label the specific data by linking lands information system for land and building diagram membership information, query each land and 3D building information and then output the query information into the report.

There are also plans to get close with the Android industry survey system to return data, and then render the survey results with real-time images and elevation data in 3D. Apart from geolocation query, several major GIS spatial analysis applications like buffer zone, shadow, view-

shed, terrain profile, flooding potential have also been added.

BENEFITS TO TAINAN CITY The information provided in the public version is based on land-development information. It allows users to understand functions such as query geolocation, land development projects (urban land consolidation, zone expropriation) and public land auction of its surrounding real environment. These functions will not only help the general public to query the information from the comfort of their home, but also improve public understanding of the municipal building.

Case Study

FUTURE PROSPECTS

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Owing to the rapidly increasing municipal demands, the new mayor in Tainan declared ten new policies related to governance. For the software part, there are plans to expand 3D GIS application systems from land bureau to other departments.

The focus of future applications includes a 3D underground pipeline system, emergency disaster preparedness, response centre system, urban marketing and using geodata to construct a real city street view to provide the public with real action before they travel to Tainan.

Tainan’s 3D GIS

Geospatial World I August 2012

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GOTHENBURG , SWEDEN

Public at the forefront Swedenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second largest city is encouraging public participation in urban planning with Web-based 3D service

any urban planners globally are struggling with the question of how to communicate city development plans efficiently to citizens and how to involve citizens in the planning to support a democratic process. Their concerns include: how to reach out with the information to relevant stakeholders and citizens, other than those few citizens normally attending formal consultation meetings; how to receive feedback and external suggestions early in the planning process and thereby save costs; how to communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings.

M

Case Study

These questions were raised by the City of Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden with over 500, 000 citizens. In a planning horizon of 10-20 years, the large expected growth of citizens and several extensive infrastructure projects call for the new city balancing social, economic and ecological considerations. These aims have also been embraced by an overall political goal to improve public dialogue.

The city planning department of Gothenburg initiated a project with the goal to use international best practices and decided to use interactive 3D on the Web as the vehicle to go with. The City has developed a new arena for the citizens to meet and debate city development on equal terms, called "MinStad" (MyCity in English). The

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arena is a Web portal based on a photo-realistic 3D city model where users can, interactively, explore the city and post comments and even publish 3D building models. Facebook accounts are used for user authentication before posting comments. Integration of social media also enhances spreading of the contributions throughout the community. Based on different categories, such as living, work, sport and more, users can give their suggestions, dismantle buildings,

natives in the city planning process.

Gothenburg City's "MinStad" is based on CityPlanner, a Web service developed by Swedish software company Agency9. CityPlanner is a global cloud service to visualise construction and infrastructure projects on the Web for efficient communication and collaboration within project teams and to publish projects to the public. The service was launched in June this year.

"With this Web service we aim to increase the dialogue with our citi-

MinStad web portal

change the terrain, create volumes for new buildings and even upload Sketch-up 3D models. Suggestions are published on the MinStad portal and via Facebook.

MinStad can also be used as an internal tool where urban planners, architects, traffic planners, environmental investigators, etc. can simulate and communicate various alter-

zens to have the right priorities for building a sustainable city and to improve the public support for our projects. Also, we wish to engage children and teenagers who will be the actual residents of the city that we are shaping in the 10 to 20 year time frame,â&#x20AC;? says Eric Jeansson, GIS manager at the City Planning office in Gothenburg.

Geospatial World I August 2012

GRAZ, AUSTRIA

City planning gets a boost h T e Department of Surveying is ensuring latest 3D datasets for its city planners

ith the aim of having the most up-to-date geospatial data available for city planners, the City of Graz (Austria) Department of Surveying is on a mission to acquire complete aerial data of its city. To accomplish the mission, the Department partnered with Austria-based Terra Messflug GmbH and its parent company Vermessung AVT ZT GmbH. Terra Messflug provided the data acquisition while AVT provided the postprocessing of the imagery and produced the end products in a development project with the new software version at Vexcel Imaging: digital surface models (DSM) and DSM based orthophotos. A commonality among the cooperating organisations: Microsoft photogrammetric technologies.

W

Geospatial World I August 2012

allowed AVT to generate refined exterior orientations, import ground control points and GPS/IMU data. These data were then handed off to Vexcel Imaging for further processing to final products using the prototype of its latest version of the software, UltraMap 3.0.

UltaMap 3.0 features new modules for generating high-density point clouds (to the order of 300 points per sq. metre), digital surface models and orthophotos. From the UltraMap processed imagefiles from AVT, Microsoft used the new UltraMap 3.0 software to read the aerotriangulated results along with the parameters of the radiometric adjustment and automatically executed the dense matching process that generates the heightfield and renders the

DSMOrtho (an accurate orthophoto derived from a digital surface model).

From there, Microsoft exported the resulting datasets-the digital surface model and the DSMOrtho in RGB and CIR. With the help of an in-depth quality analysis by AVT, further improvements to the software prototype were achieved and Microsoft delivered the refined results to the city of Graz where the data will be used for various applications.

Besides the output for this project, the software UltraMap is able to process a DTM-based ortho (with automatic filtering of the DSM to the DTM) and a 3D point cloud. That point cloud is a real 3D dataset, because it even involves successfully matched points on faรงades and other vertical features.

Case Study

Stage one of the project began on June 22, 2011. In a Cessna 303 equipped with a Microsoft UltraCamXp and flying at roughly 1000 metres above ground to capture 6 cm views, Terra Messflug collected 4034 images at average 80% forward overlap and 60% sidelap. In the next stage, the raw UltraCam imagery was provided by Terra Messflug to AVT for ingest in its Microsoft UltraMap photogrammetric workflow system for post-processing. During this step of processing, the UltraMap aerotriangulation module automatically collected tie-points from the overlapping imagery. In a semi-automatic process, the AT module

Detail of the DSMOrtho and DSM (grey values represent height) in the city centre, the Dome of Graz.

Screenshots from UltraMap

43

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

Assessing flood risk Jeddah is using DTM to safeguard the c ity against the occasional winter thunderstorms

eddah is a major urban centre in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is the second largest city in the country after its capital Riyadh.

While the city receives sparse rainfall like most other areas in the region, it is not uncommon to have heavy thunderstorms in winter. This creates the need for a detailed flood risk analysis of the region.

J

Case Study

In 2010, the Jeddah Development and Urban Regeneration Company (JDURC) commissioned a project to build a detailed digital terrain model (DTM) to support flood risk analy-

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A shot of Jeddah city

sis in the region and study the subsequent design of dams protecting the city along with temporary and permanent storm water drainage channels.

The project was subsequently awarded to Vision ME. In December 2010, Vision ME commenced the acquisition of high-resolution digital aerial photography and LiDAR data for a total area of 6,400 sq km, covering the entire Province of Jeddah. Aerial photography was acquired using a Vexcel UCXp digital aerial survey camera supported with GPS base stations, the Jeddah CORS network and PPP process-

ing to create an extremely accurate dataset. LiDAR data was acquired with the help of over 120 hours of flight at a density of two points per sq metre using Leica ALS 50 Mk II equipment. The final output was a dataset that could be integrated into both GIS and CAD systems to support all design activities.

All data went through a strict quality control and acceptance process to ensure that the project accuracy was maintained.

Quality checks demonstrated that accuracies better than 10 cm in height were achieved, with horizontal accuracies better

than 20 cm. The final delivery included a re-processed Pictometry oblique image library. This data was acquired during 2007 and benefitted with an accuracy improvement with the inclusion of the new DTM data.

The final project deliverables included: • 10 cm resolution seamless digital orthophoto at 16-bit • DTM at 1 metre grid intervals throughout the project area • Contours at 20 cm and 1 metre vertical intervals • Building outlines

The project was completed during the latter half of 2011. The digital terrain model created with the help of data generated

by Vision ME will help in building a base map of the city that will be used by the GIS centre for a detailed GIS analysis. It will also form a base for carrying out several other projects in the region. It will facilitate quick response during emergency situations and provide early warning for an impending disaster.

Besides, the data will also be used for future planning and re-planning of existing slums in the city.

Geospatial World I August 2012

INTERVIEW

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We are changing perceptions about laser scanning

Faro has a range of 3D products and solutions. How do you position FARO's 3D laser scanners visa-vis other 3D techniques?

FARO's Laser Scanner Focus3D adopts the 'phase shift' method of measurement, which has relatively high scanning speeds of 976,000 points/second and an accuracy of ±2mm. The covered range of 120m is ideal for medium range scanning in applications that require a more accurate and precise measurement.

The other common 3D technique is the 'time of flight' (TOF) method.

TOF scanners generally have a longer range capability, up to 2 km.

TOF scanners, though, operate at a much reduced scanning rate and accuracy as compared to those using the phase shift method.

With its dimensions of 24cm x 20cm x 10cm and a weight of 5.0 kg, Focus3D is so compact and mobile that users can easily take it with them, wherever they go. Easy integration with a mobile laser scanner system has become a reality because of the compact size, light weight and low cost of the Focus3D. In essence, the user has the flexibility of using Focus3D for both static and mobile scanning.

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”

What is FARO's next technology innovation in terms of 3D solutions? Are you moving to mobile platforms and to providing realtime information?

R&D has always been an integral part of FARO culture and FARO continuously invests in innovation, even in downturn years. This enables FARO to emerge much stronger immediately after any economic downturn. Part of the innovation process includes FARO involving its end users to collect feedback on product development so that the end product will meet and often exceed market expectations. To that end, we are constantly exploring new innovations, including observed industry trends such as mobile and real-time platforms for 3D laser scanning.

When FARO introduced Focus3D in October 2010, it 'disrupted' the 3D laser scanning market with its combination of increased portability, ease of use, high accuracy, speed of measurement and relatively low costs. This attracted many users to adopt 3D laser scanning technology, replacing traditional or older methods and processes.

At present, Focus3D can be easily integrated into a mobile scanning

system as a vital unit to acquire information, e.g. for a GIS. As mentioned earlier, users have the flexibility to deploy the Focus3D for both static and mobile scanning projects.

To top it off, this flexibility does not come at a higher price. In fact, it is much more cost-effective than mobile scanning systems currently available in the market.

Do you think there is lack of awareness about the use of laser scanners in the Asian market?

What is FARO's strategy to create more awareness?

There are a multitude of applications for laser scanners, some more widely known than others. Currently, the more common ones include architecture, building information modelling (BIM), civil engineering, forensic science, heritage preservation and surveying. However, there are still many unexplored areas in which a laser scanner can be very useful.

Other than that, we find that there is a lack of laser scanning service providers in Asia. Filling this gap can potentially help more companies achieve desirable outcomes that were previously unattainable,

Geospatial World I August 2012

r

especially for industries in which laser scanners are not yet commonplace. Earlier, laser scanning technology was perceived to be associated with hefty investments and lengthy training periods. However, that all changed when FARO introduced Focus3D. We find that there is a greater willingness to new technology adoption, as well as a greater demand for information and knowledge on technology application.

FARO Technologies envisions a platform where the laser scanning community in Asia can gather to share, learn and network. Currently, we have a substantial pool of users in the Asian market, and the timing could not be better.

At the moment, the fastest grow ing markets are in Asia. How is FARO gearing up to capture the same?

Without a doubt, Asia is the fastest growing market for the geospatial industry, with a mix of developing, industrialised and developed countries. Each country will seek to adopt the most efficient methods to keep up with economic growth and part of that is in ensuring that their respective geospatial infrastructures are in sync with this growth.

3D laser scanners allow rich 3D documentation information to be collected in the quickest manner and because of that,

many geospatial industry players will be quick to adopt it.

As the geospatial industry diversifies, FARO will target various segments of the industry by providing the right tools for the right job. We plan to do so by monitoring the market closely and providing the most comprehensive solution for each user.

investments. After almost two years since its launch, we are still seeing strong growth in the sale of Focus3D. We will continue to expand and groom our sales and distribution networks by selecting good and reliable partners, so as to reach and serve our customers even better.

FARO is aiming at a 20-25% growth this year. In the backdrop of unsettling economic condi tions, what would be your strate gy to achieve this target? What is the share of 3D laser scanners out of the total revenue?

Even in these unsettling economic conditions, FARO continues to uphold its customer-centric professionalism to sustain growth. To achieve our aim of 20-25% growth, we will continue to roll out new products with breakthrough technology, which will enable customers to increase their productivity and quickly recoup on their

Joe Arezone Senior Vice-President and Managing Director - Asia Pacific FARO

Geospatial World I August 2012

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3D BUILDING MODELS

An 'alternative' route with energy efficiency With buildings consuming one third of the world's total energy, improving energy efficiency of buildings, both new and existing, has become a global priority today. Explore how the convergence of 3D BIM, geospatial and energy modeling is enabling designers to reduce the energy footprint of existing structures and design new, highly energy-efficient structures.

I

n the world's warming climate, the increasing demand for electric power is being increasingly met by alternative fuels, nuclear power, natural gas, renewables such as solar and wind and through energy efficiency. In many jurisdictions, energy efficiency provides the least expensive 'alternative fuel'.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that residential, commercial and public buildings account for one-third of the globe's total energy consumption. In 2008, buildings accounted for 72 percent of electricity use in the US. The proportion of energy consumed by buildings is expected to increase in the future owing to the emerging economies. This has made improving the energy efficiency of buildings, both existing and new, a global priority.

The European Union (EU) has taken the lead in improving the energy efficiency of buildings. The EU has mandatory carbon emission reduction standards, referred to as the 20-20-20 standard, which, among other things, requires the EU to improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020. In 2002, the European Commission promulgated the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which requires all EU member states to upgrade their building regulations and to introduce energy certification schemes for buildings.

In Germany, buildings currently account BIM model for energy performance analysis of a new multi-storey building

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Geospatial World I August 2012

for 40 percent of power consumption and a third of CO2 emissions. The German 40-year master plan calls for aggressive energy efficiency policies including new insulation standards and for all buildings in Germany to be refurbished in line with the new insulation standards by 2050, reducing energy requirements for heating by 20 percent by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050, and providing tax relief on energy taxes to companies contributing to energy savings.

In the US, Executive Order 13423 is a national initiative to reduce the average annual energy consumption of Federal buildings by 30 percent by 2015. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 is another directive that requires that Federal buildings be designed to use 30% less energy than the industry standard ASHRAE Standard 90.1. In its current budget, the US Department of Energy has allocated USD 310 million to promote energy conservation, specifically improving the energy efficiency of commercial and residential buildings.

Nearly zero energy buildings: A major area of focus in the EU is 'nearly zero energy' buildings. A nearly zero energy building on an average generates as much energy from renewable energy sources as it consumes. For new buildings, the EPBD recast has fixed 2020 as the deadline for all new buildings to be nearly zero energy. For public buildings the deadline is even sooner, by the end of 2018.

For existing buildings, EU member states are required to draw up national plans to increase the number of nearly zero energy buildings.

In the US, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) requires that by 2030, all new Federal facilities must be 'net zero energy' buildings. The US Department of Energy is funding research into net zero energy buildings. Pike Research has projected that as a result of the recast EU EPBD Directive and similar legislations in other parts of the world, such as Japan, worldwide revenue from net zero energy building construction will grow at an annual rate of 43% over the next two decades, reaching USD 690 billion by 2020 and USD 1.3 trillion by 2035, with much of the growth occurring in the EU. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced the Building Energy Efficiency Policies (BEEP) database.

The BEEP database collects information on buildings energy codes including minimum energy performance

Geospatial World I August 2012

Solar heating analysis using a BIM model for a new building

requirements that focus on achieving zero energy buildings, buildings energy labels which increase awareness about energy consumption of buildings, and incentives schemes for capacity building, technical assistance and raising awareness. The database includes information from all IEA member countries as well as China, India, Tunisia, South Africa and Russia. The IEA secretariat encourages all countries to submit information on their buildings' energy efficiency policies to be included in the database.

Municipalities, electric utilities and energy-efficient uildings: IDC Energy Insights' top 10 predictions for the bu North American energy and utility sector identified smart buildings as a top priority for electric power utilities in 2012. One of the ways that power companies in the US are increasingly turning to is demand response (DR). DR is an agreement between the power utility and a customer, such as a residential, industrial, or commercial site, which allows the utility to reduce the power demand from some of the facilities or equipment at the customer's site. Recently, the federal regulator (FERC) has mandated that a negawatt should be compensated at the same rate as a megawatt. In other words, customers should be paid the same for reducing the load by a megawatt as a generator is paid for generating a megawatt. The US Green Building Council (USGBC), Lawrence Berkeley National Labs and the Environment Defence Fund, supported by Southern California Edison, have started the Demand Response Partnership Program

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Shadow analysis using a BIM model of an existing building including neighbouring buildings

(DRRP) to encourage greater adoption of DR by the commercial building sector.

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has set an aggregate target of 1,330 MW of provincial peak demand reduction by the end of the four-year period and 6,000 GWh of reduced electricity consumption accumulated over the four-year period. In Ontario, new buildings must comply with the Ontario Building Code, basically ASHRAE 90.1.

In addition, new buildings with 40% or more external glazing are required to conduct an energy assessment.

After January 1, 2013 all new buildings will have to exceed ASHRAE 90.1-2010 by 5%.

Building information modeling (BIM) BIM is an intelligent model-based process that helps owners and service providers achieve better business results by enabling more accurate, accessible and actionable insight throughout project execution and lifecycle.

Architects, engineers and construction companies are

increasingly adopting BIM because through enabling collaboration and automating activities such as clash detection and bill of materials generation, it enables them to reduce the risk of budget schedule overruns. But BIM also helps enable activities that reduce the energy footprint of buildings.

According to a recent study by Global Insight, only 6% of worldwide construction activity incorporates green technology at present. Driven by regulation, owner and investor demands, resource cost, security concerns and third party standards, it is projected that this will increase to 75% by 2020. The McGraw-Hill Construction report Green BIM: How Building Information Modeling is Contributing to Green Design and Construction forecasts that the growth of the green building market will accelerate adoption of BIM. The convergence of BIM and sustainable design, which McGraw-Hill refers to as 'Green BIM', is just getting started, but a sharp increase in Green BIM is expected in the near future.

Environmental analysis and certification programmes like BREEAM, LEED require natural lighting, solar radiation, wind, renewable energy and noise analyses all of which require integration of geospatial information and local climactic conditions with the building design information which is gathered, stored and used in BIM. A BIMbased approach to energy modeling is applicable to new or existing buildings.

Improving energy efficiency of existing buildings For an existing structure, it is necessary to measure the building's current performance. This typically involves

Daylight analysis for a window in a new building

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Geospatial World I August 2012

compiling information from historical photographs, construction drawings and field observation. High definition laser scanning is frequently used to collect accurate three-dimensional physical and spatial information.

Laser scanning process creates a three dimensional point cloud of the surface it scans. With this approach an accurate building model can be created in a fraction of the time that it would take to perform field measurements or interpret the design from existing construction drawings. From the 3D point cloud, a dimensionally accurate BIM is created, which acts as a coordinated repository of what is known about the building. This includes information which would impact the performance of the building such as glazing types, material thermal properties, HVAC zones and occupancy patterns.

With the geometry and other necessary information collected in the BIM model, together with the geographic location and orientation of the building, energy analysis can be performed that incorporates local historical insolation and weather information including temperature, moisture, wind and psychrometric data. The analysis generates a 'big picture' assessment of how the building is performing at its location and in its expected climate.

This helps create a working hypothesis about the building's energy behaviour and to identify areas where there may be opportunities for energy savings including water infrastructure, daylighting and lighting efficiency, renewable energy generation (solar PV), mechanical (heating and cooling) waste and efficiency.

Improving energy efficiency of new buildings Jean Carriere of 3DEnergy is a building energy usage analyst who works with architects and engineers to optimise energy usage for new buildings. He typically starts with a BIM model of the building provided by the architect. From the architect's BIM model, he creates a simplified BIM model that contains the key elements that are required for the energy analysis such as simplified walls and floors, room bounding elements, complete volumes, and window frames and curtain walls. He exports the simplified model as a Green Building XML (gbXML) file. gbXML provides an industry standard schema for transferring building properties stored in 3D BIM models to energy performance analysis applications.

The energy analysis uses the geographical location of

Geospatial World I August 2012

gbXML BIM model created from laser scanning an existing building

the building and the local environmental conditions to conduct thermal, lighting and airflow simulations to compute and estimate how much energy the building will consume in a year and test different design options (insulation, glazing, natural daylight, wind simulation and ventilation) to identify best possible solutions, compare lowcarbon technologies, and draw conclusions on energy use, CO2 emissions, occupant comfort, light levels, airflow and LEED certification level. By conducting energy analyses and testing alternative options, it is often possible to reduce annual energy consumption and power bills by 40%. As an added benefit, in Ontario, reducing the expected electric power usage of a new building generates an immediate payback at a rate of USD 400 to USD 800 per kW from the Ontario Power Authority's High Performance New Construction (HPNC) program.

Summary In the backdrop of global warming, the increasing demand for electric power is being increasingly met by alternative fuels and more importantly by optimising energy efficiency. In many jurisdictions, energy efficiency provides the least expensive 'alternative fuel'. Buildings represent around 40% of the total primary energy consumption in many of the world's advanced countries and increasing the energy efficiency of buildings has become a global priority. The convergence of 3D building information modeling (BIM), geospatial and energy modeling enables designers to reduce the energy footprint of existing structures, including even historic buildings, as well as design new, highly energy-efficient structures.

Geoff Zeiss, Director Utility Industry Program, Autodesk Inc geoff.zeiss@autodesk.com

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IN FOCUS

Rio+20 and geospatial systems - The Promised Land The final outcome document at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development reveals a significant potential for the geospatial industry as the world gets together to address sustainable development. Here's an analysis of the geospatial component inherent in the document "The Future We Want"

T

he geospatial world is quite agog with the statements made at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, held recently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For the first time specific mention has been made, in a political conference, of the role geospatial information can play in realising a sustainable future for the Plant Earth. Para 274 of the outcome document of the Rio+20 Conference says: 274. We recognise the importance of space-technologybased data, in situ monitoring and reliable geospatial information for sustainable development policymaking, programming and project operations. In this context, we note the relevance of global mapping and recognise the efforts in developing global environmental observing systems, including those by the Eye on Earth Network and through the Global Earth Observation System of Systems. We recognise the need to support developing countries in their efforts to collect environmental data.

Image courtesy: Carbon Offset Aggregation Cooperative

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Further, in his Plenary Speech delivered at Rio+20 Summit, Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, United Kingdom, said, "I am also pleased to see that the importance

Geospatial World I August 2012

of reliable, trusted geographic information is now recognised. The United Nations has now established a Committee of Experts of Member States, which the UK cochairs, to move this agenda forward."

What does this augur for the geospatial ecosystem?

Let us try to delve a little deeper into the final 'outcome document' titled "The World We Want." UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was quite gung ho about it when he said, "The outcome document provides a firm foundation for social, economic and environmental well-being. It is now our responsibility to build on it."

The report runs into 53 pages and with 256 paras, it is surprisingly small for a UN document. While para 274 specifically talks of the role of geospatial technology under sub section B on Technology under Section VI, Means of Implementation, the opening paragraphs under section I are sufficient to get an idea of the opportunities for the geospatial community. Para 4 of Section I states that "poverty eradication, changing unsustainable and promoting sustainable patterns of consumption and production and protecting and managing the natural resource base of economic and social development are the overarching objectives of, and essential requirements for, sustainable development". This can be realised "by promoting sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth, creating greater opportunities for all, reducing inequalities, raising basic standards of living, fostering

equitable social development and inclusion, and promoting integrated and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems that supports, inter alia, economic, social and human development while facilitating ecosystem conservation, regeneration and restoration and resilience in the face of new and emerging challenges."

Balancing conflicting demands However, that is easier said than done. Considering the parlous state of the global economy, with the developed countries facing double dip recession, coupled with their marked reluctance to limit their unsustainable lifestyles and an unreasonable desire to dump the burden of sustainability on the BRIC and other developing nations, there is a need to balance different and conflicting demands on limited resources. Such a balancing act will require information of the highest order and this will have to be spatially referenced. This is a golden opportunity for the geospatial industry. Para 274 shows that the political class is aware of the usefulness of geospatial systems. It is now up to the geospatial community to rise to the task.

The opportunity is not just selling more imagery or boxes of software or even cloud-based Web GIS. It is the development of decision support systems that can help the politicians make choices while minimising risk. Big data analytics will play a very large role in this endeavour.

Fostering equitable social and economic growth are key to sustainable development

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Data interoperability The balancing of economic, social and human development, while facilitating ecosystem conservation, regeneration and restoration, will require a convergence of technologies and integrated applications. We have seen these convergences happen between geospatial and enterprise resource planning (ERP), geospatial and business intelligence (BI), geospatial and design and geospatial and egovernance, to name a few. These efforts have to be strengthened and further integrated into a 'system of systems.' This requires a level of data interoperability that goes way beyond what ISO-TC211 and OGC have achieved till now. However, I feel that this is achievable. OGC standards have strong links to global standards like W3C and OASIS, in addition to its close working with ISO. This needs to be leveraged to include interoperability with other standards and systems which deal with economic, social and demographic data. Needless to say, this will also call for a much more adaptable and benign regulatory regime at all levels and sectors of operation.

Real world solutions A very strong case has been made for poverty alleviation.

This implies that the geospatial systems have to address areas where returns are to be measured in terms other than financial. Governments and NGOs will be major players in these efforts. The geospatial world has to respond with cost-effective solutions. I foresee a situation where open source will play a large role. My feeling is that OS needs to shed its 'nerdiness' and foray into

the real world where people are looking for solutions and not brilliant lines of code. Proprietary systems also can play a role if they opt for selling solutions and services for generating solutions rather than just 'boxes.'

Role of SDIs Para 6 puts forward the view that people are at the centre of any sustainable development activity. This implies that solutions need to be bottom-up rather than top-down.

Further, Para 13 talks of enabling peoples' participation in decision making. SDIs need to address this issue. How can SDIs enable people to publish their views on projects that ultimately impact their lives? What is the scheme of an 'X to people' service where X can be the government, industry, an NGO or even another group of people? PPGIS shows one of the approaches. User generated content will play an important part in integrating peoples' views and preferences in decisions.

Para 12 mentions the need for an institutional framework. This is indeed a big opportunity for SDIs which have been stuttering along. In what way can SDIs serve the PPGIS efforts? Can we integrate VGI (volunteered geographic information), neogeography and crowdsourcing with SDI and in turn, integrate SDIs into other information systems that can crunch big data and provide DSS (decision support system) to politicians at the local level? This will require SDIs to become distributed and also accessible to the stakeholders other than data generators, data providers and government agencies.

Capacity building Finally, the report also addresses capacity building in sub section C on Implementation. The geospatial community has to work towards making more groups geographically aware. This may require a relook at the present system of both formal and non-formal geospatial course content to address students, professionals and the common person.

Conclusion

Promoting sustainable patterns of consumption is an objective of, and essential requirement for, sustainable development

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Geospatial systems have to achieve a degree of ubiquity and persistence if they have to play a meaningful role and live up to the expectations of Para 274. It should become a system whose presence is not noticed but whose absence is.

Prof Arup Dasgupta Managing Editor, arup@geospatialmedia.net

Geospatial World I August 2012

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