Assignment - Individual (10%)

TPR481 SPATIAL DATA ANALYSIS

3D CITY MODELLING
PREPARED BY:
FATIN NUR AMIRAH ABD RAZAK (2023867752)
SUBMITTED TO :
GS. NORSYAZLIN BINTI MOHD ROSLI
GS. NURAIN BINTI MOHD TALMIZI
3D City Modeling Comparison - City Engine vs. SketchUp

3D City Models in Urban Planning: Urban planners increasingly rely on 3D city models to visualize and assess urban
development scenarios effectively.
2. Software Exploration: This assignment delves into ArcGIS City Engine and SketchUp, two key software programs renowned
for their 3D city modeling capabilities.
3. Urban Evolution: In the dynamic urban landscape, the need to anticipate and analyze future developments underscores the
importance of robust 3D modeling tools.

City model created in City Engine City model created in SketchUp

Part 1: Creating a 3D City Model with City Engine
City Engine takes a procedural approach, employing rules and algorithms to automate city generation. Here's a typical workflow:

Data Preparation:
Gather data: Collect GIS data like building footprints, elevation, street networks, and imagery.
Process data: Convert and structure the data into formats City Engine understands.

Procedural Worldbuilding:
1. Shape the foundation: Define streets, blocks, and parcels using 2D extrusions or imported 3D models.
2. Grow the cityscape: Apply CityGML Architecture rules to automatically generate building forms, facades, roofs, and details based
on parameters like height, roof pitch, and style.
3. Refine & detail: Edit individual buildings, add vegetation, street furniture, and other urban elements for realism.

Visualization & Sharing:

1. Explore & analyze: Navigate and interact with your 3D city in the built-in viewer. Run simulations or conduct visual impact
assessments.
2. Publish & share: Export your creation as 3D models, images, or interactive web scenes for presentations, reports, or public
engagement.
Example: Watch how https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IqVR6V-nB8o uses real-world data to create a dynamic 3D model of Austin, Texas, showcasing City Engine's procedural power.
Part 1: Creating a 3D City Model with Sketch Up
SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling software that can be used to create a variety of models, including 3D city models. It is a
relatively easy-to-learn software that is well-suited for beginners. However, it can also be used to create complex models by
experienced users.

1. Start by gathering the reference materials. This could include maps, photographs, and architectural drawings of the city that we want
to model.
2. Create the basic layout of the city. This includes the streets, buildings, and other major features. We may use the Rectangle tool to
create the basic shapes of the buildings, and then use the Push/Pull tool to extrude them into 3D.
3. Add details to the model. This includes things like windows, doors, roofs, and other architectural features. We may use the Line tool to
create the outlines of the details, and then use the Push/Pull tool to extrude them into 3D.
4. Texture the model. This will make our model look more realistic. We can use SketchUp's built-in materials library or import your
textures.
5. Add lighting and shadows. This will help to make our model look more three-dimensional. We can use SketchUp's built-in lighting tools
or add our custom lighting.
Source : Creating a Simple City in SketchUp tutorial: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QsZmJmYyhUo
 Part 2: City Engine vs. SketchUp - A Tale of Two Tools
Feature City Engine SketchUp

Workflow Manual modeling and editing of individual elements

Procedural, rule-based generation using real-world
GIS data

Strengths Automation, data-driven, scalability, realism Ease of use, flexibility, customization, free version

Weaknesses Learning curve, limited individual editing, cost Manual labor, limited GIS integration, scalability

Ideal for Large-scale city models, data-driven projects, realism Smaller projects, individual customization, learning,
hobbyists
Example Image

Comparison Resources: CityEngine vs. SketchUp: Choosing the Right 3D Modeling Software article: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plncupf4FA8
 References

ArcGIS City Engine:

1. Esri City Engine Documentation: https://doc.arcgis.com/en/cityengine/latest/whats-new/cityengine-release-notes.htm
2. City Engine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJCIIE9pulk
3. "CityEngine: A Look at Creating 3D Urban Models" article: https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/urban-design-planning
SketchUp:
1. SketchUp Pro website: https://www.sketchup.com/try-sketchup
2. SketchUp YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEcyuvQyVm0
3. "3D City Modeling in SketchUp" tutorial: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HHHxbxeTUlY
4. "Creating a Simple City in SketchUp" tutorial: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QsZmJmYyhUo

Comparison Resources:
1. CityEngine vs. SketchUp: Choosing the Right 3D Modeling Software article: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plncupf4FA8
2. 3D City Modeling: CityEngine vs. SketchUp vs. BricsCAD BIM
article: https://www.archdaily.com/search/projects/companies/sketchup
3. A Comprehensive Comparison of ArcGIS City Engine and SketchUp article: https://www.archdaily.com/tag/3d-modelling