3D MAPPING FOR NEEDS OF ARCHITECTURE

Kremena Boyanova, Temenoujka Bandrova

Dipl. Eng. Kremena Boyanova
Chamber of Graduated Surveyors
8, Zemedelska Str. 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
e-mail: kboyanova@kig-bg.org

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Temenoujka Bandrova

Department of Photogrammetry and Cartography,
University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy
1, Chr. Smirnenski Blvd. 1046 Sofia, Bulgaria
e-mail: bandrova_fgs@uacg.bg
Abstract

The present paper will examine many of the problems and characteristics that a cartographer should consider when
starting the preparation of a 3D map of any kind and particularly one used in architectural applications. Moreover, it
will present problems of perception as an important factor in selecting appropriate techniques and methods for
conveying cartographic information in a more contemporary form, like 3D mapping. The wide range of applications of
3D maps will be reviewed in order to justify their potential for a mass entry into the modern world. In addition, the
fundamental principles of 3D modelling and its application for mapping purposes will be presented. The principles and
methods for creating a 3D vector map with application in 3D GIS and their characteristics, as well as precision and
application for architecture will be examined. The paper will also consider the advantages and disadvantages of
photorealistic representation.

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays the amount of information is so large that visualization has become a tool for transforming data from various
sources in graphic form by which users intuitively, through their sensory perceptions, find demanded relations, patterns,
anomalies easily. An effective visual interpretation has the advantage of presenting illustrative information and allows
users to focus on its key components more quickly, which is a prerequisite for faster and better analysis and decision
making [Maceachren A.M., Canter J.H., 1990].

Modern cartography can be presented as a visualization of geospatial information in different levels of details,
dimensions, formats and applications and the maps - as tools of representation of reality in a way that is visual, digital
or tangible.

Building 3D maps is possible through the combination of cartography and computer graphics. With the progress of
hardware and software technologies, the implementation of the graphics is becoming easier and faster. 3D mapping
gives the opportunity for displaying many different effects. Software applications allow easier providing of different
perspectives and thus the user is facilitated by visual perception data. Interactivity is an important feature for achieving
effective visualization. Due to it, the user is able to handle larger amount of data in exceptional processing capabilities.
For the better perception of the 3D maps from the user as from the compilers a contributions for creating cartographic
design principles is needed.

One of the first attempts for describing the variables in modeling cartographic products is made in “Cartographic design
principles for 3d maps - a contribution to cartographic theory” by [Haeberling C., 2004].The research is made by the
Institute of Cartography, ETH Zurich. The list contains 19 proposition cartographic design principles for 3D maps that
follow the order of the design process – modeling, symbolization and visualization. At the same time, there are two
main features of modeling – the degree of abstraction and dimensions that define the proportions of objects, by which a
3D map is always affected. [Haenberling C., 2004].
An innovative technology for creating 3D maps established as cheap and easy is “From paper to virtual map” developed
in [Bandrova T., Ivanova K., 1999]. The technology is represented shortly by eight steps that include the design of all
three object categories that a 3D map contains – main, secondary and additional content [Bandrova T., 2005]
Depending on the user requirements, the output data available and the map’s application some of the steps can be
excluded.

There is a theoretical base for developing a 3D modeling symbol system that includes the requirements and stages for
symbol design, developed by [Bandrova T., 2001]. There are six steps for creating a 3D map symbol that provides
cartographers with a standard approach for developing symbol system for 3D city map [Bandrova T., 2005].
In the following study a 3D map for architectural applications of cadastral district of Sofia, Bulgaria and the
surrounding area has been developed. Afterwards, an architectural project is designed using the map to help analyse the
way the building is positioned within the surrounding area.

The aim of the paper is to develop the logic of transmitting information using 3D maps with built symbol system and
visual effectiveness of reconstruction which is achieved through various modelling techniques.

USERS’ REQUIREMENTS

The technical process of making a 3D map is crucial since the introduction of data in all four steps of the construction -
design, modeling, visualization and symbols influence the final shape. All steps are performed interactively. In the
process of construction of each map product the users’ needs should be taken into account. The user’s cognition and
experience and the reason for using the product (e.g. purposes, location, time) must be considered. At this stage the
understanding of the future users, their needs and the themes they are interested in indirectly influence the choice of the
map type.

The readiness and requirements of users for 3D urban models are explored in [Zlatanova S. and Bandrova T., 1998]. For
that reason a questionary related to preferences for 3D visualization is conducted among several production companies
with urban specialization. As a result a classification that distributes the objects into four groups is suggested and
particularly: juridical objects (e.g. people, institutions, companies), topographic objects (e.g. buildings, streets,
utilities), fictional objects (e.g. boundaries) and abstract objects (e.g. incomes, taxes, deeds). These results are useful for
creating 3D GIS of urban areas.

The requirements for user interface display references for high realistic photo textured objects despite the problems in
texture acquisition, processing and mapping. As for the 3D symbols, they are expected to represent real objects and
phenomenon in order to navigate and orientate the user in the 3D model, as they do in the real world [Zlatanova S. and
Bandrova T., 1998].

Еngineers and architects need a photo-realistic models of buildings and cartographic models of urban area (cadaster or
other) so the visualization of new buildings to be introduced better. 3D maps are the best method for doing that. They
can be used to gather information needed to restore the facades of unique buildings.

For example the London Management Framework, established by the London Plan, seeks to designate, protect and
manage twenty seven views of London and some of its major landmarks [http://www.london.gov.uk/]. For that reason a
3D map of the affected areas is being created and all the newly designed building in those areas are implemented in the
model in order to protect those views with the highest accuracy possible. In that case the dynamic characteristics and
the precision of the model are of the highest importance. The photorealistic visualization and the 3D symbol system are
secondary and in most cases are not even demanded.

TECHNOLOGY FOR CREATION OF 3D MAP

The modeling process includes the transformation and unification of different topographic and thematic information and
images (DTM, vector data, raster textures). From the initial raw data a compound 3D model of earth's surface can be
obtained, especially when implementing dynamic and interactive functions in 3D map. While building a sign system,
graphic characteristics are applied to individual objects in the model. These are the shape, size, color, brightness, texture
and other graphic characteristics. Also the actual ground plan can be changed when generalization is necessary. Graphic
image of each object class is defined as in the creation of classical map legend and cartographic generalization rules
must be considered. The structure of the legend does not affect the type of objects while they are being created. The
model surface is converted into 3D map model.

The final step is the visualization of the 3D map model. This is achieved through a program or attachment. Finally
mapping objects appear to the user because of the projection parameters and the inevitable interaction of light and
shadows. Because of this, for the final rendering is necessary the implementation of a camera and the parameters of the
output file format to be established.

Cartographic modeling of 3D maps has many options for image acquisition. These options are grouped by type of
elements that characterize specific moments in the modeling process - modeling of a digital terrain model, of objects
outlook, perspective, weather and natural phenomena and others that affect the display of the map visualization.

Maintenance of a wide range of tasks, elimination of certain tasks and improvement of the model are hard to be
implemented in the conceptual data model. In general, a topographic data model must be as comprehensive as possible
(in terms of information). This allows the performance of a wider range of tasks specific for this area. However, the
maintenance of the relevance of a higher amount of information is more difficult and expensive. A balance between
richness of information and the costs of acquisition, update and storage of information is needed. A possible decision of
that problem is the inclusion of a specific database depending on the number of applications that are using these data.
This way the utilization is increased and efforts are minimized. This gives the possibility for different presenting of
information, so the model should be kept as close to the reality as possible.

There are some specific requirements for data structures. First, the overall performance (in terms of requirements for
data storage and time for response) must be acceptable in the management of a large amount of data. Secondly, the data
structure must ensure their compatibility and allow verification. Third, the structure must support the computing and
analytical operations. Fourth, possibility of updating the data structure is required [Penninga F., 2008].

The present model is built in five steps according to “From Paper to Virtual Map” technique. The sources are digital 2D
maps so steps 1 and 2 are missed. As for step 4 - Reconstruction of the Digital Terrain Model (DTM), its
accomplishment will lead to complicating of the model. The small area it covers and the flat terrain make a DTM
unnecessary.

1. Including third coordinate.

The source for creating the map is digital cadastral plan of the study area. Many different studies of the area are made,
including both field and office activities, in order the information to be implemented.

The output data are in *.DWG format. The file contains vector data for the existing elements of cadaster and attached
bitmap in *.TIF format containing old cadastral plan of the area. The data is processed in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011
Imperial environment (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Excerpt from cadastral plan of Sofia, Banishora area

Geodetic measurements

The area is checked if the plan contains all the existing objects. It is determined that two buildings are not included in
the cadastral plan. For their supplementation and for the determination of the third coordinate geodetic measurements
are made. This way 3D information for the existing objects is collected requisite for the creation of 3D map. The
existing geodetic control of the area in local Sofia coordinate system is used. Coordinates and elevation of the
situational points are taken from the cadastral plan. The detailed points are determined by position and elevation and the
calculations are based on the geodetic control, which is unified for horizontal and vertical measurements.

Processing the measurements

To determine the coordinates of the detailed points is used the software TPLAN. After the procession an accuracy
assessment is made for every station and coordinate differences are calculated. Data is entered in AutoCAD Civil 3D
2011 Imperial environment. The points defining the contours of new buildings are connected and the relative heights of
the buildings are calculated.

2. Designing the main content (buildings, streets etc.)

Considering the type of output data, the desired final result and all stages in the process of creating that 3D mapping
includes, it is necessary to select the most suitable software for data processing and visualization of the 3D model. In
this case is used Garphisoft ArchiCAD 13 software. The reason the selection of that software is that the final model
required for architectural applications with data built in the same environment. This way maximum compatibility of the
models is achieved.

Garphisoft ArchiCAD 13 workspace (Figure 2 a, b).

Figure 2a. 2D workspace.

Figure 2b. 3D workspace.

Elevations are entered by their relative value derived from the geodetic measurements. As it was already mentioned, the
peculiarities of the specific task, namely making a 3D map for architectural applications, the flat terrain and small size
of the area lead us to the estimation that building of a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and conjunction of the objects with
elevation system is unnecessary for the project objectives and wouldn’t affect the visualization of the model. This
would only compound and complicate the final product and the creation process without substantial results for the
particular application. Therefore, the model is in conjunction only by position with local Sofia Coordinate System.

If the creation of the map ends here, the architect is able to obtain a lot of metric information as distances, volumes,
spread of light, etc. from the model without need of 3D symbolization, phototextures and photo-realistic visualizations.
The next three steps are aimed at the creation of more realistic visual perception of the mapped area.

3. 3D symbolization of the 3D map

The theory about symbol creation and design for 3D map is described in [Bandrova T., 2001]. The summary of this
theory is shown below:

 Gathering information about the object (qualitative and quantitative characteristics, images, textures).
Steps for creating symbolization for 3D maps:

 Analyzing information and collecting data for every object.

 Design of symbols using visual and metric analysis and computer graphic techniques.
 Visualization of the symbols in virtual space.
 Obtaining summarized information about an object.

 To resemble the real objects.

Requirements for 3D symbols:

 Minimum number of polygons should be used in the design.

 To have the actual object size.
 To have different aims depending on the users’ requirements.
 Simplicity of the signs.
 To characterize small objects.
 To have quantitative differences.

 Object primitives – cylinder, box, cone.

How to construct:

 Curve forms and rotation of objects.

 Editing the geometry of the symbol at different levels.

 Copy – exact copy. Changing the original object does not change the copy.
Positioning the symbol:

 Model – changing the original changes the copies.

 Specimen - changing the original changes the copies; changing a copy doesn’t change the original. Unilateral
connection.

For the creation of 3D symbol system for this particular map are used several approaches. The specifics the real objects
are taken into account for the creation of each element, its sizes and software capabilities.

 Roads
Area symbols (Figure 3 and 4)

 Sidewalks
 Tram lines
 Lawns
In the preparation of area symbols textures are used to recreate the specific features of the objects that are represented
with their real size because of the lack of scale in 3D maps.

3D symbols constructed similarly to the real objects – public transport station

This symbol is designed by the recreation of the real object’s typical characteristics. This is made for maximum
representation of the reality by the symbolization. The actual sizes of the object are preserved. (Figure 3)
 Figure 3. Public transport station – building 3D symbol.

3D symbolization built by objects from the Graphisoft ArchiCAD 13 Object Library (Figure 4)

 Vegetation – in the area of the map there is only deciduous vegetation. Therefore from the library of Graphisoft
ArchiCAD 13 is selected Tree Deciduous 12 13 which resembles the existing trees the most. The height of the
symbol is 6.5 meters determined for middle height for the trees in the area. The middle height for the trees in the
area is determined approximately according to the floors of the surrounding buildings. The position of the trees is


taken from the cadastral plan and after a check in place the missing ones are removed.
Trash-can – the object from the Graphisoft ArchiCAD 13 Object Library is chosen so as to be maximum similar to
the real object. The colors are chosen with the same consideration. The positions are set approximately after check


in place.
Street lights – maximum similar to the real object. The height of the symbol is 7.3 meters determined
approximately according to the floors of the surrounding buildings. The position of the lights is taken from the


cadastral plan.
Traffic lights – maximum similar to the real object. The height of the symbol is 7.0 meters determined


approximately according to the floors of the surrounding buildings. The position of the lights is checked in place.
Tram and people – these objects are supplemented in order to increase the realism of the model. The default
settings are preserved and the sizes are real. This is also an opportunity to use the same model in ubiquitous
mapping and cartography.

Figure 4. 3D symbolization.
Dividing floors by color

Buildings in this particular 3D map can be divided into two types: those that are representing the ground plan after the
newly designed building is placed and those that will be replaced by the newly designed building. The architectural
project includes an entire cadastral district. Therefore, the buildings in this area are visualized by dividing their floors
by color. The colors fade with the increase of the floor because of the bigger proximity to the natural source of light –
the Sun (Figure 5). The method is established in [Bandrova T., 2001].

The other buildings, placed adjacent to the district, are covered by photorealistic textures in order to obtain clear view of
how the newly designed building looks into the ground plan, which is the ultimate goal of the project.

Floor 5

Floor 4

Floor 3

Floor 2

Floor 1

Figure 5. Dividing floors by colors.

The colors of the buildings are taken from Graphisoft ArchiCAD 13 Material Library. This refers also for the materials
of the roofs, sidewalks, roads, etc.

4. Preparing of phototextures.

To achieve photorealistic view of the 3D man is necessary to develop suitable texture library. Texture is synthesized or
scanned image attached to the geometry of an object or symbol in order to display its qualities. [Zlatanova S., 2000].
Texturing is an important step in the creation of 3D models. Photo-realistic textures provide the most realistic view of
the environment in the area. They also give information about details and characteristics of materials that are not part of
the geometry. There are two types of data that can be used for photo-realistic textures – aerial photos of the terrain and
roofs of buildings and land photos, taken from the street level, that include facades of buildings and other surfaces.

In this case the second type of photo-realistic textures is used. Images are made with digital camera Sony Cyber-Shot
5.5 Mpx at an average level of solar activity. The key element for each facade are captured – windows, balconies,
entrances. The textures are processed by using Adobe Photoshop CS2 software. Elements are transformed into
orthogonal projection. Due to “contamination” of the sight with tree branches, electrical wires, etc. images are cleaned.
To get the entire wall of the building elements are cloned as many times as necessary.

This way photo-realistic view of all facades in orthogonal projection is achieved (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Exemplary building facades.

5. Photo-realistic visualization of the 3D map.

Placing phototextures.

To achieve photo-realistic view a library of phototextures is created. While trying to place the textures at the relevant
surfaces (walls), a problem with the definition of a local coordinate system, required for the positioning of the textures,
was established.

Architects use photo-realistic textures in the design of buildings rarely because every element is designed separately.
Probably for this reason there is a problem with the definition of local coordinate system for different surfaces in the
specialized architectural software Graphisoft ArchiCAD 13.

Therefore, for photo-realistic texturing and final visualization of the model is used the software Artlantis Studio 3-
specialized one for creating high-quality images, videos and presentation materials.

Light and shadow

The sunlight settings are very detailed. The user can choose location, day and time for the visualization of the model.
This way the sunlight falls at such an angle and with such an effect as if the viewer is at the chosen place in the fixed
time.
The contrast of shadows can also be adjusted. In our case it is reduced to minimum. This adjustment is better for a city
map. Higher contrast level is expedient for the visualization of 3D terrain models, like 3D mountain maps for example.
Clouds parameters are not changed.

Camera

The focus distance is fixed depending on the desired view and object area. No artificial sources of light are added. An
image from the library or outside the program can be chosen. The user can choose the visible layers.

Data types

The following software product are used: utoCAD Civil 3D 2011 Imperial, TPLAN, Adobe Photoshop CS2, Graphisoft
ArchiCAD 13, Artlantis Studio 3.
File types used: *.tif, *.jpg, *.dwg, *.gsi, *.kpt, *.kor, *.dpi, *.pln, *.atl.
Full comparability between software and file types is achieved.

APPLICATION

The architectural project is positioned over the photo-realistic 3D map of the ground plan. This gives the opportunity for
analyzes and evaluation of the final result of the project. The information achieved through the visualization is
perceptible for professionals (facing the architects) and unqualified users (contractors, buyers, tenants, etc.).
Interactivity and the real sizes of the objects in 3D maps make information clear and accessible, close to natural human
perception of reality.

At the same time the architect is able to achieve accurate metric measurements from the model for the needs of the
planning. The view of the ground plan before and after the positioning of the newly designed building gives to the user
clear idea of the size and conception of the project and the effect on the tendency for future planning and design in the
area. (Figure 7 a, b)

CONCLUSIONS

The application of 3D mapping in architecture gives very good results. 3D models of reality give users the opportunity
to acquire clear and accurate view for the results of design, which cannot be achieved by other cartographic methods for
visualization.

The specialized architectural software finds good application in 3D cartography and provides the desired accuracy of
the model. The accurate geodetic measurements and precise modeling of the ground plan enables the architect to get
clear view of the area before starting the design and thus to develop clear guidelines for the project since the beginning.
Future development of these maps should be made on the base of analysis how architects use and accept them.

The 3D maps, designed and created for architectural needs are very detailed with all elements of the environment
including transport devices and people. This point gives evidence to cartographers to include such products to one of the
most attractive tools for visualization of geo-information in the field of ubiquitous mapping. This will give us
opportunities to keep such models for future needs, for reconstructions, design and for heritage needs.

Figure 7 a. Visualization of the existing ground plan.

Figure 7 b. Visualization of the architectural project in the ground plan.

REFERENCES

Bandrova T. Designing of Symbol System for 3D City Maps., 20th International Cartographic Conference, Beijing, China,
2001.Volume 2, pp. 1002 - 1010.

Bandrova T., Innovative Technology for the Creation of 3D Maps., Data Science Journal. Volume 4, 31.08.2005
Bandrova T., S. Bonchev, 3D Maps for Internet Application, 3rd ISDE Digital Earth Summit, CD Proceedings, Nessebar, Bulgaria,
2010, ISBN: 978-954-724-039-1

Haeberling, C., Cartographic Design Principles For 3d Maps. A Contribution To Cartographic Theory. 22nd International
Cartographic Conference, Caruña, Spain, 9-16 July 2005

Pegg, D., Design Issues with 3D Maps and the Need for 3D Cartographic Design Principles, 2010, Available at
http://lazarus.elte.hu/cet/academic/pegg.pdf in April 2012,
.
Elberink, S. O. Acquisition of 3D topography. Automated 3D road and building reconstruction using airborne laser scanner data and
topographic maps. Thesis. Delft 2010 (Available at: http://www.itc.nl/library/papers_2010/phd/oude_elberink.pdf, in April, 2012)

Friso Penninga, 3D Topgraphy. A Simplicial Complex-based Solution in a Spatial DBMS Dissertation,. Delft 2008 (available at:
http://repository.tudelft.nl/view/ir/uuid%3A7c787ba1-c23b-42e2-a5f7-4fba6f210cd5/ in April, 2012.

Maceachren A.M., Canter J.H., 1990, A Pattern Identification Approach to Cartographic Visualization. Cartographica, Vol 27, No 2,
Summer, 1990, pp. 64-81

Zlatanova S., Bandrova, T. User Requirements for the Third Dimensionality., E-mail Seminar of Cartography “Maps of the Future”,
Additional edition of the UACEG Annual, pp. 61-72, Sofia, 1998.

Zlatanova, S., 3D GIS for Urban Development, Thesis, Graz, Austria, 2000.

Dipl. Eng. Kremena Boyanova works in Chamber of Graduated Surveyors. She is PhD Student at
National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences,
Department of Geography, section GIS; a member of Bulgarian Cartographic Association.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Temenoujka Bandrova works in Department of Photogrammetry and Cartography,
University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy. She is President of Bulgarian
Cartographic Association, a co-chair of the ICA Commission of Cartography and Children (2007-
2011), а member of the Executive board of International Society of Digital Earth, a member of the
Commission on Map Projections, Education and training and WG on Cartography and Early Warning
and Crises Management – International Cartographic Association (ICA); of the Association for
Geospatial Information in South-East Europe (AGISEE); of Editor’s group of the International Journal
of Digital Earth, Cartographia and Geoinformatika, Croatia. She is Project manager in DataMap Ltd
where her school atlases and maps are published. She is an author of 30 school atlases and more than
80 wall maps in geography and history, approved by Ministry of Education for Bulgarian schools.