Visualization and New Opportunities

Abstract

This paper reviews the opportunities offered by 3D visualization to improve the understanding and the analysis of cadastre data. It first introduces the rationale of having 3D visualization functionalities in the context of cadastre applications. Second, the publication outlines some basic concepts in 3D visualization. This section specially adopts the visualization pipeline as a driven classification schema to understand the steps leading to 3D visualization. It also includes a brief review of current 3D standards and technologies. A summary of recent progress in 3D cadastral visualization is then proposed, with use requirements, data and semiotics, and platforms are highlighted as main actions performed in the development of 3D cadastre visualization. This review is a first attempt at structuring and emphasising best practices in the domain of 3D cadastre visualization and it provides an inventory of issues that still need to be addressed. Finally, by providing a review on advances and trends in 3D visualization, the paper initiates a discussion and a critical analysis on the benefit of applying these new developments to the cadastral domain. This final section discusses enhancing 3D techniques such as dynamic transparency and cutaway, 3D generalization, 3D visibility modelling, 3D annotation, 3D data and web platforms, augmented reality, immersive virtual environments, 3D gaming, interaction techniques and time