Shared 3D GIS Structure Models for Real-Time Change Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GIS systems lack the ability to manage 3D models of man-made structures effectively, with issues including inaccurate insurance premiums, lack of real-time interior layouts for first responders, and inefficiencies in project management and change detection, leading to higher insurance costs and potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A scalable 3D GIS system that integrates 2D to 3D conversion, automated work assignment, revision control, and change management, utilizing a community platform with permission-based user roles, real-time updates, and mobile sketching tools for accurate 3D modeling and data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional periodic property visits by assessors are used to inventory structures, then property tax equalization can be attempted, but property owner access resistance increases and information currency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables property owners to self-report structure modifications through the platform, eliminating the need for assessors to physically visit properties. Owners can upload photos, describe changes, and update their own property information, which is then verified by the system and incorporated into the master database.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical property visits with an electronic/digital system using mobile devices, web platforms, and automated image analysis. Assessors use tablets or smartphones to capture images and data electronically, which are then processed and stored in a centralized database, eliminating the need for manual measurement and paper-based documentation.
2Productivity
If aerial imagery is used to create baseline structure information, then assessment efficiency improves, but information accuracy and completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple data sources including aerial imagery, mobile device photos, property owner reports, and existing assessment records into a unified master database. This combination allows the system to leverage the broad coverage of aerial imagery while supplementing it with detailed ground-level photos and owner-specific information to achieve both efficiency and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated analysis of aerial imagery to generate baseline structure information and identify potential changes. This preliminary data is then used to guide targeted mobile assessments and owner reporting, reducing the need for comprehensive manual inspection while maintaining accuracy for critical structures.
3Device complexity
If manual project management methods are used for GIS data collection, then system simplicity is maintained, but project management efficiency and change detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback loops where completed assessments, new photos, and reported changes are automatically processed, validated, and compared against the master database. The system generates notifications to relevant users about pending changes, approval requirements, and data quality issues, enabling continuous improvement without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic project management system that automatically adjusts task assignments, prioritizes changes based on predefined criteria, and reallocates resources based on current project needs and worker availability. The system can dynamically create new assessment tasks when changes are detected and automatically route them to appropriate assessors.
Data Source
AI summary
A new generation 3D modeling system is described for the management of the 3D characteristics of man-made structures in a shared geographic information system (GIS) platform. The system accommodates the conversion of 2D GIS topology to 3D real-world topology, originate and perpetually maintain 3D models and non-graphical attribute data through time managed by a community of users based on a series of permissions and user roles. The system integrates 3D model data with attribute data and may be supplemented with published map or attribute data and/or data made available by users of the system.