3D Geo-Registered Map Generation from Image Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mapmaking techniques face logistical and technical challenges in creating large-scale, up-to-date, highly-detailed three-dimensional maps, as they often require high-altitude aerial imagery that lacks small-scale topographic data or ground-based surveys that are limited in scope and precision, and are often outdated due to the need for expensive equipment and coordinated efforts.
Innovation Solution
A mapping system that generates three-dimensional geo-registered maps from video or image data, accurately registering models within a geographic coordinate system and merging overlapping portions to create scalable, detailed maps, using low-cost aerial platforms like drones and integrating new data frequently to highlight terrain changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If high-altitude aerial imagery is used, then large-scale mapping coverage is achieved, but small-scale topographic detail is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mapping process into multiple altitude passes: high-altitude flights for large-scale coverage and low-altitude flights for detailed topographic capture. Each pass generates separate datasets that are later integrated, allowing the system to simultaneously achieve both extensive coverage area and high detail precision without requiring a single altitude to satisfy both requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges datasets from multiple aerial platforms operating at different altitudes. The high-altitude data provides the broad geographic framework while low-altitude data adds detailed topographic information. These merged datasets are processed together to create a unified three-dimensional map that contains both large-scale context and small-scale detail
2Manufacturing precision
If ground-based survey techniques are used, then detailed three-dimensional data is obtained, but scope and timeliness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional ground-based mechanical surveying equipment with aerial platforms that capture three-dimensional data optically from the air. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with the terrain, allowing rapid coverage of large areas while maintaining high precision through advanced photogrammetric processing and three-dimensional reconstruction algorithms
3Measurement precision
If expensive calibrated equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated processing pipelines that perform three-dimensional reconstruction, geographic registration, and map generation without requiring manual calibration or expert operation. The system automatically processes raw imagery from uncalibrated consumer-grade cameras, using computational algorithms to achieve precise geographic coordinate registration and produce publication-quality maps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-calibrated surveying equipment with inexpensive, easily deployable consumer-grade cameras mounted on aerial platforms. These cameras do not require costly calibration procedures or specialized maintenance, significantly reducing equipment costs and operational complexity while still achieving sufficient measurement precision through post-processing
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of images is obtained, whether as separate images or part of a video. The plurality of images is used to generate a three-dimensional (3D) model of the imagery. The 3D model is registered to a geographic coordinate system as a first registered 3D model. The first registered 3D model is merged with a second registered 3D model to generate a merged 3D model. A request including a value corresponding to a location within the geographic coordinate system that includes at least a portion of the merged 3D model is received from a client device. A message identifying at least a subset of points in the portion of the merged 3D model is sent to the client device, each point in the subset having a three-dimensional coordinate.