3D Geospatial Scenario Bookmarking via Plugin Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GIS systems fail to merge GIS data with additional information for 3D visualization, analysis, and simulation, and lack the ability for users to easily define and compare scenarios in a three-dimensional or four-dimensional environment.
Innovation Solution
A framework for aggregating design models and GIS data within an immersive 3D geospatial environment, enabling users to define 'what-if' scenarios through visual bookmarking, using plug-ins and settings, and providing real-time 3D rendering and animation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If GIS data is merged with additional information for 3D visualization, then visualization capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GIS data with design models and additional information sources into a unified 3D geospatial environment. Multiple data types (GIS layers, building models, terrain data) are merged into a single immersive visualization system, allowing comprehensive analysis while managing complexity through integrated data structures and unified rendering pipelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a multi-functional platform that handles diverse data types (spatial references, 3D models, temporal data) within a single 3D environment. This universal system can visualize, analyze, and simulate various phenomena (sun shadows, traffic patterns, urban growth) using the same core infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity through consolidation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users can define and compare multiple scenarios, then analysis capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to pre-define scenario parameters and configurations before execution. Users can set up multiple what-if scenarios with different parameters (population growth rates, development patterns) in advance, then quickly switch between pre-configured scenarios for comparison, reducing the operational complexity of real-time scenario management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and manages multiple scenario copies with identical or modified parameters. Users can replicate base scenarios and modify specific parameters to generate variant scenarios, enabling easy comparison of different outcomes (e.g., different urban development patterns) without rebuilding scenarios from scratch, thus improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If real-time rendering and simulation are provided, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic or on-demand rendering rather than continuous real-time rendering. 3D visualizations and simulations are updated at appropriate intervals or triggered by specific user actions, reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity. Temporal phenomena (sun position, shadows) are updated periodically to match the simulation timeframe rather than continuously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to store user defined scenarios in a three-dimensional system. A 3D view of a real world scene is displayed, using a three-dimensional (3D) graphics application. Plug-ins are installed into the 3D graphics application. A user selects a subset of the plug-ins, defines settings for the subset of plug-ins, and defines a visualization trait for each plug-in in the subset. The user associates an identification of the selected subset, the settings, and the visualization trait with a scenario bookmark that is saved. The bookmark can be selected by a user to display a visualization of a scenario based on the selected subset, settings, and visualization trait.