Generation and dissemination of a national virtual 3D city and landscape model for the Netherlands

This paper describes the generation and dissemination of a national three-dimensional (3D) dataset representing the virtual and landscape model. The 3D model is produced automatically by fusing a two-dimensional (2D) national object-oriented database describing the physical landscape and the national high-resolution height model of the Netherlands. Semantic constraints are introduced to correctly model 3D objects. Three areas from different regions in the Netherlands have been processed in order to develop, improve, and test the automatic generation of a national 3D city and landscape model. Specific attention has been paid to exceptional cases that may occur in a nationwide dataset. Based on the test results, the Kadaster, the national agency in the Netherlands responsible for the production of nation wide geo-information, decided that it is feasible to produce a national 3D city and landscape model that fulfills the specifications that were defined as part of this study. Future research is identified to make the results further ready for practice.