Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
a 3D modelling approach, incorporating both topological-geometric representation
and legal/administrative components, capable of handling the overall multipurpose
cadastral reality in Portugal. This paper focuses primarily on the clear identification
of some case studies illustrating the pertinence of such an approach; first technical
implementation tests were carried out.
Keywords
Multipurpose cadastre • 3D cadastral modelling • 3D property unit
1 Introduction
1.1 General Context: 3D Geoinformation
Most information needed by policymakers is related to locations on the Earth. Despite
some practical difficulties, it is clear that 3D geoinformation is becoming increasingly
important. Research has demonstrated the added value of 3D information over 2D in
these cases: an overall more efficient integration of urban versus regional planning and
management especially dealing with 3D underground/aboveground infrastructures.
There has been consistent research within geoinformation science on the con-
cept of 3D for more than a decade now. For instance, merits of 3D GIS techniques
have been widely debated, tested, and have been proved to be quite advanced.
Nevertheless, several individual parties potentially involved are still reluctant
to invest in 3D data, 3D techniques, and applications. As a consequence, large
administration processes relating to urban/rural planning often run up financial
losses simply because geoinformation is not part of the process.
In spite of all research undertaken, 3D geoinformation is a complex field and
requires more advanced research and techniques to be especially used in com-
plex administrative procedures (Stoter
2011
). In addition, more specific applica-
tions and associate products are needed. Geoinformation science is never a goal
in itself, it is a “serving discipline”, and without applications it may well turn use-
less (Stoter
2011
). Examples include: automated change detection; integration of
voxel and 3D vector data; generation, from laser-scanned point data, of tree and/or
building models, which can be easily integrated in OGC CityGML models; inter-
active airstream simulations; 3D city models; integrated geospatial planning and
management of 3D underground/aboveground municipal assets; or 3D cadastre.
3D cadastre—in fact, our ultimate field of interest—certainly has to build on 3D
geoinformation science: 3D GIS as a whole, 3D geospatial data, 3D topology, and
3D data-structures. Even so, there is the need to take it further in order to tackle
specific needs and to be able to incorporate cadastral laws.
1.2 Motivation
Regardless of the country, federal state, or province, an up-to-date property cadastral
