3D GIS Software: Mapping The Future

3D GIS software has been shown in fancy science fiction movies for the past few years. However, what once was a fragment of our imaginations is already here. Technology has made it possible to utilize it for the advancement of our society. Geographic information systems now give us prized information about areas around us and even the whole world.

What is 3D GIS (Geographic Information Systems)?

Geographic information system technology has long been used for developing and planning cities, building various infrastructures, strengthening national defense, and many more uses both for public and private companies. Information gotten from these systems offer valuable data to help improve our community and our society today. As early software might display their scans in 2D, 3D nowadays is beginning to be the standard.

Technology has introduced these three-dimensional systems to both public agencies and private companies. Their choice of software typically is influenced by two important things such as budget and usability. Such software may prove to be a bit expensive, but the information is deemed to be very crucial. However, it doesn't stop other agencies to find the best possible deal in sourcing such software to use with their own systems.

Usability has also become quite important. Software which is too complicated can prove to be very confusing especially for those who are not quite trained to use such software. A lot of systems nowadays tend to simplify their software so more people can easily learn to use it and thereby apply it to their own advantage. Simple, yet effective software should be kept in mind.

How can 3D GIS software help us to change the world?

Answers typically given include the valuable information that they can give which is near-perfect just like what you see in real life. Scans of the insides of infrastructures, the whole plan of the city and how you can plan a certain area by taking into consideration the earth's crust is definitely important data.

As an example of its importance, urban planning can never be the same once you've got a 3D model of the city. You get to actually see what is inside, what is in a particular place, what lacks in a particular area and many more. Engineers, city planners, architects and other people can then suggest the best possible solutions to existing problems.

All in all, 3D GIS software can be the start of a great change for us to see our world in a whole different way.

Aerial Photography: Choosing The Proper Company

Aerial photography has a lot of different types and functions. Knowing specifically what you need will help you to determine what a company can provide the best services to you.

You will need to know what you require photography of. Some frequently requested services include real estate photography, records of weddings and special events, and surveying data collection. Once you have determined what you need the photographs for, you can start looking into the platform to be used (where the picture will be taken from). Some of the best methods are from kites, balloons, remote controlled helicopters, and manned aircraft.

Real Estate Aerial Photography

The best way to take pictures of real estate is from remote controlled helicopters. They can fly around the property providing different angles and views. If the wind permits, kite and balloon pictures may also be beneficial, but may not produce the desired results. If a lot of properties are being photographed, manned aircraft might be a better choice.

Aerial Photography for Weddings and Special Events

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Some people desire aerial photography of a wedding or special event. Kite and balloons can provide very good photographs, but they require that the wind cooperate. They are strongly recommended because they can remain stationary and are silent. Remote controlled helicopters are also used, but they can be distracting.

Aerial Photography for Land Surveying

High altitude is usually required for surveying, so manned aircraft are almost always used. Some companies are now providing GPS stabilized remote controlled helicopters that can reach higher altitudes for more affordable rates.

Once you have chosen a platform to be used, you will need to decide what type of photographs you desire. There are three types of photograph styles: vertical, oblique, and panoramic.

Vertical

These photographs are straight down shots and are primary used when being able to plot and calculate distances is very important. Photographs are typically considered bad if the angle of the photo exceeds three or more degrees. Real estate and survey companies usually get the best results from vertical photographs because they can use them to plot specific points against maps of an area of interest.

Oblique

Oblique photographs are taken at an angle and can either be high angle or low angle. The only difference between the two is that high angle includes the horizon and low angle does not. These types of photographs are of particular interest during special events and to real estate companies.

Panoramic

Panoramic shots incorporate multiple photographs that are taken in rapid sequence and are joined together to make one wide image. Survey companies usually benefit the most from these photographs.

Choosing the right types and platforms form aerial photography will help ensure that you select the right company to do the job for you.

How to Evaluate Good Photogrammetry Companies

Photogrammetry is a term used to describe the science of measuring land reliably via photographs. This is usually done using aerial photos for purposes of land surveys. Land surveying is an extremely complex and painstaking task that should only be done by professional surveyors.

The best time to look for good photogrammetry companies is when you don’t actually need one. It’s good to have an established relationship with a company so that you can call on them with confidence when you have a land surveying project that needs attention.

The first thing you should do is check out the company history to be sure that the company you are considering is established, experienced and competent. Talk with some of their former clients and look at some of their projects. If this all checks out, go on to look at the services they provide and the technology they use.

When undertaking aerial surveying, it is absolutely essential to use the most up-to-date equipment possible. Here is the equipment you should expect a good photogrammetry company to have on hand:

They should have equipment for low altitude mapping photography (LAMP) which is a technology that is conducted with digital cameras used to take images of land and structures at an altitude of about three hundred feet. The main uses of LAMP are park planning, road planning, patrolling pipelines and power lines, aerial mapping and assessments conducted by real estate representatives.

A good photogrammetry company should also have light detection and ranging technology (LiDAR). This equipment is used for measuring the properties of scattered light. This allows collection of information on properties and objects that are quite far away. It works by utilizing laser pulses that can measure the distance to a surface or an object. It does this by keeping track of the time that transpires between broadcasting a signal and detecting its reflected signal.

LIDAR can be used in conjunction with a global positioning system (GPS) to gather information about elevation and location. This information is used to create topographical maps that are useful to law enforcement personnel, military personnel, people interested in conservation projects, astronomers, biologists, physicists, meteorologists and geologists.

LIDAR and GPS can also be used in conjunction with topographic maps, stereo photogrammetry, Doppler radar, inertial surveys and digital terrain modeling (aka: digital elevation modeling) in a number of applications. These include: engineering, farming, creating relief maps, base mapping, infrastructure design, precision forestry, geographic and geometric terrain analyses.

It can be hard to find a good surveying company, but it is absolutely essential if you want to get a proper, usable survey. If you don’t invest in a good surveyor, you may end up wasting a lot of time, energy and money in the long run. If you make all your calculations based on faulty data, you are bound to end up in trouble.

By becoming familiar with a company in advance and ensuring that they have all of the equipment and expertise necessary to deliver competent, accurate services, you can feel confident you are hiring just the right photogrammetry company for your project.