Abstract: A new generation 3D modeling system is described for the management of the 3D characteristics of man-made structures in a shared geographic information system (GIS) platform. The system accommodates the conversion of 2D GIS topology to 3D real-world topology, originate and perpetually maintain 3D models and non-graphical attribute data through time managed by a community of users based on a series of permissions and user roles. The system integrates 3D model data with attribute data and may be supplemented with published map or attribute data and/or data made available by users of the system.

Abstract: Recorded images having an overlapping scene transformed into a Quantitative Cylispheric Stereo Pair (QCSP) of images. Pixels corresponding to a common scene object point are located in the same or nearly the same horizontal lines in the QCSP of images. The QCSP's produced can take a number of different formats, including traditional stereo pairs, radial stereo pairs, and general case cylispheric stereo pairs. The QCSP's can be used for various three-dimensional imaging processes, including passive volumetric surveying and the production of three-dimensional visualization models.

Abstract: Visual and spatial position information is collected and processed for the formation of a geographic information database. In addition, the information collected and processed can be used to update the United States Census Bureau TIGER/Line files to improve the accuracy of the files. Information collected and processed can also be used to accurately determine the spatial position of an object seen in the collected visual information. The method includes the high speed collection and correlation of video images and spatial position information.