Exploring CityEngine as a visualisation tool for 3D cadastre

Abstract

3D visualisation is a graphical way to identify and spatially communicate the complexity of a large number of real life situations of overlapping and encroachments in 2D or 3D land and property interests (e.g., buildings with complex architecture, infrastructures above or below Earth surface, natural resources and corresponding rights). Currently, several 3D visualisation applications and cadastral prototypes have been developed around the world. However, they still require maturation and validation by the users before being able to be used in real life situations. Thus, research on 3D cadastral visualisation needs more investigation. The 3D modelling of urban environments utilizes 3D visualisation systems. If these systems can somehow be reutilized in the 3D cadastre context, associate costs might be lower by building a system out of scratch. One of those systems is the ESRI CityEngine. This work proposes the evaluation of CityEngine’s suitability as a 3D cadastral visualisation tool, since it was not developed specifically for that purpose. This paper focuses primarily on 3D visualisation, not on data management or data delivery. The 3D visualisation requirements against which CityEngine was evaluated are classified into three main categories: cadastral requirements, visualisation requirements and non-functional requirements. The evaluation is made through a case study corresponding to a real situation in Portugal previously identified. Results obtained are promising, however it is necessary to carefully study other complex cases. However, the learning curve is steep and the CityEngine will not be the best option for all types of users.