• Examines the fundamental aspects of 3D geo-information, focusing on the latest developments in 3D GIS and AEC systems
• Reviews the integration of data between CAD and GIS and discusses current conversion capabilities
• Compares and illustrates the three major approaches of data acquisition-image based, point cloud based, and hybrid
• Evaluates different models in finding a solution to the problems of extending 2D systems into 3D
• Describes current use, recommends 3D improvements, and offers case studies for geographical database management systems (geo-DBMS)
• Reviews ontologies and standards for eliminating language problems in large-scale modeling efforts
• Presents an alternative model for topological management in spatial databases and introduces the concept of the regular polytope
• Presents the concept of virtual geographic environments (VGE) including examples of VGE interaction

Large-Scale 3D Data Integration: Challenges and Opportunities examines the fundamental aspects of 3D geo-information, focusing on the latest developments in 3D GIS (geographic information) and AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) systems. This book addresses policy makers, designers and engineers, and individuals that need to overcome obstacles in integrating modeling perspectives and data.

Organized into four major parts, the book begins by presenting a historical overview of the issues involved in integrating GIS and AEC. Part II then focuses on the data issue from several viewpoints: data collection; database structures and representation; database management; and visualization. Part III covers the areas of semantics, ontology, and standardization from a theoretical perspective and details many of the best examples of this approach in developing real-world applications. The book concludes with contributions that focus on recent advances in virtual geographic environments and alternative modeling schemes for the potential AEC/GIS interface.