Building model generation project : generating a model of the MIT campus terrain

Abstract

Possession of a complete, automatically generated and frequently updated model of the MIT campus leads the way to many valuable applications, ranging from three-dimensional navigation to virtual tours. In this thesis, we present a set of application tools for generating a properly labeled, well-structured three-dimensional model of the MIT campus terrain from a set of geographical and topographical plans. In particular, we present the Basemap Generator application capable of generating a two-dimensional model of the MIT campus by subdividing the contour map of the campus into a set of distinguishable spaces labeled with specific label types (including but not limited to grass, sidewalk, road, ramp) as necessary. We also present the Basemap Modeler application capable of transforming the two-dimensional model of the campus into 3D. Finally, we provide two auxiliary applications, the Basemap Examiner and the Building Mapper, capable of minimizing negative effects due to erroneous input data.