The research and development of 3D urban geographic information system with Unity3D

3D urban geographic information system (GIS) is of great importance in urban planning, management and decision support. However, the system development is difficult from the infrastructure perspective or expensive based on the professional GIS platform. Therefore, this paper puts forward the development method of 3D urban GIS with the Unity3D game platform. The thought and technical framework are introduced firstly. 3D modeling, attribute data management and query, scene browsing and analysis methods are presented secondly. And a satisfactory result has been achieved through the development practice and proves that the method is feasible. This research also explores a new way in small 3D urban (county-level) GIS development and application.

I. Introduction

3D urban GIS is a special form of GIS which represents objects of urban area with true 3D models, and provides query, browsing, management and analysis functions. With the deepening application of GIS, the rapid development of computer science and technology, the demand for improving the level and efficiency in city management and visual management, the development of 3D urban GIS has been an urgent and important direction [1]–[3].