2. Modeling process [7].
Firstly, the vector data is loaded into ArcMap. When the coordinate system is
set and all elements are endowed with height value, the elements to be modeled
will be selected, and then imported into SketchUp via SketchUp ESRI plugin.
Secondly, elements are modeled and rendered. In this step, we should pay attention
to the amount of the data, because the larger the amount the slower the operational
speed. When models are created completely, we export them out as MultiPatch
(*. mdb) type data. Thirdly, models are imported and reprocessed in the ArcScene.
Finally, browse the realistic 3D scene in ArcExplorer or Google Earth.
59.4 Domestic and International Research Status
Although the international community set up a number of specialized agencies for
basic research of 3D GIS visualization, and has developed many 3D GIS visualization
prototype systems, but due to the restriction of spatial database technology,
3D modeling software, GIS software and so on, 3D GIS development encountered
a lot of problems. As a new method of 3D GIS modeling, ArcGIS combined with
SketchUp attracts more and more researcher’s attention. The following passage is
exploring the domestic and international research status of this method.
59.4.1 International Research Status
Since the issuance of SketchUp ESRI plugin, the research of ArcGIS combined with
SketchUp 3D visualization method flourishes in many fields. Alaa et al. [8] took the
first step of 3D virtual campus system supported by the technology, while Rodríguez
et al. [9] using that method produced the land use change model and achieved good
results. In the same year, the TAMS project [10] explored by the college of Engineering
and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga,
established a 3D model of the city via the approach, so that we can communicate with
the public and obtain data in real time in the city disaster emergency evacuation. And
in the MedIsolae-3D project [11], a state-of-the art WebGIS technology project cofunded
by the European Commission under the eContentplus Community Initiative
Programme, they created 3D model on the Mediterranean coast using the method,
which promoted the development of 3D map. Pichai et al. [12] established the 3D
diffusion model of the Thai highway noise in the building on the basis of highway
noisemodel with the help of the technology. Jason et al. [13] studied the 3Dcitymodel
to prevent Terrorism Sniper hazards. So the method took the first step on terror
prevention. Chanikarn et al. [14] studied the impact of the trees to the residential
buildings’ day lighting. BOBEK [15] fromCzech Republic created a detailed 3D data
model in that way to explore the methods of heritage protection. Kalli et al. [16]
explored the 3D modeling of the cadastre in Greece, which contributed much to the
development of 3D cadastre.