Project Proposed: This project, acquiring instrumentation (laser range scanner and high quality digital cameras) for laser range scanning and rapid prototyping, supports 3D modeling of structures in urban settings. With an efficient combination of all possible sources of information, the work focuses on the acquisition of high-level geometry information and intelligent integration of laser-based models to reconstruct detailed models of urban sites, i.e., digital cities. Laser scanner can produce highly-detailed geometry, whereas color digital cameras can produce photorealistic representations of urban scenes. The work allows - Acquiring large amounts of data with the latest generation of laser range scanning and 2D image capturing technology, - Generating CAD-quality models by the integration of laser-based with image-based 3D acquisition technology, - Building models using the rapid prototyping system, and - Attracting students into visual and applied research.
Broader Impacts: This project enables the completion of a comprehensive software system for automated photorealistic acquisition of urban environments that will benefit applications such as urban planning, archeology, Google Earth/Microscope Visual Earth visualizations, disaster recovery, architecture, film industry, and construction industry. The large female and undergraduate minority population at this minority-serving institution is likely to benefit from this work.
