True 3D Topology Model Implementation.

STERLING, VA, (February 7, 2007) – LSI has completed its Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to deliver database functionality for a 3D Topology Model. The SBIR contract was conducted for the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Topographic Engineering Center (TEC).

The focus of the research was to provide a demonstrator of a 3D topology storage model in a commercial RDBMS. Volumetric 3D topology allows intelligent routing, which is essential for emergency response, search-and-rescue, and tactical military operations. While current commercial 2.5D capabilities utilize 2D data that has been augmented with elevation attributes or warped over an elevation model, the data does not represent the complex volumetric relationships between 3D solids and volumes. This results in inadequate information needed to describe, for example, the spaces within a building. The completed research has broken new ground by providing the basis for commercially viable 3D topology.

Under the SBIR program, LSI and 1Spatial assembled a team of experts from the spatial and topology fields to develop and implement a volumetric 3D model.  The model provides spatial operators that utilize the Oracle Spatial database engine.  The model was validated using a combination of methods, including automated test scripts, simulated data, and real data.

For over 15 years, LSI has specialized in providing spatial data management expertise for business and government agencies that base critical decision making on geospatial information. LSI’s innovative services include spatial data production and maintenance, software development, consultancy, enterprise-wide spatial data assessment and quality control. Finally, with geospatial production, research and business development focused on expanding its activities in areas that include navigational data, development of true 3D data models and applications, and cutting-edge data cleaning and quality systems, LSI continues to provide a full range spatial expertise to government and industry.

A whitepaper (pdf) summarizing the project has been produced.