This seminar will compare these 5 types of 3D city models. To have a direct comparison, we have overlaid a render of each so we can compare and contrast the accuracy and level of detail for each.

• Extruded Buildings footprint Polygons 3D map – This is easy to obtain dataset and possibly the simplest form of a 3D city model. It’s excellent for background models and wide area city visualisations on a budget.
• Airborne Lidar model – A much more accurate and detailed model, however it’s quite a messy and unseparated Digital Surface model dataset.
• Aerial photogrammetry – City model made with clean geometry with a high level of detail, up to 15 cm accurate. This does come at a cost.
• Textured photogrammetry model – Textures applied onto clean geometry, an accurate city model with high visual fidelity. Might be cost prohibitive and currently only available for London.
• Game-ready model – Not made for architecture or urban planning but very affordable with a surprising level of detail on landmark buildings.

The term “3D model” is an overarching term covering everything from simple extruded map polygons models all the way to custom-made millimeter-accuracy 3D scans. The 3D models vary greatly in terms of their accuracy, level of detail, recency and usability, as well as in terms of their costs, delivery time and its file format. Learn about the suitability of each type of city model for architects.