A ubiquitous knowledgeable data representation model (UKRM) for three-dimensional geographic information systems (3D GIS)

In the face of complicated, diversified three-dimensional world, the existing 3D GIS data models suffer from certain issues such as data incompatibility, insufficiency in data representation and representation types, among others. It is often hard to meet the requirements of multiple application purposes (users) related to GIS spatial data management and data query and analysis, especially in the case of massive spatial objects. In this study, according to the habits of human thinking and recognition, discrete expressions (such as discrete curved surface (DCS), and discrete body (DB)) were integrated and two novel representation types (including function structure and mapping structure) were put forward. A flexible and extensible ubiquitous knowledgeable data representation model (UKRM) was then constructed, in which structurally heterogeneous multiple expressions (including boundary representation (B-rep), constructive solid geometry (CSG), functional/parameter representation, etc.) were normalized. GIS’s ability in representing the massive, complicated and diversified 3D world was thus greatly enhanced. In addition, data reuse was realized, and the bridge linking static GIS to dynamic GIS was built up. Primary experimental results illustrated that UKRM was overwhelmingly superior to the current data models (e.g. IFC, CityGML) in describing both regular and irregular spatial objects.