Landmark and vantage point identification: using visibility analysis of urban models for location based services

Abstract

People exploring their environment regularly look to technology to augment their experience. This research investigates how Geographical Information Systems may be used in an urban environment to enhance knowledge on visibility of key features, and guide the user to vantage points. Given detailed elevation data from LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and building footprint data from the Ordnance Survey, visibility information is determined across the urban landscape and stored in a relational database management system From this, vantage points (best places for an overall view) can be determined for individual, or a collection, of pre-selected landmarks by accumulating this information gathered from all locations. A trial system was implemented for use across Edinburgh City able to deliver knowledge of landmark vantage points to users, and suggest routes between selected landmarks which offered the optimum views.