3D Geo-Information Sciences

A complete methodology from the extraction of Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data to the environmental analysis of urban models and the visualization of results is presented. Aim of t he work is to establish a process to investigate digital urban models integra ting cross-disciplinary competences, like remote sensing, GIS, image proces sing and urban and environmental studies. Toward this goal, working on several interfaces, tools and datasets was necessary to provide a conse quent structure to the introduced methodology. Case study for application was a squared area 300 m etres wide in central Geneva where LIDAR data are available. The us of a hybrid approach from raw LIDAR data and vectorial digital maps (GIS data) of buildings footprints for the interpolation of a 2.5 -D urban surface model, with a resolution grid of 0.50 by 0.50 metres, allo wed to refine vertical