A Software Reference Architecture for Service-Oriented 3D Geovisualization Systems

Abstract

Modern 3D geovisualization systems (3DGeoVSs) are complex and evolving systems that are required to be adaptable and leverage distributed resources, including massive geodata. This article focuses on 3DGeoVSs built based on the principles of service-oriented architectures, standards and image-based representations (SSI) to address practically relevant challenges and potentials. Such systems facilitate resource sharing and agile and efficient system construction and change in an interoperable manner, while exploiting images as efficient, decoupled and interoperable representations. The software architecture of a 3DGeoVS and its underlying visualization model have strong effects on the system's quality attributes and support various system life cycle activities. This article contributes a software reference architecture (SRA) for 3DGeoVSs based on SSI that can be used to design, describe and analyze concrete software architectures with the intended primary benefit of an increase in effectiveness and efficiency in such activities. The SRA integrates existing, proven technology and novel contributions in a unique manner. As the foundation for the SRA, we propose the generalized visualization pipeline model that generalizes and overcomes expressiveness limitations of the prevalent visualization pipeline model. To facilitate exploiting image-based representations (IReps), the SRA integrates approaches for the representation, provisioning and styling of and interaction with IReps. Five applications of the SRA provide proofs of concept for the general applicability and utility of the SRA. A qualitative evaluation indicates the overall suitability of the SRA, its applications and the general approach of building 3DGeoVSs based on SSI.

Possibilities for Assessment and Geovisualization of Spatial and Temporal Water Quality Data Using a WebGIS Application

“…The validity of our study has been supported by other case studies that focus on the design, development and analysis of user-centered, novel collaborative geovisualization tools [68][69][70]. Studies are consistent in that an easy-to-use graphical user interface, decision support based on spatial data and the integration of data into other platforms are essential for efficient geovisualization [69,70].…”

“…The validity of our study has been supported by other case studies that focus on the design, development and analysis of user-centered, novel collaborative geovisualization tools [68][69][70]. Studies are consistent in that an easy-to-use graphical user interface, decision support based on spatial data and the integration of data into other platforms are essential for efficient geovisualization [69,70]. However, it should be underlined that while innovative geovisualization web applications published on the basis of current trends are supported by a wide range of standards, development tools and frameworks, the inclusion of the latest IT technologies (Big Data, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence) offers an interesting research challenge.…”

Mapping Construction Costs at the National Level

“…These WebGIS technologies include not only commercial software programs but also free and open-source software programs, which provide flexibility for different users [36]. Lastly, recent advances in geovisualization provide new methods to visualize geospatial data in a three-dimensional (3D) environment [37]. Visualizing construction costs in a 3D environment holds the potential to identify many patterns that have been impossible in a traditional 2D environment.…”

Solar Irradiance Modelling with NASA WW GIS Environment

“…These can be used without any restrictions by researchers to implement dedicated tools to study the numerous inter-linked dynamics that concur to shape our planet's ecology. The importance of visual representation of modelled dynamics is just as important as analyzing them, as discussed by [4,5].…”