Online access and sharing of reality-based 3d models

Abstract

The article presents an investigation on techniques and solutions for publishing reality-based 3D models online. The process starts from a dense point cloud and leads to a reduced textured 3D model accessible on the web with a browser. The work is divided into four phases: (i) generation of a polygon mesh model, (ii) 3D model segmentation, (iii) simplification of the polygonal model (geometry and texture) in different levels of detail (LoD) and (iv) publication on the web. The entire workflow is based on open source software. Comparisons with commercial solutions are also reported.