Modelling and mapping third dimension in a spatial database

Abstract

In this paper, an overview of phases for modelling and mapping third dimension of spatial objects in a database is presented based on a selected spatial database management system (DBMS). These phases include (1) defining a spatial reference system for representing three-dimensional (3D) objects with real-world coordinates, (2) geometric modelling of 3D objects in the database, (3) 3D spatial indexing for fast accessing/querying the 3D data, 3D spatial queries and representation of 3D data. Then, a case study is performed to assess needs, possibilities and potential limitations of 3D data modelling in the spatial database.