3D Geographic Visualization: The Marine GIS

Abstract

The objective of GIS and Spatial Data Handling is to view, query and manipulate a computer simulation of the real world. While we traditionally work with two-dimensional static maps, modem technology allows us to work with a three-dimensional dynamic environment. We have developed a generic graphics component which provides many of the tools necessary for developing 3D dynamic geographical applications. Our example application is a 3D "Pilot Book", which is used to provide navigation assistance to ships entering Hong Kong harbour. We show some of the "Marine GIS" results, and mention several other applications.