Exploring the benefits of 3D city models in the field of urban particles distribution modelling—A comparison of model results

Abstract

We present a comparison of a particles distribution model using 3D parameters derived from a CityGML-based 3D city model with an already advanced but 2D-based Land Use Regression model. Particles, especially ultrafine particles have significant influence on the health status of the urban population. Next to emission by cars and others, its distribution is tightly coupled to the local wind field and, therefore, to urban morphology influencing this wind field. However, 3D city models, especially CityGML have been almost ignored when modelling urban particles distribution. We introduce 3D parameters derived from a CityGML-based 3D city model in an already tested Land Use Regression model and explore the benefits of 3D city models in the field of particles distribution modelling, especially, by minimizing the number of parameters entered to the model and the good results that it has shown and explore the enhancement by combining both models.