Roadwork site 3D virtual visualization using open source game engine and open information transfer

Abstract

Machine control systems generate huge amounts of data to be used to build smarter. This information is still not widely used as there are no general methods to access this massive spread of data as these are strictly closed systems. Main tools in our study were an open source 3D game and simulation engine for visual 3D presentation (Panda3D), a machine control system on an excavator which was opened by manufacturer for data transfer (Novatron) and a communication link between these main components Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP). Visualization was performed in 3D presenting model of the road layers and the excavator working on the site using GPS positioning transferred in XML through XMPP. The result shows how to use open source tools to successfully manage data transfer and data presentation using easily accessible open source software and also show potential what these tools could provide for construction software development. For future we hope that every machine control system used will send the data they gather by open methods. This openness should be even demanded as it would most likely generate new ways to use the data and thus generate new business opportunities and would produce new tools to gain higher productivity.