VR and WEB3D-GIS Applications using 3D city models

For the recent years the authors have developed techniques for automatic generation of 3D city models using LIDAR data, 2D digital map and aerial photograph, as well as a virtual reality (VR) viewer software with high-speed graphic engine which can deal with a large area of 3D city models on VR. The authors also have developed Web3D-GIS system which can provide transmission and reception of a great amount of urban information with interactive manipulation of detailed 3D city models linked with geographic information systems (GIS), on ordinary internet infrastructure such as DSL. Using those techniques and systems the authors have been conducting a research project called “Kyoto Virtual Time-Space” which aims at reconstruction and visualization of Kyoto at different eras on VR and on the internet, starting from the present and finally up to Heian era.