Greater Paris 3D Mesh Combines Mapping Imagery and Airborne Lidar

Mapping imagery was reused for textured 3D mesh production rather than only traditional orthophotography and 2D mapping. Compared with early trials using 70% forward and 50% lateral overlap, the Greater Paris block used typically 80% overlap in both directions, with Lidar integrated as a core production component.

Reusing mapping imagery offers a route to regional 3D models within realistic acquisition timeframes and budgets. Such meshes can support urban planning, heritage documentation, asset management and communication, although hidden surfaces and data-processing requirements remain important constraints.

The Greater Paris project tested whether imagery acquired for mapping could also support regional-scale textured 3D mesh production within a single acquisition campaign. Its image block used typically 80% forward and 80% lateral overlap to capture roofs and visible façades from multiple viewpoints. Independent ground-checkpoint validation measured image-block horizontal RMSE of approximately 3cm and vertical RMSE of approximately 6cm. Airborne Lidar supplied complementary measurements, but required precise alignment and substantial processing and correction before use. Occlusions and sensor limitations meant neither dataset could capture every surface.

Evidence supplied by GIM International.