Create 3D maps for selected areas

[vnugent]

[nthh]

I figured out that if a lidar dataset has been converted to the EPT format, then no preprocessing is necessary as it works in a way that allows you to view large datasets as pieces at a time (such as an area of tiles on a map application). We could also add features that allow users to label crags/lines from these models and then display those.

For example, AWS has all of the USGS 3D Elevation Program data hosted and can be explored here. I've found Potree to be the best viewer from this site.

We could also leverage the community and OpenDroneMap to host models made by others.

And for even more accessible way to explore high quality 3d models, there exist some great maps out there that leverage Quantized Mesh such as Cesium's World Terrain or MapTiler's mesh (interactive).

[nthh]

I've found Cesium's product to be the highest quality 3d map out there, an example explorer is here.

[akevinge]

Hey @vnugent,

Mapbox GL might be worth looking into as the project already uses it. Example with Mapbox GL. I also found this library built around Mapbox, which has examples for what we're looking for: here. The quality is comparable to Cesium but neither are as sharp as the GIF originally posted. Do you think you could link the source of the GIF?

[vnugent]

@nthh shared the original GIF.

Mapbox GL might be worth looking into as the project already uses it

We talked about this briefly on Discord. The Mapbox 3D won't be as detailed as the GIF. Do you think it's worth exploring either option for selected areas as a proof of concept?

[nthh]

@innub I found Cesium's 3d map to be more accurate and with less distortion than Mapbox, although only basing this on my impressions comparing them in a few areas. Using either could be useful

We could also leverage the community and OpenDroneMap to host models made by others.

To add some further ideas to this, I learned that some iPhone/iPad models have a built-in lidar. In a study, some tests were carried out and it seems that it could be pretty useful for small features (range is up to 5 m). I'm curious if this could be useful for anything (approaches or boulder problems?)

The new Apple iPad and iPhone Pro line devices have their primary field of application in small to medium scale rapid changing morphological features, ranging from centimeters up to several hundreds of meters in many different disciplines of the geosciences and beyond, e.g. Geomorphology, Geology, Forestry, Archeology. Mounting the iPhone on a 1.5 m long selfie stick increases the extend of the model considerably, especially vertically along the cliff face.