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3D VISUALIZATION OF YTU DAVUTPASA CAMPUS AREA 
M.A. Yucel and M. Selcuk 
Yildiz Technical University (YTU), Department of Geodetic and Photogrammetric Engineering, 
34349 Besiktas Istanbul, Turkey - (aliyucel, selcuk)@yildiz.edu.tr 
Commission V, WG V/6 
KEY WORDS: Visualization, Animation, Multimedia, Three-dimensional, Digital, Dynamic, Rendering, DEM/DTM. 
ABSTRACT: 
Visualization exists from the first known maps to today. Developments in computer science and technologies have resulted in 
arising new techniques besides maps for visualization of geographic data. Combining technologies such as image processing, 
computer graphics, animation, simulation, multimedia, and virtual reality, computers can help us present information in a new way 
so that patterns can be found, greater understanding can be developed, and problems can be solved. Therefore, maps have new 
missions. Nowadays maps are not only communication means but also visual thinking means for the users. New techniques 
mentioned above for visualization of geographic information have begun to use commonly in cartography and GIS. These enable us 
more comprehensively understand our living world. Scientific visualization supports visualization processes. It is using of the 
computer technology for creating visual supplies to make thinking and problem solving easy. In this paper, we present a case study 
for 3D visualization of YTU's new campus area. First, geographic and cartographic visualization techniques are shortly given. Then, 
some applications are given, implemented in MapInfo Vertical Mapper and Autodesk 3D Studio VIZ. YTU Davutpasa Campus is in 
a big and sloping area, in which there is only a faculty building. T 
here are many construction works in this area. Construction plans 
include making new roads and new buildings. University needs 3D visual geo-products of the campus for better planning, fast and 
economic working and easy campus management. In case study, YTU Davutpasa Campus is first 3D visualized in Vertical Mapper 
by grid method, using the points (x,y,z) derived from large scale topographic map of the campus. Then, draping process is made 
using georeferenced map objects with grid data to create 3D perspective views of the area. Same area is later 3D visualized using 
TINs and animated in 3D Studio VIZ. In conclusion, obtained 3D visual geo-products of the campus area can help university 
managers and students to better understand and easily explore the area for their activities. 
1. INTRODUCTION 
Cartography was known as map making art and science until 
technological developments became in 1990's. In the beginning 
of the 1990's International Cartographic Association (ICA) 
defined cartography as visualization, digital or paper 
presentation, communication, organization and using of 
geographic information. Meaning and scope of cartography has 
broadened with technological developments. 
Increasingly integrated use of GIS and cartography, maps have 
gained some new functions. Nowadays maps are not only used 
as communication tool, but also they motivate the users for the 
visual thinking. 
2. VISUALIZATION 
In the dictionaries visualization is defined that create 
something’s image or picture which is in our mind or imagine. 
It is defined in Oxford English Dictionary as ‘the power or 
process of forming a mental picture or vision of something not 
actually present to the sight’ or, as a noun, ‘a picture thus 
formed’. Visualization refers to process. It is ‘series of 
transformations that convert raw simulation data into a 
displayable image. Visual presentations refer to the products, 
namely the pictorial depictions of mental imagery and/or of 
data in any medium. Visual display refers to transient and easily 
modifiable visual representation on electronic media, such as 
CRT screens and LCD displays (Visvalingam, 1994). 
There are some theories about visualization. DiBiase, Taylor, 
MacEachren and Ganter defined to visualization with some 
perspectives of relation of visualization and scientific 
visualization. Differences on definitions include effect of 
developments in computer technologies to visualization 
process. 
Borrowing from the literature of both scientific visualization 
and exploratory data analysis, DiBiase (1990) proposed a 
framework for thinking about geographic visualization (GVIS) 
in the context of scientific research. His framework emphasizes 
the role of maps in a research sequence. It defines map-based 
scientific visualization as including all aspects map use in 
science, from initial data exploration and hypothesis 
formulation through to the final presentation of results 
(MacEachren, 1994) (Figure 1). 
Taylor (1991) defines visualization as cognition (analysis and 
applications), communication (new display techniques) and 
formalism (new computer technologies). MacEachren and 
Ganter added this definition to private-public concept. 
Difference in perspectives of Taylor, DiBiase and, MacEacren 
and Ganter are importance of technology which supports 
visualization. Taylor explains visualization by emphasizing the 
developments on computer technology while others are 
interested in visualization applications.