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Fig. 5: Views of Al Bastakia 3D Model.
5. CONCLUSIONS
It can be said from this experience that as far as architects and
urban designers are concerned, the creation of digital 3D
models of existing urban environments continues to be done the
conventional way. This is primarily due to the fact that
scanning devices and associated software are still expensive and
complex. In addition, the scanned product needs in many cases
considerable editing, which requires expert CAD knowledge.
Students attending architectural programs are not skilled
enough to handle complex equipment and advanced 3D
modelling. This is why faculty are always trying to bridge the
gap between the advances in 3D scanning and city modelling
technology and available resources.
A combination of 2D digital plans, satellite imagery, digital
images and video captures were used in order to create the 3D
model of A1 Bastakia historic area in Dubai. At the moment of
the production of the model, there was no sophisticated
equipment available. But, it is planned that Dubai Municipality
and the UAE University will carry out a joint project that will
involve the use of advanced Laser scanning devices coupled
with powerful software such as MapCube.
The relatively small study area allowed for the conventional 3D
modelling method to be effective, however in order to create a
3D model of the whole of Dubai, there is a need for a more
efficient 3D recording method involving technology such as
airborne laser scanning, which is very accurate yet extremely
expensive. Obviously, the purpose of the project and the
expected use will justify the investment in something that is and
will be greatly appreciated by generations to come.
Further research and development are needed in order to
establish a powerful platform for 3D city modelling that should
enable the data to be easily processed, visualised and updated.
Having said that, digital products can become easily obsolete if
they are not updated on a regular basis. This has been the case
with GIS platforms of many cities that could not afford to
update their databases due to budget limitations. Nowadays 3D
City models that are appearing rapidly and will soon reveal
whether or not they are an important part in cities urban and
economic planning and development.
REFERENCES
Amhar, F. & Ecker, R. (1996) An Integrated Solution for
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Boccardo, P. et al. 2002. True Digital Orthophoto for
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Dokonal, W. & Martens, B., 2001. A Working Session on 3-D
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Heard-Bey, F. (1996) “From Trucial States tom United Arab
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Mahlbreuer, A. et al. 1998. Digital Colour Orthophotos for
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Takase, Y. et al. 2003. Automatic Generation of 3D City
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author wishes to thank Arch. Rashad Bukhash of Dubai
Municipality for providing digital plans of Al Bastakia houses.
Special thanks also go to Arch. Djamel Boussaa for offering a
valuable amount of information on Al Bastakia.
