Webinar: Bringing OS Data to you in 3D

Summary

In this webinar, Chris Heap from OS discusses the OS 3D Mesh data product, designed to provide detailed 3D models for urban planning, resilience, and geospatial analysis. The product, built from high-resolution aerial imagery, offers national coverage and quick data delivery for custom areas. Key use cases include planning visualizations, emergency response, and urban development. Technical details such as data formats, processing times, and integration with other OS products are covered, along with future possibilities like API access and scalability. The webinar offers valuable insights into the benefits and potential applications of 3D mesh data.

Takeaways

• 😀 OS 3D Mesh is a high-resolution, 15 cm imagery product that provides 3D representations of land and buildings in Great Britain.
• 😀 The product is ideal for urban planning, city modeling, resilience, and emergency management by providing accurate, detailed 3D data.
• 😀 3D Mesh can be used for visualizations, planning, and assessments such as shadow analysis, line-of-sight, and right-to-light evaluations.
• 😀 OS 3D Mesh data is available for download by customers, with typical delivery times of a couple of days for areas around 100 km², depending on demand and complexity.
• 😀 The product includes various use cases, including public consultations, major events, and emergency response planning, with example usage at the G7 Summit and Plymouth bomb discovery.
• 😀 The resolution of the 3D Mesh data is unique to the product and offers highly detailed 15 cm resolution imagery, which is distinct from other OS imagery products.
• 😀 The 3D Mesh product is not designed with pre-baked intelligence such as building orientation but can be analyzed for aspects like roof type and slope using point-cloud analysis.
• 😀 While API access to request data programmatically is not yet available, it is under consideration for future development based on customer feedback.
• 😀 Pricing for OS 3D Mesh is approximately £40 per square kilometer, with potential discounts for larger volumes or frequent usage.
• 😀 OS is still in the beta stage for the 3D Mesh product and continues to scale up and refine its delivery process, with plans to expand capabilities as demand increases.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the 3D Mesh product discussed in the webinar?

The primary purpose of the 3D Mesh product is to provide detailed, high-resolution 3D models of buildings and terrain, which can be used in various applications such as urban planning, GIS analysis, and visualization tools.

What is the typical turnaround time for delivering mesh data once a shape file request is made?

The typical turnaround time for delivering mesh data is around 2 days for areas of 100 square kilometers or less. However, the time may vary depending on the complexity and demand for the product.

Can the 3D mesh data be combined with other map styles, such as a traditional land Ranger map?

Yes, it is possible to combine the 3D mesh data with other map styles, though it will depend on the software being used. Custom integration might be required to overlay different map types effectively.

Is building orientation included in the 3D mesh data?

No, the 3D mesh data itself does not include building orientation. The data is purely geometric, providing points and coordinates, though it is possible to analyze the mesh for insights like roof aspect or structure orientation.

What is the standard resolution of the 3D mesh data?

The standard resolution for the 3D mesh data is 15 cm, which is specific to the mesh product and not part of all Ordnance Survey imagery.

Will there be an API available for programmatically requesting mesh data in the future?

While there are no immediate plans to offer an API, the development team is considering it based on customer feedback. If there is enough demand for an API, it may be introduced in the future.

Is there a possibility of releasing the 3D mesh data in a scalable mesh format (3SM)?

Currently, there are no plans to release the 3D mesh in 3SM format, as it has not been requested by customers. However, the team is open to exploring this format if there is demand for it.

How is the data from multiple flights within a given area of interest handled?

If a delivery includes multiple flights, the team can indicate which parts of the mesh data were captured by each flight. This allows users to track the origin of different sections of the data.

What steps are being taken to ensure scalability and performance as demand for the 3D mesh product increases?

The product is currently in a beta stage, and the team is focused on scaling up to meet increasing demand. As demand grows, they plan to refine their processes and offer more robust delivery options to customers.

What is the current status of the 3D Mesh product in terms of availability and support?

The 3D Mesh product is currently in a beta trial phase. The team is actively working on scaling the product, gathering feedback, and making adjustments as needed. Full availability and wider support options will depend on the outcomes of this phase.