New MDTopX Urban Classification algorithm

New MDTopX Urban Classification algorithm

Introducing Urban Classification, a new MDTopX algorithm that automatically classifies a point cloud of an urban environment and generates vector geometries, facade orthophotos, and a ground model.

In the video, we demonstrate it running in Lot Of Points, from the original unclassified cloud to viewing the results.

From point cloud to geometries

The process starts with a cloud that you can view in RGB or by classification. Click Urban classification to process the tiles, and the different scene elements start appearing in colors corresponding to their categories.

In the video example, classification takes ten seconds, which we show in full in real time.

When processing finishes, the result layers load automatically: a GeoPackage file containing the geometries, the building orthophotos, and the ground model in OBJ format.

Curbs, facades, and urban elements

The result lets you work with different components of the scene:

• Curbs: the top and bottom edges are extracted as two polylines. At the curb ramps for the crosswalk and the accessible parking space, gaps appear where the curb does not meet the algorithm's minimum requirements.
• Buildings: facade elevation planes and the lines where facades meet the sidewalk are generated.
• Elements on facades: the geometry of terraces, projections, and air conditioning units is extracted.
• Manholes and drain inlets: their locations within the urban environment are identified.
• Road markings: the outlines of the crosswalks and road markings shown in the demonstration are vectorized.

You can display the geometries over the original cloud to compare the results with the source points. You can also hide the cloud and examine only the vectors.

Geometries organized by category

The vector results are organized by codes that let you control their visibility separately.

In the video, we show an example with air conditioning units: in the Codes pane, we disable and re-enable AIREAC to hide and show their geometries.

This organization makes it easier to examine each type of element and prepare specific views of the result.

Facade orthophotos and ground model

In addition to vector geometries, vertical building orthophotos and a ground model in OBJ format are generated.

In Lot Of Points, you can enable these results together with the vectors and move through the scene to see how they relate to the facades, sidewalks, and roadway.