3D buildings modelling based on a combination of techniques and methodologies

Three dimensional architectural models are more and more important for a large number of applications. Specialists look for faster and more precise ways to generate them. This paper discusses methods to combine methodologies for handling data acquired from multiple sources: maps, terrestrial laser and additional measurements, together with digital images for the purpose of generating the 3D visualization of selected buildings. The information used in this kind of projects may have numerous inputs: 3D laser scanning, total stations, digital photogrammetry, laser altimetry, maps - all of them in combination with data generated from other various disciplines and related to the project's purpose. All 3D data gathering techniques show significant improvements in resolution and accuracy. In this context, aerial and close range photogrammetry, airborne or terrestrial-based laser scanning, mobile mapping and GPS surveying are also on the same trend. A variety of approaches with different resolutions, accuracies, methods, completion times, stages and costs exist. In this paper, an approach towards 3D modelling of buildings and information collection using combined data from digital photogrammetry, mobile mapping, laser scanning, conventional surveying and cartography-based reconstruction, is considered.