Germany Develops the World’s First 3D Map of All Buildings
Researchers from the Technical University of Munich have developed the world’s first 3D map offering a detailed image of urban and rural areas globally as part of the “Global Building Atlas” project, which includes data on 2.75 billion buildings.
The project leader, Professor Xiaoxiang Zhu, explained that the new map aids in improving urban planning, road construction, and protecting populations from natural disasters.
He added that this unprecedented accuracy is no longer limited to just a few countries, but now encompasses the entire world, including impoverished regions in Africa, South America, and Asia.
The map’s significance extends beyond simply counting buildings; it also includes their sizes and construction rates per person, which reflect the level of economic development in various countries.
This data enables better urban planning, including resource distribution, the construction of schools and hospitals, as well as contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon emission calculation and green area planning.
Additionally, the map is valuable for disaster preparedness against natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes, and fires, offering precise information about building locations and their conditions, thereby enhancing emergency readiness and interventions.
