The use of 3D models has been rapidly expanding, finding applications in both
scientific and commercial fields. One common requirement for these various applications is the geometrical and topological validity of these models. However, many models available online contain deficiencies in various forms, such as duplicated geometry, gaps in the surface, etc.. To cope with those deficiencies, a standard solution is the clean extraction of the model’s boundary, and simultaneously the model’s reconstruction in a way that its structure is valid. This thesis tackles a more generalized problem, the inside-outside classification for these models. Where many approaches might have requirements for running analysis, the methodology presented strives to robustly handle all cases.
These last decades, there have been various approaches in solving the ”inside -
outside classification problem”. A major attempt utilizes the winding number
algorithm, in order to assign values to elements whose position is relevant to the
input model. By assessing that value, a decision on whether the element in question is interior or exterior is taken. Other approaches work with casting rays, or other geometric analysis to also identify the borders of a model and segment the interior from the exterior. Also, since deficiencies inhibit the kick-starting of the necessary analysis, there are methods that try to restructure said models in order to clear any existing deficiencies. The methodology within this thesis will attempt a different approach from those that have been presented until now, which is transferring the problem from three into two dimensions. The first step is introducing a planar cross section on the area of interest. From there, through some graph reconstruction, geometric and optimization applications, a valid 1-manifold boundary of the cross-section is created. On that, the application of inside-outside classification through ray casting is possible. Assessing the results of the pipeline proves that the automated process can produce valid results, for a particular point of interest, related to an input model. The pipeline has been proven to function regardless of the cutting plane’s orientation, and can handle robustly a multitude of geometrically and topologically defective models. The results from this thesis can inspire further applications, and improvements on the pipeline can further evolve the quality of its outcome.

In this report, we briefly summarize the methodology behind the development of a web application for the municipality of the Hague. This application was developed by a group of students during the Synthesis Project (academic period 2017-2018) of the MSc Geomatics programme of TU Delft University, the Netherlands. The main purpose of this application is the estimation of Sky View Factor (SVF), a necessary element for modern urban planning. To calculate SVF, the methodology used is based on 3D point clouds in order to incorporate the urban environment in its entirety (including vegetation). Development of the webpage, along with use for different location across the Hague, have shown that this approach provides a fast and at the same time, quite accurate calculation for SVF.