LandXplorer Studio contains the LandXplorer base functionalities for three-dimensional visualization of geodata. These contain the processing of digital terrain models, raster data and vector data as well as powerful tools for working with 3D city models. The following sections provide details on the functional range of LandXplorer Studio.

Large Terrain
Optimized rendering techniques enable LandXplorer Studio to handle very large geodata sets for the visualization of digital terrain models and terrain textures. To accomplish this, LandXplorer is equipped to visualize raster data of several terabytes. Raster data sets that consist of multiple georeferenced image tiles (e.g., aerial or satellite photography) can be automatically linked to a cohesive terrain texture. To do that, optimized spatial data structures are created that ensure that even very large amounts of raster data can be represented in an efficient way and explored interactively.

     
Representation of a topographical map of Germany(VCS, left)
Aerial View of the Berlin city model (RSS, right)

Large City Model
Apart from the functionality used to visualize CityGML models, LandXplorer Studio can process additional 2D and 3D data formats and convert them into 3D city models. Among them are 2D shape files with ground plan polygons, which can be extruded to block models with the appropriate height information, and 3D formats such as 3D shape files, 3DS, and X3D models. This enables users to combine heterogeneous city model data pieces and uniformly represent them in a single city model.

In order to visually arrange the city model in a more appealing way, there are several functions available with which you can provide the buildings with individual roof forms, facade and roof textures. To exchange data, city models (or cut-outs from them) can be exported in various data formats, including CityGML.

Stereo Viewing
With stereo viewing 3D city models and landscapes can be represented in a true 3D manner, which improves spatial perception and cognition. When used in conjunction with compatible 3D hardware, special shutter glasses or glasses with polarization filters can be used. If special 3D viewing hardware is not available, a 3D impression can still be obtained by using conventional red-cyan stereo glasses, through which the 3D scene is perceived as an anaglyph image.

   
Stereo-Viewing through an anaglyph-image (left)
Global Illumination of the city model of Chemnitz (right)

Global Illumination
Classic techniques to illuminate 3D scenes are based on local illumination models and take into consideration the angle of light from light sources on single scenery objects. In reality, the illumination of a scene and its objects is also influenced by the surrounding objects, which reflect light or cast shadows.
LandXplorer Studio uses a technique to calculate global illumination, which takes these complex relations into consideration when illuminating city models. In this way, models can be visually represented in a more appealing and vivid way.

Pack & Go module
The additional Pack & Go module forms the interface between LandXplorer Studio and the viewer application LandXplorer Xpress. This makes it possible for LandXplorer Studio projects to be automatically exported and processed and afterwards made accessible to a large user group as independent geo-documents. These can be viewed with LandXplorer Xpress and be distributed, for example, as a DVD. As LandXplorer Xpress uses its own encrypted data format, it is possible to disseminate geodata securely without delivering the original data.

With Pack & Go web-streaming, products can be created that enable the access to geo-documents over the Internet. With LandXplorer Xpress, a large number of users can therefore view geodata stored on central servers.

Movie and Picture Creation
With the LandXplorer Studio and the LandXplorer Studio Professional it is possible to create movies and pictures independently. The resolution is freely scalable up to a maximum of 10.000 x 10.000 pixels. Pictures can be created as snap shots as well as 360° snap shots. The movie creation is possible by two different modes. Through the live recording it is possible to record and save the current navigation and other activities. Additionally it is possible to create movies using the camera paths, that are created using bookmarks. Similarly all standard formats up to a resolution of 2.048 x 2.048 pixels are possible.

Lens Function
Through the lens function a very effi cient presentation of raster data is possible. Here detailed information from a data stock can selectively be superimposed on another. As the area for the superimposition can be guided by the user with a mouse, this function is very useful in presentations to draw attention to a specific section of the 3D model.

Vector Data Tools
LandXplorer Studio incorporates a wide range of functions for the work with vector data. The geometries can be interactively created or imported from vector data files such as shape files. Afterwards a number of tools are available to edit, select, join, or delete single elements.

Analysis Functions
LandXplorer incorporates various analysis functions. For the analysis of terrain the following the following function is available for example:  

• Distance Query
  Distances in a terrain can be calculated easily and quickly.