AW3D rendition of Chicago metro. Photo: NTT Data.

NTT DATA announced an agreement with DigitalGlobe to extend their strategic partnership to produce large-scale 3D vector building model datasets, called AW3D Metro. This will combine NTT DATA’s elevation expertise with DigitalGlobe’s high-resolution imagery and platform capabilities to create 3D datasets that offer significant coverage and rapid delivery timelines.

NTT DATA will create off-the-shelf 3D vector building, vegetation and bridge models using DigitalGlobe’s Geospatial Big Data platform (GBDX) and imagery. GBDX, a cloud-based tool with access to DigitalGlobe’s 100 petabyte imagery archive, can harness machine learning algorithms to revolutionize traditional 3D production models. By using NTT DATA’s algorithm on GBDX, the two companies will be able to develop AW3D Metro in a more cost-effective and timely manner, NTT Data stated.

According to NTT Data, the vectorized datasets will enable industry players to make decisions with confidence on projects such as connected device management, navigation visualization, insurance risk mitigation and smart city planning. The partnership will initially produce 3D texturized vector building models with better than 1 meter accuracy within Japan and other areas of commercial interest.

“3D building models are vital to the design and implementation of the infrastructure that will fuel smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous vehicles,” said Amy Minnick, DigitalGlobe senior vice president and general manager of commercial imagery.