GIS and Computer Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) follow distinct modelling paradigms for the generation and management of virtual 3D city models. New applications and the increasing demand for quality make it necessary to integrate models from both disciplines. Although in recent times the functionalities of 3D GIS and CAAD systems have been slowly converging, fundamental differences between the modelling approaches make it difficult to reach full interoperability. The authors treat in greater detail the differences between the 'worlds' of geometry representation, spatial referencing, multiple representations, international standards and semantic modelling. In addition, possibilities of bridging the gap are discussed.     «

GIS and Computer Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) follow distinct modelling paradigms for the generation and management of virtual 3D city models. New applications and the increasing demand for quality make it necessary to integrate models from both disciplines. Although in recent times the functionalities of 3D GIS and CAAD systems have been slowly converging, fundamental differences between the modelling approaches make it difficult to reach full interoperability. The authors treat in greater...     »