Topological Data Models for Virtual Management of Hidden Facilities Through Digital Reality

Abstract

The integral management of facilities located in the subsoil or hidden in walls and ceilings entails numerous challenges in terms of accurate positioning and data update. We describe the characteristics of the information system designed to act in the life cycle of facilities networks. We focus on the data model design, whose core connects topologically the 3D geometric objects representing facilities components. This scheme enables CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations directly on the 3D objects of the digital reality, and through desktop or mobile devices. The system is implemented in a client-server architecture. The server maintains the complete topological data model in a spatial database. This model is redesigned and replicated in the memory of any client device with graphical capabilities. Conventional computers can enable Virtual Reality, while mobile devices can access ubiquitously surrounding facilities through Augmented Reality. In addition, the design of a third data model allows the exchange of this information using a standard format such as CityGML. Current facilities networks have been used to test the CRUD operations functionality.

Keywords

• CRUD operations
• facilities management
• augmented reality
• virtual reality
• CityGML
• underground infrastructures