Patent ID: 11210806

Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for enhancing urban surface model with image data obtained from a satellite image. Three dimensional models of an urban cityscape obtained from digital surface models may comprise surface location information but lack image information associated with the cityscape, such as the color and texture of building facades. The location of the satellite at the time of recording the satellite image interest may be obtained from metadata associated with the satellite image. A 3D model of a cityscape corresponding to the satellite image may be subjected to a transformation operation to determine portions of the 3D model that are viewable from a location corresponding to the location of the satellite when taking the picture. Visible facades buildings of the 3D model ma be identified and mapped to portions of the satellite image which may then be used in rendering 2D images from the 3D model. In some examples a satellite image projection model may be adjusted to more accurately determine geolocations of portions of the satellite image by analysis of a plurality of satellite images.