New Perspectives on Built Environment Models for Pedestrian Navigation

We present a map modelling toolkit that meets the special requirements of pedestrian navigation in intelligent environments. Its central component is a graphical editor, which supports the geometric modelling and visualization of built environments in 3D. Multiple levels and their interconnections, such as ramps and staircases, can be represented through layers. The toolkit also integrates a route finding module for pedestrian navigation applications. The model and the route can be shown as an orthogonal (maplike) projection or from different perspective viewpoints; the allocentric viewpoint shows the model from outside (bird’s view), the egocentric viewpoint shows the model from the user’s perspective inside the building. Landmark objects can be included and the visibility of signage or public displays can be virtually evaluated using the avatar. Various animations can be created to visualize the route, including transitions between the perspectives.