Develop and host a "Community 3-D Basemap" using local LiDAR data

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10-18-2013 11:06 AM
Status: Open
RobertCushman
New Contributor II
Help us process our LiDAR!  Many local governments are acquiring very expensive LiDAR data without having the expertise and resources to fully capture its potential value to their customers. 

Would ESRI have any interest in launching a pilot “Community City Engine” or “Community 3-D Basemap” initiative, along the lines of the Community Mapping project

I envision neighboring municipalities making their LiDAR data available to ESRI in exchange for some assistance processing this often under-used (and EXPENSIVE!) data into regional 3-D surfaces and even extracted vector layers. 

Once workflows are developed to standardize the inputs and outputs, I can imagine many government entities lining up to contribute and update such a "basemap". 
4 Comments
CameronWallace
This would be pretty cool... could provide an increasingly detailed elevation base for better and better 3D modelling etc. 
SeanBreyer
Thank you for this suggestion.  We agree, and Esri has been working on exactly this capability.  In July 2013, Esri announced the ArcGIS World Elevation image services (currently in beta) to provide access to elevation data and related products for ArcGIS Online subscribers.  (See this LINK).  We will be implementing a extended ‘community program’ , enabling ArcGIS users to contribute add better resolution elevation data around the globe.  In some cases, that elevation data will come from lidar data collections. We’ll keep you posted as the beta community program release gets closer and are look forward to your help expanding this incredible elevation dataset of the world! 

Sean Breyer
AGOL Content Program Manager


BruceCuthbert1

This is great idea and required to get cityies and munipalities to incorporate cityengine modles in their Official Community Plans.  If it is easier, they will come!!
 

Glad to see this in progress.  If you have beta testers, count me in!

How do I find out more about the community program?  

Niels_van_der_Vaart
Behind the scenes, we are working hard to make 3D base layers available. More information on the current status can be found in the UC2014 technical workshop "Using the New 3D Base Scene: An Introduction": 
http://proceedings.esri.com/library/userconf/proc14/tech-workshops/tw_746.pdf