3D/4D

One of the aims of the Amsterdam Time Machine is to develop a 3D/4D urban model where socio-historical data about the city can be mapped and queried. Manually modelling each building individually is however a too time-consuming task. The most efficient approach entails therefore the semi-automatic generation of buildings. Ideally, the 3D scene is based on underlying GIS data, as they represent the most common way to store historical information when they can be anchored to a given location. We’re currently developing basic 3D models of the entire city for selected years in the period 1550 – present, using a rule-based and parametric modelling strategy which allows a GIS-driven creation of large 3D scenes. These can serve as a basis for more detailed reconstructions of individual blocks and buildings. In the meantime, check out these models.