Institutional Repository
Technical University of Crete
Technical University of Crete
EN
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| URI: | http://purl.tuc.gr/dl/dias/B8F83821-3BC1-4600-BF16-F32F4DB21CC5 | ||
| Year | 2019 | ||
| Type of Item | Master Thesis | ||
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| Bibliographic Citation | Ioannis Dafermos, "Development of a web repository for visualizing and processing 3D point clouds using free and open source software", Master Thesis, School of Mineral Resources Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece, 2019 https://doi.org/10.26233/heallink.tuc.82956 | ||
| Appears in Collections |
Classical as well as contemporary methods of topographic surveying and geometric documentation such as LiDAR scans or photogrammetry can produce large volumes of data, usually in the form of 3D point clouds. Existing computing systems and spatial data processing software often fail to manage them due to their size, or do not offer the desired functionality for further analysis. Therefore, there is a need for software and processing tools that will bridge this gap.The aim of this master thesis is the development, through Free & Open Source Software (FOSS), of a web application that will operate as a repository of point cloud data, offering at the same time features such as processing and visualizing of such data. The application will connect to a database for storing and retrieving information necessary for its operation. It should engage a user-friendly environment, simplifying the procedures of data handling and processing.Thus, the basic features of the developed application include an easy to use graphical interface that allows user management, uploading, visualizing as well as some processing capabilities of point cloud data. The development of the application was based on the use of Django web framework and PostgreSQL database with PostGIS and PGPointCloud spatial extensions. Python was used as a programming language for connecting the selected software components, which is also the programming language of Django.Spatial data and point cloud data were managed using appropriate libraries, mainly Leaflet, GDAL and PDAL. The visualization of 3D data in web browsers was accomplished using Potree software, which is based on WebGL technology. The implementation of the desired additional functionality of Potree was achieved by customizing it through libraries PDAL & GDAL, within the Django framework. Publishing the application to the Internet was attempted using the Apache web server.Finally, the developed application (PC Repository) allows users with limited computing resources to store, visualize, manage and process point cloud data using standard web browsers, without the need for specialized software.
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