A 3D data model for fast visualization

3D data model is an indispensable component to any 3D GIS, and forms the basis of 3D spatial analysis and representation. And now, plenty of representative 3D data models are proposed. However, existing models just take the theoretic 3D formal representation and the topology between objects into account, and neglect the display result and the consumption of storage space. Based on the review of existing three-dimensional (3D) GIS data model, a 3D surface model is proposed for fast visualization in this paper, which is composed of node, segment and triangle. Secondly, data structure and formal representation of 3D surface model is developed to construct and store data of 3D model. In order to compare this 3D surface model with other 3D data model, the building models in an experimental area are reconstructed and stored by the 3D surface model. The result demonstrates that the newly proposed 3D surface model is superior to the existing data model in terms of data volume, moreover, it can acquire fast visualization speed.