The answer was provided in our webinar “3D City Models Made Easy – The Foundation for Your Digital Twin.” Catherine Gall (Project Manager BuildingReconstruction) explained with the help of Henry Farr (Senior Sales Manager) how BuildingReconstruction offers a fast, precise, and automated solution for creating and editing 3D city models.

In this article, you will learn:

• The core features of BuildingReconstruction
• A live demonstration of the software in action
• Frequently asked questions & answers from the webinar

For those who registered for the webinar but couldn’t attend, we recommend watching the full webinar recording.

For urban planning, digital twins, or GIS applications, precise 3D city models are essential in many fields. However, creating these models can be time-consuming and complex. With BuildingReconstruction, the process becomes faster and more efficient: The software automatically processes geospatial data and generates highly accurate LOD1 and LOD2 models – with minimal manual effort.

Why Choose BuildingReconstruction?

• Automated 3D model generation based on open data
• Highly accurate models that align with building footprints
• Seamless integration with 3D databases via CityGML export
• Scalable for projects of any size, from small areas to entire cities or regions

Whether you need to update an existing 3D model or create a new city model from scratch, BuildingReconstruction provides an efficient and precise solution.

To generate precise 3D models, the software processes:

• Essential data: Building footprints & DSM (Digital Surface Model)
• Recommended data: DTM (Digital Terrain Model) & Ortho photos for added accuracy
• Optional data: Existing CityGML models for reference

The automatic reconstruction runs on standard hardware and completes in a few hours, even for large areas. Users can then refine details manually using high performing editing tools.

Although BuildingReconstruction generates highly accurate models automatically, users can refine and customize them using:

• 48 predefined roof shapes, including specialized types (e.g., Berlin roofs, barrel roofs)
• LOD1 & LOD2 models, with the option for 2 for detailed structures
• Editing tools like the Cell Editor and advanced Cell Editor for modifying roof structures and complex geometries

To ensure geometric precision, the software includes built-in validation tools and integrates with CityDoctor for CityGML compliance.

During the live demo, Catherine Gall showcased how BuildingReconstruction processes input data, automatically generates models, and allows manual refinements.

Key Highlights:

• Project setup – Importing building footprints, DSM, and DTM
• Automatic model generation – Creating LOD1/LOD2 buildings
• Manual refinements – Adjusting roof structures and dormers using editing tools
• Quality validation – Checking accuracy with Distance Maps and City Doctor

For a detailed walkthrough, we highly recommend watching the full webinar recording.

After the live demo, Henry Farr led a Q&A session, addressing the most relevant technical questions from attendees.

How Efficient Is the Modeling Process?

📌 How long does it take to generate a 3D city model?
✔️ Processing speed depends on two factors:

1. Data quality – High-quality DSM and footprint data reduce manual editing.
2. User experience – Familiarity with BuildingReconstruction allows for faster refinements.
   For large-scale projects, entire cities can be modeled in just a few hours or days.

Technical Capabilities & Limitations

📌 Can models be updated without recalculating the entire dataset?
✔️ Yes, CityGML models can be imported into a 3D city database, where buildings can be updated individually.

📌 Does the software support overhanging roofs?
❌ No, models are trimmed at the footprint—overhanging elements are not generated.

📌 How does it handle tree-covered areas?
✔️ The software cannot differentiate between trees and buildings in the point cloud, so manual corrections may be needed. Flat roofs are assigned to small buildings (e.g., garages) to prevent misclassification.

Data Formats & Export Options

📌 Can the Distance Map be exported?
✔️ Yes, as an XYZ file or raster image.

📌 Does BuildingReconstruction support irregular point clouds?
✔️ Yes, but the Rectangle Method is unavailable for irregular datasets.

📌 Can dormers be processed using a shapefile?
✔️ Yes, but dormers will be treated as separate building parts, meaning inner walls will be generated.

📌 Does the software support CityGML 3.0?
✔️ CityGML 2.0 is supported. CityGML 3.0 will be available by summer.

📌 Can models be textured using oblique images?
❌ Not directly. However, our partner company, UVM Systems, offers a texturing solution called City Grid Texturizer.

📌 Watch the Webinar Recording
Available on our GoToStage Channel, including the German-language version.

📌 Try BuildingReconstruction for Free
Request a free trial license at support.birek@vc.systems.

📌 Questions About Licensing & Pricing?
Contact Henry Farr directly: hfarr@vc.systems