Creating a longitudinal, data-driven 3D model of change over time in a postindustrial landscape using GIS and CityEngine
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-29-2018
Department
Department of Social Sciences
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to create a longitudinal data-driven model of change over time in a postindustrial landscape, using the “Copper Country” of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as a case study. The models resulting from this project will support the heritage management and public education goals of the contemporary communities and Keweenaw National Historical Park that administer this nationally significant mining region through accessible, engaging, and interpretable digital heritage.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper applies Esri’s CityEngine procedural modeling software to an existing historical big data set. The Copper Country Historical Spatial Data Infrastructure, previously created by the HESA lab, contains over 120,000 spatiotemporally specific building footprints and other built environment variables. This project constructed a pair of 3D digital landscapes comparing the built environments of 1917 and 1949, reflecting the formal and functional evolution of several of the most important copper mining, milling, and smelting districts of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula.
Findings
This research discovered that CityEngine, while intended for rapid 3D modeling of the contemporary urban landscape, was sufficiently robust and flexible to be applied to modeling serial historic industrial landscapes. While this novel application required some additional coding and finish work, by harnessing this software to existing big data sets, 48,000 individual buildings were rapidly visualized using several key variables.
Originality/value
This paper presents a new and useful application of an existing 3D modeling software, helping to further illuminate and inform the management and conservation of the rich heritage of this still-evolving postindustrial landscape.
Publication Title
Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
Recommended Citation
Arnold, J.
(2018).
Creating a longitudinal, data-driven 3D model of change over time in a postindustrial landscape using GIS and CityEngine.
Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development,
8(4), 434-447.
http://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-08-2017-0055
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/15564