Using 3D GIS to See Stars

26 Mar,2018

In SuperMap Cup National University GIS Contest, participants from Zhengzhou Normal University display satellites status and flight trajectory in space using SuperMap 3D GIS.

The project combines GIS with satellite, rocket, using simple and straight forward 3D model to spread space knowledge and display space results.

The project used SuperMap iDesktop, 3ds Max software to develop, using C# as development language in Visual Studio 2010 environment. During the development process, participants tackled multiple challenges like satellite track calculation, spatial coordinate system transformation, etc. and finally realized a series of functions including model loading, satellite information querying, video & audio playing, scene switching, rotation simulation, etc.

Model Creating

3D modeling is very tough without CAD base map or detailed data, the team collected massive picture information through internet, paper media to make the model real.

Main Functions

1. Model integration: basic operations like rotation, translation and scaling of 3D scene;

2. Route navigation: Satellite model rotation, which can freely control the simulation of rotation;

3. Model information query: click model and display model information on the left window;

4. System viewpoint: see the trajectory of earth and satellites in space, knowing trajectory of satellites and relative position of earth and satellite;

5. Rocket takeoff simulation;

6. Satellite base tour guide

Functions:

1. Scene cache: basic operations like rotation, translation, scaling of 3D scenes, users can operate manually to observe from any angle.

2. Model information query: Click any model on the interface, displaying the picture and detailed introduction on the left display box. Through the detailed interface, you can jump to page to acquire more information.

3. Base tour and rocket takeoff: In the UI interface, you can watch the full video of rocket takeoff through start button and have a full view on base clicking base icon.