Spatial decision support applications based on three-dimensional city models

With the increasing application of three-dimensional city models (hereafter, 3DCM) in urban planning, design and management, it is expected that there will be an urgent need for spatial decision support. In this paper, the basic mathematic models and some typical methods of analysis based on 3DCM are proposed and discussed, such as the statistics model, the time-serials model, the spatial dynamics model, and so on. A few typical spatial decision-making methods integrating the spatial analysis and basic mathematical models are also introduced, for example, visual impact assessment, dispersion of noise emissions, the base station plan for wireless communication, etc. Also, ideas on further applications and value-added services of 3DCM are discussed. For example, sunshine analysis is studied and some helpful conclusions are drawn.