Integrated management of 3D models through S3M to OSGB conversion

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3D city models, smart cities, digital twins. What is important for these projects is a platform that can flexibly handle various 3D data formats.

And now, GISBox is moving to a new stage.

Soon, a new function will be added that allows you to convert data in S3M format to OSGB format!

In this article, we will introduce the benefits and practical scenarios that this update will bring, a little ahead of time.

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■ First of all, what are S3M and OSGB?

S3M (Scene 3D Model) is a highly efficient 3D tile format developed by SuperMap, a Chinese company. It is widely used for city models and point cloud data, mainly in China.

OSGB (OpenSceneGraph Binary) has high compatibility with open 3D Tiles environments and is used in many GIS/visualization platforms around the world.

However, S3M and OSGB are not compatible and can only be used in systems that support each format.

That’s why we need a ”conversion function that transcends format barriers”.

■ What is the “S3M to OSGB conversion” function that GISBox aims for?

Currently, GISBox is attracting attention as a lightweight, high-performance 3D data processing tool that can generate 3D tiles, manage tile services, and automatically estimate spatial references with one click.

The following “S3M to OSGB conversion” functions are planned for the next update:

✅ Read S3M files as they are

✅ Automatically analyze hierarchical structures and build optimal LODs

✅ OSGB+3D Tiles can be selected as the output format

✅ Converted tiles can be distributed and visualized directly on GISBox

■ What are the benefits?

✅ Data reuse is overwhelmingly easy

Existing S3M assets (urban building models, drone point clouds, etc.) can be reused in many 3D engines such as CesiumJS, Wings Engine, and Unreal Engine.

✅ Improved compatibility with other companies’ tools

The OSGB format has high compatibility with many business GIS and digital twin platforms both in Japan and abroad, making it easy to link data across business processes.

✅ Real-time web distribution is also in sight

GISBox can provide tile distribution services at the same time as conversion. In other words, S3M → OSGB conversion → web distribution can be completed in one stop. Project delivery time can also be shortened.

■ Recommended for

Want to migrate S3M data built with SuperMap to other systems

Want to utilize S3M data in BIM/CIM platforms in Japan

Looking for a tool that can manage multiple formats of 3D data at once

Want to increase the reusability and sustainability of existing assets

📢Summary: A bridge connecting different worlds

GISBox has supported tiling of various 3D formats such as PLY, LAS, OBJ, and SLPK. With the addition of the “S3M → OSGB conversion” function, it is finally possible to bridge the gap between Chinese data and global standard data.

Let’s overcome the technical barriers such as “data cannot be used” and “incompatibility” with GISBox.

Please look forward to updates!