An enhanced indoor pedestrian model supporting spatial DBMSs

Two-dimensional geographic information systems (GISs) are mature technology and applications such as car navigation systems are commonplace. As indoor positioning techniques are developing, indoor 3D models are attracting increasing attention. However, modeling and implementing indoor 3D models applicable to real-time, client-server environments such as 2D GIS is a challenge and no working applications have yet been reported. As part of a multi-stage project that aims to build 3D indoor applications running in real-time, we are currently developing a fire evacuation system. Although not definitely required at this stage, we used a spatial DBMS as the input data instead of CAD files; the process of building floor plans and stairs is shown here. In developing the simulation model, we improved the existing 'floor field' model such that it can accommodate the visibility factor. While the previous floor field model does not capture the visibility effect, we revised the algorithm so it can give different walking speeds to pedestrians based on the level of visibility to the exits from where the pedestrians are located. We show the process of building the proposed 3D model and test the simulation system using a campus building. Copyright