In 2007, the Indianapolis Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) elected to provide a legacy gift in celebration of 150 years of service in Indianapolis.  The product chosen was a 3D Model of downtown.  About the same time, IUPUI also chose to have a 3D Model built as part of a campus master plan.  Both efforts selected the team of Pictometry & Precision Lightworks (PLW) to construct the model.

Both efforts are PLW's "Platinum" 3D Model, consisting of wireframe and block model buildings with photo textures on all building facades and rooftops.  The model sits in true x,y,z space, and can be used in conjunction with GIS files, orthophotos, and electronic drawings.  Uses include planning, public safety, economic development, environmental modeling (wind, drainage), visualizations, infrastructure management, line-of-sight study, shadow analysis, design, public relations & marketing.

File formats include:

The campus model for IUPUI was delivered in January 2008.  It consisted of 5.7 sq.km.  Photo textures were derived from Spring 2006 Pictometry oblique imagery.  The downtown model for AIA was delivered in May 2008.  It consisted of 5 sq.km.  Photo textures were derived from Spring 2008 Pictometry obliques.  Combined, the 2 areas include over 2,400 buildings.

How do I get a copy of the 3D Model?

The City of Indianapolis, Marion County and AIA Indianapolis may distribute the fully textured format of the 3D Model to architects, engineers, and designers working on projects within the boundaries of the 3D Model, with the understanding that they will abide by the terms of the original license agreement with Pictometry.  All of the above shall be considered Authorized Users of the 3D Model and will be entitled to obtain and utilize, but not sell or distribute to a non-authorized user, any fully textured format of the 3D Model.

The Authorized User is permitted to host the 3D Model on a website for public web based viewing.

The Authorized User may freely distribute an untextured (no Pictometry derived facades) version of the 3D Model.

All firms using the 3D Model are strongly urged to submit new & proposed 3D building drawings back to AIA in a spirit of giving to benefit the whole community, which was the motivation to build the model.

DVDs of the 3D Model are available at the the AIA Bookstore, or IMAGIS can post it to an FTP for download.  Download a license agreement for access to the 3D Model here:  Indianapolis 3D Building Model License

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Indianapolis Mapping and Geographic Infrastructure System