City model created from images alone

ETH scientists have combined millions of images and videos into a three-dimensional, living model of the city of Zurich. The new technology has many possible applications - for example, it can analyse where and when pedestrians are on the move and parking spaces become free. Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a technology platform with which they can create 3D city models using image data alone. The platform, known as "VarCity", is so versatile that it can use, evaluate, and automatically combine all possible kinds of image sources: aerial photographs, 360-degree panoramic images taken with special vehicles, and even standard photos such as those published by tourists on social networks and internet platforms. The technology also uses video material from sources like YouTube and public webcams. Thanks to machine learning algorithms, the technology can recognise image content such as buildings, windows and doors, streets, bodies of water, people, and cars. Without human assistance, the 3D model "knows", for example, what pavements are and - by evaluating webcam data - which streets are one-way only.