BRO 3D: soon to be ready for use
TNO’s Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN), in collaboration with the National Key Registry of the Subsurface (BRO), is working on making 3D data and models about the subsurface more easily accessible. This BRO data will soon be conveniently accessible using existing technology via open data platforms and APIs, allowing users to use it directly in their GIS systems.
The National Key Registry of the Subsurface (BRO) contains a rich set of data and models about the subsurface. These form the basis for data-driven work on spatial planning (water- and soil-oriented) and the management of our living environment. To make informed decisions on issues such as climate adaptation, sustainable energy, and housing development, it is essential to look at the surface and subsurface in an integral and coherent way. This can only be done well in 3D. At present, it is still a lot of work to load all the BRO data and models into a GIS system. We want to make that easier.
3D geodata facility
This BRO project is made possible by the national government’s ‘Work on Implementation’ (“Werk aan Uitvoering” – WaU) programme, which aims to support the development of agile, people-centred, and future-proof public services. The programme makes funds available to projects that serve this purpose. The ability to easily use geodata from key registries in 3D is one such project. That is The Netherlands’ Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency – in short Kadaster – and TNO/BRO are collaborating on 3D facilities for geodata. Our aim is to make working with 3D data and models more accessible to a wide range of businesses and public authorities.
3D webservices
Until now, users of subsurface data and BRO models have had to download and edit them themselves in order to use them in geographic software. By opening up data and models as 3D web services via an API interface, they can be used directly in several standard 3D viewers (ArcGIS and CesiumJS v. 1.99) and game engines (such as Unity and Unreal via SDKs). Open OGC standards are used for this.
Specifically, from mid-2023, the GeoTOP and REGIS II models, as well as datasets from groundwater monitoring wells, groundwater levels and soundings will be directly usable in the software. In June, we will organise a webinar explaining the new web environment, where to find these web services and their descriptions. We also make sure that anyone who wants to can work with them.
Workshops for further requirements
3D web services are being developed for the above data and models, where possible on a nationwide basis. In June, we will organise two working sessions with users from the construction, water, and infrastructure sectors to identify further requirements. This concerns the way in which the data is provided, such as ready-to-use cut-outs of specific areas or structures. But functional requirements regarding the use of the data and models can also be addressed. Consider, for example, being able to download or combine the data with proprietary data on buildings.
A technical further development of the 3D services will start later this year. Additional functionality will then be developed for newly registration objects, such as the DGM BRO model and borehole research.
Want to stay informed?
Would you like to stay up to date with this project? Keep an eye on the BRO website and BRO newsletters. And watch the video on BRO 3D services below. You also can read more about the BRO on the English pages.
