Building a 3D Model - Methodology

[KhyatiPatel]

Hi,

I am interested in building a 3D model (this is for a small town in India) that would include complete topographical details and all the facilities above the surface. I am using ArcGIS 9.3 and google sketchup 6 pro.

1) what type of image/data would i need to generate DEM/DTM - any particular image processing software required for the same or can get it done in ArcGIS 9.3
2) will the same image work to get all surface information (like buildings, roads, trees etc) - this has to be at a good resolution in order to perform digitization
3) also, please provide with the best methodology to produce a 3D model using the softwares listed above.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks.

[JeffreySwain]

Based on your description, what you would need is lidar points. This could help with the collection of all of that data.  There would be multple returns and then you could then break them down into different surfaces to model all of the 3d features.  There are tools within ArcMap, but require 3d Analyst. Here is the help document on the terrain workflows.   Here is also more information on the multiple returns that I was discussing.   You have to probably obtain the full lidar dataset and then create surfaces based on the different returns, select the return value in the LAS to Multipoint tool and then you should be able to model all that you are looking for.