GISBox

VMDS (Visual Model Data Stream)

GISBox is a one-stop 3D GIS data editing, conversion and publishing platform that supports editing in multiple GIS formats such as OSGB/GEOTIFF/RVT, converting to 3DTiles/Terrain and publishing.

Introduction

VMDS (Visual Model Data Stream) is an efficient file format for 3D model data, designed for real-time rendering and fast loading of complex scenes. VMDS files are usually used to store and transmit 3D models, materials, animations, and related metadata. With streaming and compression as its core features, it supports efficient processing of large-scale 3D scenes, and is therefore widely used in game development, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and geographic information systems (GIS).

File Structure

  1. VMDS files usually consist of the following parts:
  • Header information: including file version, format identifier and global metadata (such as unit, resolution).
  • **Geometry data: **stores the geometric structure of the model, such as vertices, edges, and faces.
  • Material and texture data: contains surface material parameters, texture map paths or embedded texture data.
  • Animation data: describes the animation information of the object, such as keyframes and bone binding (optional).
  • Additional metadata: including scene hierarchy, namespace and custom extended attributes.
  1. Storage characteristics
  • Binary format: VMDS files are stored in binary format to ensure efficient reading and parsing.
  • Streaming structure: supports on-demand loading, especially suitable for memory optimization when processing large-scale scenes.
  • Compression mechanism: built-in geometry and texture compression algorithm to reduce storage space usage.
  1. Compatibility and scalability
  • Supports conversion of multiple coordinate systems and units (such as WGS84 and screen coordinate system).
  • Provides plug-in extension interface, which can customize data blocks (such as environmental special effects data) according to needs.

Pros

1. Efficient loading and rendering: VMDS files use a streaming design that can gradually load scene data, reduce initial loading time and optimize memory usage.

2. Compact data structure: Through geometry compression and texture optimization technology, the file size is effectively reduced, which is particularly suitable for network transmission.

3. Rich data support: Not only supports geometry and materials, but also supports animation, scene hierarchy and custom metadata to meet diverse needs.

4. Good cross-platform performance: VMDS files can be directly applied to different operating systems and rendering engines (such as Unity, Unreal Engine).

Cons

1. The format is more complex: Compared with simple formats such as OBJ, VMDS files have a higher threshold for parsing and debugging, and require specific tool support.

2. Limited standardization: Although VMDS is widely used in specific fields, its scope of use has not reached the universal standard (such as the wide adaptation of GLTF).

3. High hardware requirements: When dealing with high-resolution models or complex animations, real-time loading performance depends on powerful hardware support.

Application Scenario

The VMDS file format is widely used in scenarios that require efficient 3D data processing and real-time rendering. For example, in game development, developers can use VMDS to load large-scale scenes in slices, thereby reducing loading delays and improving player experience. In the fields of GIS and architectural design, VMDS files can be combined with 3D city models to display dynamic changes in buildings, terrain, and infrastructure in real time.

Example

  1. VMDS predicate objects build query diagrams.

File Opening Mode

  1. VMDS is illustrated in Smallworld.

Related GIS files

SL3

NC

HDF

MDB

References

  1. https://gisgeography.com/ge-smallworld-gis/
  2. https://handwiki.org/wiki/VMDS#:~:text=VMDS%20abbreviates%20the%20relational%20database%20technology%20called%20Version,enterprise%20utilities%20such%20as%20power%20distribution%20and%20telecommunications.
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMDS