VoxCity

A seamless framework for open geospatial data integration, grid-based semantic 3D city model generation, and urban environment simulation

Dados Bibliográficos

ID7150601
AutoresKunihiko Fujiwara (0000-0002-8044-8838, National University of Singapore), Ryuta Tsurumi (0000-0002-5431-8044, Nikken Sekkei (Japan)), Tomoki Kiyono (0000-0002-7360-5567, Yokohama National University), Zicheng Fan (0000-0001-7463-8865, National University of Singapore), Xiucheng Liang (0000-0003-0898-7543, National University of Singapore), Binyu Lei (0000-0002-8501-3104, University of Dubai), Winston Yap (0000-0002-7736-3024, National University of Singapore), Koichi Ito (0000-0002-1470-3677, National University of Singapore), Filip Biljecki (0000-0002-6229-7749, National University of Singapore, autor correspondente)
Ano2026
Volume123
Páginas102366
Data de publicação2026-01-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoComputers Environment and Urban Systems (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0198-9715 • E-ISSN: 1873-7587
EditoraElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2025.102366
OpenAlexW4415975100
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas2
Referências citadas155

Three-dimensional urban environment simulation is a powerful tool for informed urban planning. However, the intensive manual effort required to prepare input 3D city models has hindered its widespread adoption. To address this challenge, we present VoxCity, an open-source Python package that provides a one-stop solution for grid-based 3D city model generation and urban environment simulation for cities worldwide. VoxCity’s ‘generator’ subpackage automatically downloads building heights, tree canopy heights, land cover, and terrain elevation within a specified target area, and voxelizes buildings, trees, land cover, and terrain to generate an integrated voxel city model. The ‘simulator’ subpackage enables users to conduct environmental simulations, including solar radiation and view index analyses. Users can export the generated models using several file formats compatible with external software, such as ENVI-met (INX), Blender, and Rhino (OBJ). We generated 3D city models for eight global cities, and demonstrated the calculation of solar irradiance, sky view index, and green view index. We also showcased microclimate simulation and 3D rendering visualization through ENVI-met and Rhino, respectively, through the file export function. Additionally, we reviewed openly available geospatial data to create guidelines to help users choose appropriate data sources depending on their target areas and purposes. VoxCity can significantly reduce the effort and time required for 3D city model preparation and promote the utilization of urban environment simulations. This contributes to more informed urban and architectural design that considers environmental impacts, and in turn, fosters sustainable and livable cities. VoxCity is released openly at https://github.com/kunifujiwara/VoxCity . • A Python package for 3D city model generation and environment simulations worldwide. • Data integration of building and canopy height, land cover, and terrain elevation. • Voxelization of buildings, trees, land cover, and terrain for an integrated model. • Built-in simulation functions for solar irradiance, view index, and landmark visibility. • Export of files compatible with external software, e.g., ENVI-met, Blender and Rhino

3D city models · CityGML · Geospatial analysis · Geovisualization · Terrain · Urban Environment · Urban planning · Visualization · 3D Modeling in Geospatial Applications · Remote Sensing and LiDAR Applications · Urban Heat Island Mitigation