A method to integrate hydraulic structure models into 3D terrain models for irrigation infrastructure visualization

Seamless integration of three-dimensional (3D) terrain models and hydraulic structure models is a technical challenge in the construction of 3D virtual scenes for irrigation areas. This study proposes a level-of-detail (LOD)-based dynamic classification integration method for hydraulic structure models and 3D terrain models, called CM-D-LOD. Hydraulic structures are classified according to their point, line, and surface morphologies, as well as their dependence on or independence of the terrain into four categories: point-like hydraulic structures independent of terrain, line-like hydraulic structures dependent on terrain, surface-like hydraulic structures dependent on terrain, and surface-like hydraulic structures independent of terrain. By utilizing the proposed model classification integration method, a visualization management platform for virtual geographical environments of irrigation areas is developed, and experiments are conducted in the Zhuluo Ba Irrigation Area within the large economic zone along China’s eastern coast. Results demonstrate that the integration accuracy can be controlled between 0.2 and 0.7 m and that the 3D virtual scene of the irrigation area can be updated in real time. The proposed classification integration method transforms the traditional global model integration approach into a more efficient one, significantly improving the efficiency of constructing virtual geographical scenes for irrigation areas.