In our Urban Modelling in Higher dimensions project (financed by the European Research Council) we developed a technique to automatically reconstruct detailed 3D models of buildings from aerial LiDAR data and building footprints. The solution has been applied to generate 3D models for all 10 million buildings in The Netherlands at Levels of Detail 1.2, 1.3 and 2.2. This dataset is available as open data (www.3dbag.nl) and it is widely adopted across different industries and organisations.

Recently the European Commission awarded our proposal to further develop and extend our 3D BAG service that generates and provides 3D building models for very large areas.  The aim of this Proof of Concept project is to expand the prototype as well as the countrywide 3D dataset as a long-term, reliable, up-to-date and user-friendly service.

The 3D Geoinformation research group, Section Urban Data Science has an open 1-year position for a researcher (Postdoc or MSc  level, depending on the experiences of the selected candidate) to specifically address the project tasks to 1) enhance our method to take advantage of a wider range of input sources, specifically height data extracted from, or represented as, images acquired using photogrammetry (in addition to the currently supported LiDAR point clouds) and 2) research how to smartly fill in no-data gaps in the input elevation data caused by occlusion effects during acquisition using eg. deep learning.

The position will be embedded in the 3D Geoinformation research group, Section Urban Data Science, Delft University of Technology. The group focuses on the technologies underpinning geographical information systems (GIS), and aims at designing, developing, and implementing better systems to model 3D cities, buildings and landscapes. It is a multidisciplinary group of around 20 people, including computer scientists, geomatics engineers, and geographers. The group has a history of successful collaborations with the industry and the government: its research has led to open source software, standards, 3D open data and patents for the management of 3D geographic information and Building Information Models.

The researcher will work in close collaboration with 3DGI, the partner organisation in the Proof of Concept project responsible for developing the update and maintenance solutions of the 3D BAG service.

Applicants should:

• hold an MSc (for early stage researcher) or a PhD degree (for Postdoc level) in geoinformatics/geomatics, computer science, applied mathematics, or in a related discipline
• have experience in photogrammetry, feature detection from images, machine learning, 3D modelling and/or computational geometry, preferably from a programming perspective.
• have good software development skills. Experience with C++ is beneficial.
• have a good command of English (oral and written)
• have an affinity with working in multi‐disciplinary teams in an international oriented environment.

Salary scale 10 or 11; depending on the working experience and education level of the candidate.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy from early in the morning until late at night, with four thousand people studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.

Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.