metaverseDubai/DATA_SOURCES.md

Data Sources - Dubai Metaverse

Overview

This document lists all data sources for geospatial data, elevation data, and reference materials needed for the Dubai Metaverse project.

Geospatial Data Sources

OpenStreetMap (OSM)

URL: openstreetmap.org

Usage: Building footprints, road networks, points of interest

Data Format:

• OSM XML (.osm)
• GeoJSON
• Shapefile (via conversion)

Extraction Methods:

1. Overpass API: Query specific areas
2. OSM Export: Download area via export tool
3. Python Scripts: Use osmnx or overpy libraries

Target Area: Dubai Marina district

• Coordinates: [To be determined]
• Bounding box: [To be determined]

Script: scripts/import_osm_data.py

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GIS Data Sources

Dubai Municipality GIS

Source: Dubai Municipality (if available)

Usage: Official building data, cadastral information

Access: May require permission/access

Alternative: Use OpenStreetMap if official data unavailable

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USGS EarthExplorer

URL: earthexplorer.usgs.gov

Usage: Satellite imagery, elevation data

Data Types:

• Landsat imagery
• ASTER GDEM elevation data
• SRTM elevation data

Access: Free registration required

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Elevation Data

ASTER GDEM

Source: USGS EarthExplorer

Resolution: 30m

Usage: Terrain generation

Format: GeoTIFF

Script: scripts/gis_to_unreal.py

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SRTM

Source: USGS EarthExplorer

Resolution: 30m (SRTM-30) or 90m (SRTM-90)

Usage: Terrain generation (alternative to ASTER)

Format: GeoTIFF

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OpenDEM

URL: opentopography.org

Usage: High-resolution elevation data

Access: Free registration required

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Reference Materials

Photography

On-Site Photography (If Available)

Requirements:

• High-resolution camera (DSLR or mirrorless)
• Multiple angles per building
• Consistent lighting
• Overlapping photos (70-80% overlap)

Target Buildings:

• Cayan Tower (hero landmark)
• Marina Towers
• Primary buildings (if accessible)

Usage: Photogrammetry, texture reference

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Stock Photography

Sources:

• Unsplash
• Pexels
• Shutterstock (if budget allows)
• Getty Images (if budget allows)

Usage: Reference images, texture sources

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Google Earth / Street View

URL: earth.google.com

Usage:

• Aerial views
• Street-level reference
• Building context
• Material reference

Limitations:

• Image quality may vary
• Copyright considerations
• Not suitable for direct texture use

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Architectural Plans

Public Records

Source: Dubai Municipality (if available)

Usage: Accurate building dimensions, layouts

Access: May require permission

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Online Resources

Sources:

• Building websites
• Architectural firm websites
• Real estate listings

Usage: Building information, dimensions

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Data Processing Tools

Python Libraries

• osmnx: OpenStreetMap data extraction
• overpy: Overpass API queries
• rasterio: GeoTIFF processing
• gdal: GIS data processing
• shapely: Geometric operations

GIS Software

• QGIS: Free, open-source GIS
• ArcGIS: Professional GIS (if available)
• Google Earth Pro: Visualization and export

Photogrammetry Tools

• RealityCapture: Professional photogrammetry
• Luma AI: Simplified photogrammetry
• Agisoft Metashape: Alternative photogrammetry

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Data Acquisition Workflow

Step 1: OpenStreetMap Data

1. Identify target area (Dubai Marina)
2. Extract building footprints via Overpass API
3. Export to GeoJSON or Shapefile
4. Process and clean data
5. Import to Unreal (via script)

Script: scripts/import_osm_data.py

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Step 2: Elevation Data

1. Identify area coordinates
2. Download ASTER GDEM or SRTM data
3. Process elevation data
4. Convert to Unreal terrain format
5. Import to Unreal

Script: scripts/gis_to_unreal.py

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Step 3: Reference Materials

1. Collect photography (on-site or stock)
2. Organize by building/area
3. Use for modeling and texturing reference
4. Store in reference folder

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Data Organization

Folder Structure

data/
├── osm/
│   └── dubai_marina.osm
├── elevation/
│   └── dubai_marina_dem.tif
├── references/
│   ├── cayan_tower/
│   ├── marina_towers/
│   └── buildings/
└── processed/
    └── [processed data files]

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Data Validation

Checklist

• OSM data covers target area
• Building footprints are accurate
• Elevation data matches area
• Reference materials are sufficient
• Data formats are compatible
• Data is properly organized

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Legal Considerations

Copyright

• OpenStreetMap: Open Database License (ODbL)
• Photography: Respect copyright, use licensed images
• Architectural Plans: May require permission

Attribution

• OpenStreetMap: Attribution required
• Other Sources: Follow license requirements

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Next Steps

1. Extract OpenStreetMap data for Dubai Marina
2. Download elevation data
3. Collect reference photography
4. Process and import data to Unreal
5. Validate data accuracy

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Version: 1.0 Last Updated: [Current Date]