postdoc position vacancy

3D space subdivision for indoor navigation

Providing accurate 3D indoor path is highly depended on the space subdivision and space availability in buildings. At present, no semi-automatic or automatic methods exist, which can deliver a flexible representation of indoor spaces that can support various users and their tasks. The aim of this project is to develop a 3D space subdivision approach, which understands the principles of interior architectural design and human perception to identify spaces that can be used for navigation. This project brings together research on 3D indoor models (geometry, semantics and topology), 3D indoor navigation for users with various profiles and tasks and 3D indoor reconstruction from point clouds. The PostDoc has to develop a grammar-based framework to describe the interior structure of the building (such as rooms and furniture), which allows flexible increase or decrease of granularity of internal spaces to fit them to the navigation needs. 3D models that combine geometric details, rich semantics and spatial relationships are central for this research. Standards such as IndoorGML, CityGML and IFC will be largely explored. A prototype application on mobile devices has to be developed and tested in several use cases defined by the Dutch Fire Brigade.

The project will take place in the 3D geoinformation group under the supervision of Ass. Prof. Dr Sisi Zlatanova. It is fully funded by the Dutch Technology Foundation (STW). The project is related to an on-going project on indoor navigation and the implementation and testing of IndoorGML. It will be conducted together with Twente University, Dutch Fire Brigade, several companies and OGC SWG IndoorGML. We expect the PhD student to collaborate actively with the other researchers and practitioners involved in the project.

Research group

The 3D geoinformation research group, part of the Delft University of Technology, 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 12 people, including computer scientists, geomatics engineers, and geographers. It has a history of successful collaborations with the industry and the government: its research has led to software, standards and patents for the management of 3D geographic information.

Conditions

The position is for two years and the starting gross salary will be in the range €2,476 up to €3,908 depending on the experience of the candidate. TU Delft also offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package.

Job requirements

Applicants should hold a PhD degree (or almost completed) in geoinformatics/geomatics, computer science, applied mathematics, or in a related discipline. They are expected to have good programming skills, a good command of English (oral and written) and strong interest in 3D modelling and/or computational geometry. Prior experience with 3D standards (CityGML, IFC), 3D indoor modelling or grammar-based approaches is highly desirable.

How to apply

To apply, please submit:

Please email your application material to Caro Coemans (hr-bk@tudelft.nl) and refer to vacancy number BK2015-07.

For more information about this position, please contact directly Ass. Prof. Dr Sisi Zlatanova (s.zlatanova@tudelft.nl).