Within the NavPro group, collaboration between specialized companies makes it possible to approach wayfinding projects through complementary capabilities. In this case, Abuzz provides its wayfinding and interactive visualization solution, while Geograma is responsible for preparing the cartographic and geometric base required for its implementation.
In this context, Geograma delivered a specialized 3D modelling service in SketchUp for Digital City, a business district located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The goal was to transform floor plans and commercial information into lightweight, clear and navigable 3D models, ready to be integrated into interactive kiosks and visualization platforms.
The main challenge was to generate a 3D base that users could easily recognize, while keeping the model light and optimized enough to run on web, mobile and interactive kiosks.
In addition to the visual model, it was necessary to digitize in a structured and consistent way the routes, connections between areas, POIs, services, access points, stairs, elevators, parking areas, and both interior and exterior decorative elements. In short, the work was not only about modelling an environment, but about preparing a spatial structure ready to support a real indoor and outdoor navigation solution.
Geograma structured the work into different service packages: basic geometry, decoration, export and validation, and CMS loading. Based on the source documentation, simplified models were created by areas and floors, defining vertical separation between levels and specific layers for references, extrusions, routes, logos, facilities and supporting elements.
The methodology included the prior analysis of plans by floor and area, model orientation and scaling to preserve real proportions, and the layer-based digitization of all elements required for navigation. It also covered the modeling and placement of interior and exterior decoration, incorporating distinctive elements that help users recognize the space.
Once the modeling was completed, the result was exported in OBJ/MTL formats and configured for integration into Abuzz’s Builder and CMS, validating both the geometry and the navigation network. Geograma’s contribution was to transform complex technical information into a functional, optimized cartographic base, ready to be reliably integrated into Abuzz’s wayfinding solution.
The project delivered a clear, lightweight 3D representation integrated with Abuzz’s indoor and outdoor navigation solution. With this base, Digital City can support the location of points of interest, route structuring and user experience in interactive environments.
Beyond the specific deliverable, the project demonstrates the value of collaboration within the group: Abuzz provides the wayfinding solution, while Geograma delivers the cartographic and geometric preparation required for that solution to work effectively on a real-world asset.
As added value, Geograma contributed GIS and modeling methodology, detailed layer control, texture optimization and technical validation to reduce routing errors, improve visualization quality and make future updates to POIs, services and spatial information easier. The result is a reusable, scalable digital base prepared for future deployments in similar environments.
