Researchers have developed a new technique that can help create high-quality, accurate 3D models of large-scale landscapes — essentially, digital replicas of the real world. The framework reconstructs the geometry, structure and appearance of an area using highly detailed images taken by aircraft typically flying higher than 30,000 feet. These large-scale aerial images — usually more than 200 megapixels each — are then processed to produce precise 3D models of cityscapes, landscapes or mixed areas. They can model their appearance right down to the structures’ colors.