Geometric basis for planning and analysis
The preservation of historic buildings is a major challenge in the planning of sustainable infrastructures such as heat supply and mobile phone networks.
Listed buildings play a special role here: they make demands on the protection of the building fabric, but often have to be excluded or given special consideration in technical planning.
LoD2 data in combination with Nexiga solutions provide a precise basis for this and make it possible to identify historic buildings.
LoD2 (Level of Detail 2) data not only depicts the floor plans and structures of the buildings, but also their roof shapes and basic structures. In concrete terms, this means for residential buildings:
- Detailed 3D models for the analysis of roof structures (e.g. for radio masts, photovoltaic systems)
- Recording roof pitches and areas as a basis for heat demand analyses
- Identification of building types (e.g. apartment buildings, detached and semi-detached houses, old or new buildings)
In the case of listed buildings, LoD2 data provides important information as to which buildings are structurally sensitive and therefore not suitable for certain plans.
Visualization of 3D city models
Using the 3D city model of Cologne, a city with a population of over a million, as an example, our tool allows users to interactively explore historic buildings and their urban surroundings.
This regional example illustrates how building information can be enriched in great detail: from the Nexiga building code to the LOD2 identification number and official building boundaries, all the way to details such as building function, historic preservation status, height, address, and municipal code.
Here you can explore the data in real time and zoom in to the building level.
Application in Cell Tower Planning
LoD2 data for site analysis and exclusion of listed buildings
When planning cell towers (e.g., for 5G networks), buildings designated as historic landmarks must generally be excluded, as changes to the building’s structure—such as antennas on roofs—can detract from their historical value.
LoD2 data helps in several ways here:
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Identification of suitable roofs of residential buildings for radio masts (flat roofs, sufficient surface area, load-bearing capacity)
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Exclusion of listed objects through combination with monument attributes from Nexiga databases
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Analysis of lines of sight and visual impact on the cityscape, especially in sensitive zones such as around churches or in old town districts
Use in thermal planning
LoD2 data for building typing and protection of existing buildings
Municipal heating planning aims to efficiently connect existing and new buildings to sustainable heating networks. LoD2 data therefore makes this possible:
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Typification of residential buildings (roof areas , volume, number of storeys)
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Calculation of heat requirements at house level
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Visualization of potential routes for district heating pipes , taking into account listed buildings, which are often not allowed to be included in renovation or connection plans.
In the case of old buildings and listed facades in particular, energy-efficient refurbishment is often only possible to a limited extent. LoD2 data helps to identify these objects and exclude them from planning in order to avoid conflicts with the monument protection authorities.
Structural changes to facades: Restrictions for monuments/historically relevant buildings
When it comes to facade renovations—such as thermal insulation, window replacement, or roof renovations—strict requirements often apply to historic buildings.
LoD2 data supports the following use cases:
- Delimitation of Affected Buildings in Planning Areas
- Analysis of facade structures and roof shapes to identify vulnerable building elements
- Simulation of construction projects and their impact on the cityscape (e.g., through the integration of 3D renderings)
LoD2 data and Nexiga as a basis for planning
The combination of LoD2 3D data and Nexiga geoinformation systems makes it possible to precisely analyze residential buildings such as the one in Cologne and specifically exclude listed buildings - whether for radio mast planning, heat planning or structural changes to facades.
This makes technical planning more efficient and legally compliant, while at the same time ensuring the protection of historic buildings.
