Survey on three-dimensional spatial data models in GIS

In order to organize and manage three-dimensional (3D) spatial data, effective spatial data models are necessary and very important in geographic information system (GIS) and it has become the key to the successful application of GIS. In this paper, the research status of 3d spatial model is analyzed and commented based on the previous research results. Firstly, this paper discuses the classification system of spatial model (facial spatial model, volumetric spatial model and mixed spatial model). Secondly, the modeling principles, advantages and disadvantages of each model are discussed systematically. As a conclusion, for its performance, the integrated spatial models will play an important role in the 3D GIS. Finally, future research directions are discussed tersely.