Detailed map data could soon bring Norwegian cities to life in three dimensions. A new pilot project suggests that Norway is exceptionally well placed to create realistic digital city models, thanks to its high-quality 2.5D vector data. The findings are presented in the newly released report called ‘Preliminary Project – Volume Geometry in Norwegian Geodata Management’, now available on the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s website.
The study explored how municipalities currently use three-dimensional representations – known as volume geometry – in urban planning and building management, as well as the challenges they face in data quality and integration. Conducted between October 2024 and June 2025, the project was funded by Geovekstforum and the Research Council of Norway.
The working group concludes that volume geometry should continue to be treated as a derived product, created from 2.5D vector data and other sources, rather than as a standalone dataset. To improve accuracy, a dedicated test project is recommended, focusing on more detailed data and enhanced quality control. Based on the outcomes of such a test, the FKB dataset (Norway’s national large-scale mapping database) could then be further developed to better support three-dimensional modelling.
Five municipalities – Bodø, Trondheim, Bergen, Stavanger and Oslo – contributed insights into how they currently use city models in planning and construction cases, as well as their needs for improved datasets.
Private-sector partners Geodata, Norconsult and Norkart described their methods for generating volume geometries from existing FKB data and outlined the challenges of sharing these models with public authorities. Meanwhile, Kartverket (Norwegian Mapping Authority) and Field provided an overview of how FKB data is collected and quality assured.
The full report, titled ‘Forprosjekt Volumgeometri i norsk geodataforvaltning‘, also reviews international practices for 3D city models and identifies which national and international specifications are most relevant for Norway.
The report highlights that Norway’s highly detailed FKB dataset offers a strong foundation for creating accurate 3D representations of cities and buildings. Unlike many other countries, which only have access to building footprints, Norway’s dataset includes detailed roof structures, which are crucial for generating realistic 3D models. However, the study also identifies several areas for improvement, including data consistency and integration across systems.
The work shows that Norway has a unique starting point for creating detailed 3D representations from the very detailed FKB data in 2.5D.
