Generating Smooth Virtual Reality Maps Using 3D Building Blocks

In this paper, we describe a 3D modeling program called RMBL3D, Realistic Maps Built like Legos, which manipulates the architectural repetition in building structures to produce realistic 3D models. This paper details the features and aspects of the RMBL3D program and tests the viability of using 3D objects as building blocks to generate a virtual map. RMBL3D is designed to be the visualization program of an autonomous mapping robot. The program takes in a description of the map in the form of character symbols representing objects in the environment and reproduces the 3D version of the map, one that can be explored and navigated by a user.