Synthetic ground truth dataset to detect shadows cast by static objects in outdoors

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a precise synthetic ground truth dataset to study the problem of detection of the shadows cast by static objects in outdoor environments during extended periods of time (days). For our dataset, we have created a virtual scenario using a rendering software. To increase the realism of the simulated environment, we have defined the scenario in a precise geographical location. In our dataset the sun is by far the main illumination source. The sun position during the simulation time takes into consideration factors related to the geographical location, such as the latitude, longitude, elevation above sea level, and precise image capturing day and time. In our simulation the camera remains fixed. The dataset consists of seven days of simulation, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Images are captured every 10 seconds. The shadows' ground truth is automatically computed by the rendering software.