This study presents an accurate method for extracting building heights and the number of floors in Ahvaz through the innovative integration of the normalized Digital Surface Model (nDSM) and 360-degree panoramic images. Precise structural information is crucial for effective planning and management in a metropolis like Ahvaz. The nDSM model, derived from the difference between the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and the Digital Surface Model (DSM), serves as the primary basis for height extraction.



To enhance accuracy and rectify potential elevation data errors, 360-degree panoramic images act as a complementary verification source. The processing procedure involved extracting and refining building elevation data from the nDSM by applying filters to eliminate non-building noise and utilizing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Model validation was executed through systematic comparisons of nDSM results with field observations and visual analyses of building characteristics in panoramic images.

To estimate the number of floors, the average height of each floor (nDSM_b) was calculated from the nDSM data and subsequently compared and corrected by visually counting the floors in the panoramic images, considering architectural details such as external stairs and semi-basement levels.

The findings indicate an uneven distribution of building heights in Ahvaz, with 130,538 single-story buildings (the highest frequency) compared to only three eighteen-story buildings (the lowest frequency). The results demonstrate a significant increase in the accuracy of height extraction and floor estimation through the integration of these data sources. This innovative approach enhances the understanding of Ahvaz's spatial structure and serves as a valuable tool for optimizing spatial development planning, resource allocation, and managerial decision-making, potentially benefiting other metropolitan areas in the country.