Map generation system and method for generating an accurate building shadow

A method comprising:

• extracting pixel values from a raster image of one or more buildings;
• processing the pixel values so as to retain pixel values within a predefined range while eliminating other pixel values, wherein the pixel values that are retained as a result of being within the predefined range represent a shadow;
• modifying a representation of the shadow by modifying the pixel values of respective pixels based upon a shape of the one or more buildings as defined by a building layer such that the representation of the shadow, as modified, has a shape corresponding to the shape of the one or more buildings;
• and
• causing presentation or storage of the building layer representing the one or more buildings and a shadow layer representing the shadow having the shape corresponding to the shape of the one or more buildings.

A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code portions stored therein, the computer-executable program code portions comprising program code instructions configured to:

• extract pixel values from a raster image of one or more buildings;
• process the pixel values so as to retain pixel values within a predefined range while eliminating other pixel values, wherein the pixel values that are retained as a result of being within the predefined range represent a shadow;
• modify a representation of the shadow by modifying the pixel values of respective pixels based upon a shape of the one or more buildings as defined by a building layer such that the representation of the shadow, as modified, has a shape corresponding to the shape of the one or more buildings;
• and
• cause presentation or storage of the building layer representing the one or more buildings and a shadow layer representing the shadow having the shape corresponding to the shape of the one or more buildings.