Virtual Environment Planning System
Uncategorized, community, planning, public health, spatial analysis July 31st, 2008
One of the more interesting presentations that I saw at GeoWeb was about the creation of a 3D City Model for Public Participation. The presentation by Jürgen Bogdahn of the University of Applied Science in Stuttgart detailed a planning prototype that combined 2D and 3D visualization with comments linked to the map.
The case study involved noise simulation maps, a European Union mandated analysis effort, with simulation for time of day. The interface presented some potential development plans, and citizens could comment specifically on the map representation and presentation, pinpointing location and allowing search on comments via the map view.
The system is called the Virtual Environment Planning system, and was designed to integrate environmental simulation for noise and flooding impacts to give residents a better knowledge of the environmental impacts. The system also gives residents a better understanding of alternate planning proposals and empowers them to provide input the outcome.
The way that Jürgen explained it, the comment tool is PHP-Based, with comments as features in an OGC sense. Comments are in a common markup language, and tools to analyze the comments support WFS. The comments are linked to position and 3D perspective, and a map view allows you to see all the comments tied to points on the map or model view.
Jügen mentioned that the interface had been tested for usability, but never used in actual planning due to funding limits. He also hinted that the local planning authority became a bit concerned that they’d receive far too many comments with this system.
It’s a shame that this system has yet to be implemented. I like the idea of geo-referenced comments, that could really dig down into minute details in a 3D model. Consider the kind of queries that you could conduct with this data. Correlating comments to locations could provide some really interesting insights, and could lead to some innovative city designs.
I’m convinced that efforts to make cities more livable and workable is a priority pursuit. Input from the collective citizenry could go a long way in making neighborhoods a pleasant place to live. Having input into our surroundings is important for instilling a pride of place.
UPDATE: You can view VEPs here, including online demos.
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