Virtual reality in urban planning and design

Abstract

Visualisation technologies are poised to play an increasing role within the planning and development industry. We propose that a visualisation drawing on a relational database could become an integral part of planning and design. 2D GIS is becoming accepted and iteratively deployed by nonexperts such as planners. From an information management perspective there is little difference between 2D and 3D data, and from a user perspective there need be little difference between 2D and 3D desktop metaphors. There are many issues that need to be addressed. We touched on the need to establish adequate levels of content control; the need for effective detail management; and the value of providing for data interoperability. Other issues that require consideration include the establishment of maintenance and verification procedures and data storage & integration issues. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.