Urban Planning Using Powerful 3D Models
When it comes to planning the cities of the future, accounting for population growth and maximizing space in dense areas, nothing compares to using the power of 3D models for urban development. The rise of digital representation of cities has grown significantly in recent years, especially as the quality and data of 3D models have improved, helping city planners and engineers better immerse themselves in a virtual environment.
Vexcel introduced 3D Cities at the beginning of 2024, offering ready-to-use 3D digital twins for major metro areas in 60+ areas worldwide. These super-detailed and realistic city views were a step up from other available 3D options thanks to Vexcel’s high-resolution aerial imagery and geospatial data.
Smart Ways Urban Planners Use 3D Data
Urban development is increasingly leveraging 3D data to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of planning and design processes. By using advanced 3D modeling techniques with high quality data, urban planners can boost their use of 3D data in the following ways.
VISUALIZATION
Designers can create detailed representations of existing environments, allowing for better analysis of spatial relationships and potential impacts of new structures. The ability to visualize projects in three dimensions enables stakeholders to identify and assess potential issues early in the design phase, like overshadowing, and make better, more informed decisions about new infrastructure.
CAD ENHANCEMENT
Use 3D models integrated with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawings, providing architects and engineers with precise information for generating plans that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also structurally sound. Consequently, the synergy between 3D data and CAD technology is transforming urban development, promoting smarter and more sustainable city planning.
SIMULATION
Urban planners can create 3D models that simulate how different designs will work within existing spaces and start to test how their size/scale/scope will have an impact on the environment or future developments.
SUSTAINABILITY
3D models can help those looking to create the smart cities of the future understand how to better create a more sustainable urban development by optimizing green space or traffic flow, assessing energy consumption, and better understanding public safety.
Case Study: City of Nashville Experiences Rapid Urban Growth
The City of Nashville, TN, experienced rapid urban growth—more than 24,000 in 2023—and urban development and planning departments were inundated with pressing needs to address growing population concerns. They searched for solutions and came across Vexcel’s 3D data to visualize the impact of an exploding citizen base.
They began to build their data sets with Vexcel’s highly detailed models to visually assist their efforts in analyzing the impact of current—and future—urban growth. They took that information and integrated it into their own GIS workflows, and created realistic models by inserting new buildings where they could visualize future developments.
The result was the ability to conduct more accurate development planning, perform an enhanced impact analysis for viewshed and shadows, and then communicate to the community on their website the 3D models for better engagement and buy-in.
Strengthen your planning with high quality 3D data
Building out your 3D models starts with high-quality 3D data, which is an imperative step towards efficient and sustainable city management as an urban planner. Integrating 3D modeling in urban development supports strategic planning and cultivates a proactive approach to managing the complexities of growing urban environments. By employing high-quality 3D models, urban planners can uncover valuable insights, optimize resource distribution, and craft urban environments that are both functional and resilient against future challenges.
If you would like to learn more about Vexcel’s 3D Cities and see a demo for yourself, fill out the form to connect with one of our team members today.
