The Townsville council will introduce a virtual 3D model of the city which residents will be able to use to view their city by 'flying though’ and viewing the new planning scheme.
Geographic Information System (GIS) technology from intelligent mapping specialists Esri Australia has been used to create a digital 3D map of the regional city.
Council’s geospatial solutions manager Kenneth Melchert said residents can experience the technology when Council’s new planning scheme is released for community consultation and public notification in the second half of this year.
“Historically planning schemes have been presented on hardcopy paper maps or using flat 2D digital images with coloured areas representing the various planning zones,” Melchert said.
“Later this year, Townsville residents will have access to a ‘fly through’ 3D video of key components of the new planning scheme that will contain a range of virtual structures to allow viewers to see potentially what a zoned area might look like.
“For example, if an area is zoned ‘mixed residential’, we can place a hypothetical three storey building on that part of the 3D map to illustrate the type of buildings that may be expected there.
Melchert said that by adding the proposed buildings to the model, planners will be able to assess how developments will affect the city’s skyline and other resident’s line of sight, as well as the shading impact on other buildings.
“This will provide an invaluable tool for our planners to explain development guidelines and legislation and remove confusion about why certain decisions are made.
“Eventually we will extend the application and capability of 3D modelling technology to environmental modelling, disaster management and hazard assessment.”
Esri Australia 3D specialist Kellie Persson said that the 3D models can display a range of information such as the geological terrain, road networks, building heights and flight paths:
“A vast range and depth of data can now be entered into 3D GIS technology, making it possible to create highly realistic virtual worlds,” Persson said.
“They contain everything Council planners need to know to begin to model the shadows of multi-storey building proposals or anticipate the effects of varying flood levels on city infrastructure.
Townsville Directions 2013 is part of a national Esri Australia roadshow and will showcase the latest developments in GIS technology, featuring presentations from local, national and international experts and never-before-seen technical demonstrations.
