3D visualizations are not new as it is more than a decade old, but every day the 3D GIS is making rapid progress. It has now evolved into the most dependable and realistic model representation of various dimensions captured across three different planes. There used to a time when despite surveyors recording three dimensions during surveys, the third dimension usually remained invisible. The advent of the best 3D GIS has done away with the problem as the models are now used not only for visualization but also to make the best use of the data.
3D models are more informative
The beauty of 3D models is that these are actual representations of real-world objects because the 3D GISallow collection and representation of various data that was not possible with 2D GIS. The manner of selection of the data can often limit the possibilities of translating it into a realistic model. For example, data accuracy with a tolerance of 2m would not show detail such as exact building outline or roof direction, but this would never affect one’s understanding about the visibility at a high level or how things interact with each other.
City planning in 3D
City planning is quite a complicated exercise. City planners have to balance their acts perfectly to support continued development through infrastructure expansion while protecting the historical architecture and at the same time ensuring the protection of the environment. It all begins by taking a complete view of the existing urban ecosystem with the help of 3D GIS technology that empowers city planners with many options. The tool helps in creating models for risk assessment, assess the impact of new constructions and develop designs for proper infrastructure that is beneficial for the residents as well as the surrounding environment.
Analyzing 3D models
Using technology for creating 3D models helps to accomplish a part of the task of city planners. They have to look for solutions to complete the project. That is possible by using technology intelligently to analyze the models that can provide the solutions that city planners are looking for. Moreover, they have to depend on the GIS technicians to access the data of the models and manipulate it. To make things easy for all others to access and analyze the data of the 3D models, software is now available that allows consolidation of all data in a geo database for everyone to obtain. It has opened new possibilities and more options as it is now possible to analyze 3D models in many different ways. Environmental engineers, urban planners, and the building management staff can have access to the models.
Benefits of 3D models
Impact assessment – The models are helpful to assess the impact of proposed new construction on the city assets. To determine the effect of the prosed buildings on swimming pools, planners use the shadow analysis.
The line of sight analysis– This analysis helps to determine that the proposed new constructions will not interfere with the existing view of the city.
The ability to assess the visual impact is the most significant benefit of 3D models that provide the right perspective.