Digital & Visualization Tools

Photos/Videos Documentation. The process of capturing and recording visual data to document the existing conditions of a site or area, as well as the progress and changes that occur throughout the planning and development process.

Website. Well-designed websites can be an effective tool to engage the public. The website should be easy to navigate and understand. It should also be optimized for mobile devices, as many people use their smartphones to access the internet. It should provide clear and concise information about the planning process. 

Online Forum. Online forums are virtual platforms that allow members of the public, stakeholders, and planning professionals to engage in discussions and share information related to urban planning issues. Online forums provide an opportunity for individuals who may not be able to attend in-person events to participate in the planning process. Online forums can take various forms, including discussion boards, social media groups, and web-based platforms specifically designed for urban planning. 

Virtual Open House. These are similar to traditional open houses but are hosted online. Virtual open houses typically provide project information, including maps, renderings, and text descriptions, as well as opportunities for the public to ask questions, provide feedback, and participate in surveys. They may also include videos, interactive features, and other multimedia elements to provide a more engaging experience for participants.

Social Media. The purpose of social media is to informally engage the public, especially those who are active on social media. Planning-related content can be regularly shared via social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and the agency website. Materials such as flyers, fact sheets, posters, and explanatory videos are shared on social media and email lists.  

3D modeling. 3D modeling creates digital models of urban environments such as buildings, streets, and public spaces, using specialized software, such as SketchUp Blender, Autodesk 3D Max, and Revit. These models can be used for:

Visualizing proposed development to help stakeholders better understand the potential impacts of these changes and make more informed decisions; and

Collaborating among various stakeholders to develop and test new ideas. 

Virtual Reality. Virtual reality (VR) tools can provide a powerful and immersive way for users to experience virtual environments. These tools typically use advanced computer graphics, sensors, and tracking systems to create an immersive and interactive experience that can be viewed through a VR headset or other display device. Popular devices include Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR. 

Augmented Reality. Augmented reality (AR) enables urban planners to simulate and visualize how built environment features such as bridges, buildings, or public spaces, will impact a certain neighborhood. These AR tools can result in highly involving public participation strategies and opportunities for communities to shape and visualize their own ideas in place. 

Animation. Animation can trigger public interest as well as demonstrate the impact of the proposed development. Popular animation software (they are also 3D modeling software at the same time) includes Lumion, 3ds Max, Unreal Engine, and SketchUp with plugins. SketchUp can also be used for creating animations with the help of various plugins, such as Lumion LiveSync and Enscape. 

Interactive Maps. Interactive maps not only present project information with geographic references, but they can also collect public input effectively, especially by identifying locations of interest in the study area. Some of the companies providing interactive mapping services are Google Maps, Maptionnaire, MetroQuest, Tableau, QGIS, and ArcGIS.