Visualizing the third dimension : map guidelines for a 3D detailed development plan

Abstract: Public participation during urban development is key for setting a project up for success and for supporting sustainable growth, but current detailed development plans available in paper-based 2D format are difficult for the public to understand. The literature has shown that the introduction of 3D visualizations can improve citizens’ understanding of a plan proposal; however, moving from static 2D to digital 3D space requires effective visualization tailored to this specific application. The aim of this study is to develop map guidelines for the web-based 3D visualization of detailed plans in Sweden, with the intention of supporting a more sustainable building process through an improvement of public understanding of plan proposals. This study explores whether a 3D detailed plan improves communication of the plan proposal to the public, whether the establishment of map guidelines supports the use of 3D detailed plans for future public participation, and what the actual map guidelines for this application are. A 3D model was created of a detailed plan for an ongoing proposal in Lund, Sweden. Four designs testing various cartographic principles were applied to it, and the designs were shared through a web application. A qualitative analysis of the designs was completed through interviews with four professionals in urban planning at the municipality level in Sweden. Based on the interviews, a final set of map guidelines for web-based 3D detailed plans in Sweden was created. The results of the study highlighted the inherent connection between the visualization of a web-based 3D model and the technology behind it. The map guidelines that emerged from the interviews were broadly grouped as cartography or functionality of the digital application. Further discussion with the participants indicated that a 3D detailed plan would improve communication of the plan proposal to the public when care is taken to avoid misleading visualizations. The results of the interviews showed that map guidelines would support the use of 3D detailed plans and would create a future where the 3D visualization is understood more easily by the public.