Smart Cities - From Concept to Reality with Integrated 3D Analysis & Planning

Today, the maturation of information technology, particularly improvements in computer speed, real-time monitoring and feedback, device independence, and the integrating capabilities of GIS as a platform, is transforming the smart community from a theoretical concept into reality.

Cities have long suffered from a lack of comprehensive planning, unsustainable development, and the ineffective use of resources. Ongoing efforts undertaken throughout the world to better understand the complex dynamics of urban life seek to create sustainable cities in the future.

For many years, the Fraunhofer Society, Europe’s largest application-focused research organization, has analyzed the expansion of population worldwide and its impact on resources. Its research is used to develop solutions for the problems inherent in unsustainable growth and apply these lessons to future development.

In 2010, the society launched Morgenstadt: City of the Future. The goal of this initiative is to develop and implement technologies for future cities that are climate adapted, carbon dioxide neutral, and energy efficient.

“We used GIS technologies combined with geodesign planning methodology to support the implementation of a holistic approach to sustainable urban development,”

Many datasets were needed by PSU to [develop an interactive 3D model with Esri CityEngine] and to complete the project. The City of Cologne provided a digital terrain model (DTM); digital surface model (DSM); cadastral data; high-resolution orthophotos; aerial photos; Building Energy Specification Table (BEST) and Energy Performance Certificates on the buildings that are currently in an old residential quarter of the project area; master plan document; development plans; environmental data; and models for flooding, air pollution, noise, and traffic, as well as related statistical data.

“Other input included lidar elevation data and a BIM [Building Information Modeling] data, all of which we integrated with CityEngine to develop our 3D model of a redeveloped Mülheim Süd,” said Schaller. “Including the BIM with CityEngine allows architects to align their design with that of the planning engineers’ work, which can’t be done with BIM alone. In future development stages, the 3D model of the entire district can be used for the city planning process, public participation initiatives, and energy and environmental modeling.” PSU used these datasets and models, combined with the plans and sketches of buildings, walkways, parks, and other features proposed by the architects and urban planners, to create detailed 3D models to support a new master plan of a revitalized Mülheim Süd. These models take into consideration several environmental factors.

Read more here, and then explore the app developed for the City Lab Case of SmartCity Cologne.

Excerpted from Esri ArcUSER, Winter 2017 because it is such a comprehensive example of modern systems modeling information technology applied to city and regional sustainability planning and desigh.