Using Three-Dimensional Volumetric Analysis in Everyday Urban Planning Processes

It is extremely difficult for urban planners to envision an appropriate future for fast-growing cities using only conventional planning tools and techniques. Typically, development plans are prepared using simple two-dimensional (2D) maps that have no means of three-dimensional (3D) visualisation. This paper presents a methodology for analysing the built environment using a 3D volumetric analysis. We used the ArcScene™ software package to produce a 3D model from a dynamic database and to integrate land use, building use, and height with a floor space index, water distribution network, and wastewater network. We analysed the physical infrastructure parameters (i.e., water and wastewater) to show that 3D volumetric analysis can substantially improve the planning of an urban space and support the decision-making processes. We identified a strong need for 3D tools and demonstrated that urban planners can plan more efficiently by integrating 3D volumetric analyses into existing planning processes that focus on urban-related issues.