Visual Representations, Usability and Urban Planning in Real-time 3D Geovisualization

Urban landscapes and their possible changes can be visually represented in 3D Geovisualization. In this study, forthcoming changes at Aalborg University, Denmark, have been visualized in three different visual representations: a 2D Plan View, a simple 3D Model View and a photorealistic 3D World View. Ten subjects and two expert evaluators have been consulted with the purpose of studying the use of the three views in public presentation. The test indicates that the World View is considered informative, navigation-supporting and imaginative aside from providing volumetric information. It is therefore clearly preferred by the subjects, while the Model View only provides volumetric information. A public planner however, needs the Model View to avoid exaggerated expectations and misunderstandings caused by visualization of unknown factors. It is more likely to occur in World View, and for these reasons World View needs careful considerations in relation with public presentations of district plans.