Survey of 3D Modeling and Decision Support Tools

The Maryland National-Capital Park and Planning Commission is conducting an internal assessment of the how commercially available 3D modeling and decision support tools could enhance the planning process in Prince George’s County. To inform this assessment, we are conducting a survey of other planning departments and local government agencies, in the United States and internationally, to learn how other jurisdictions are making use of three types of tools:

• 3D Modeling Tools (such as 3DS Max, Google SketchUp, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, etc) that support the design and rendering of digital 3D models.
• Real Time 3D Viewers (such as GoogleEarth, Microsoft Virtual Earth / Bing, ArcExplorer, Skyline, etc.) that support real-time "fly-throughs" of 3D models.
• Decision Support Tools (such as ArcGIS, CommunityViz, CityGreen, INDEX, I-Place3s, etc.) that support the analysis of planning scenarios and the impacts of potential planning decisions.

We hope to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of existing tools, associated cost and staffing considerations, and how available technology can enhance different aspects of the planning process. Upon completion of this research, we look forward to sharing our findings with colleagues in other jurisdictions.

To begin the survey, please follow the link above. We thank you for taking the time to respond and encourage you to share this survey with other agencies and colleagues who might be interested in contributing to this effort. Please note that this survey will close on November 5, 2009.