Assessing the Applicability and Effectiveness of 3D Visualisation in Environmental Impact Assessment

Abstract

Computerised 3D models are more intuitive and rich in landscape detail. They are considered an essential visualisation method for the presentation of environmental data with spatial contents. The 3D technology has been increasingly applied in environmental impact assessment (EIA) and urban planning to view and better appreciate human impacts on the environment. Their uses are not restricted to the professionals. Because of their great likeness to the natural world, 3D representations have also been employed to convey information to the general population through public hearings, workshops, and the Internet. The use of 3D visualisation in EIA applications is not without problems, particularly for those without the necessary skills in computer operations and map comprehension. This paper is an assessment of the applicability and effectiveness of 3D visualisation in EIA. First we illustrate different scenarios of 3D portrayals in environmental management. This is followed by a discussion about the problems and concerns of using 3D visualisation in presenting environmental data. These issues are examined in greater detail to highlight various technical considerations and types of data suitable (or not suitable) for the implementation of 3D models. A reference is made to the potential incorporation of feedback mechanisms in a 3D system intended for public participation.

2D Cartography Training: Has the Time Come for a Paradigm Shift?

“…Three-dimensional maps are easier to read because the terrain is depicted with a side view, similar to how people see it in their everyday lives, instead of a top-down view [22]. Taking this into account, in tasks related to the evaluation of environmental impact, Lai, Kwong and Mak [23] highlighted that 3D technology is popular due to the similarity of these representations with the landscape. However, this apparent advantage does not seem to be reflected in 3D technologies ability to support the interpretation of geospatial information in educational fields.…”

Enhancing ‘Boundary Work' Through the Use of Virtual Reality: Exploring the Potential within Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

“…The process of understanding and mitigating visual impacts is often complex and subjective involving many actors (Lai, Kwong, & Mak, 2010; Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment [LI & IEMA], 2013). Although advances in GIS methodology are providing increasingly sophisticated map analysis of the potential or theoretical spatial scale of the visual impacts of development (Zone of Theoretical Visibility, viewshed analysis), some additional measures are often required to help people appreciate the likely landscape and visual impacts of a development (LI & IEMA, 2013;Wilson, Lindsey, & Liu, 2008).…”

“…Due to technical advances and falling costs, the potential for computer-based visualization has greatly improved and has been increasingly adopted within planning processes and wider land use decisions. Within landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) processes, 1 images in the form of photographic representations or photomontages are commonly used (Berry, Higgs, Fry, & Langford, 2011;Danese, Las Casas, & Murgante, 2008;Lai et al, 2010;Palmer & Hoffman, 2001). These image-based methods provide vital comparisons using before and after scenarios of a development and the effects of mitigation measures and screening options.…”

“…More formally defined, VR is the 'ability of the user of a constructed view of a limited digitally encoded information domain to change their view in three dimensions causing update of the view presented to any viewer, especially the user' (Fisher & Unwin, 2002, p. 1). Despite its apparent potential for enabling interaction and its increasing adoption within urban contexts, the use of VR within LVIA tends to be limited to academic-led studies rather than being more regularly adoption within practice (Berry et al, 2011;Lai et al, 2010). Whilst there are a range of other interactive media available, such as gaming approaches, they can have 'very different user interaction goals' (Vervoort, Kok, van Lammeren, & Veldkamp, 2010, p. 610).…”

Mediating fragile ecologies through digital technologies for sustainable tourism

“…Thus, the external 3D visualisation of a locality could be appropriate to use as an assessment of environmental-fit. In environmental impact assessment (EIA) and urban planning, the visualisation facilitates viewing and better appreciation of human impacts on the environment [20]. Whilst EIA covers many environmental factors, this experiment will examine specifically on the external visual impact of a new structure into the fragile ecology.…”