3-D Visualisation and GIS as a Common Platform for Planning
by
Mimi Zaleha Binti Abdul Ghani B. Arch. Houston (downtown), M. Arch. (digital media) Adelaide
Submitted in fulfilment of requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Deakin University February, 2012
DEAKIN UNIVERSITY CANDIDATE DECLARATION
I certify that the thesis entitled
‘3-D Visualisation and GIS as a Common Planning Tool’
submitted for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
is the result of my own work and that where reference is made to the works of others, due acknowledgement is given.
I also certify that any material in the thesis which has been accepted for a degree or diploma by any university or institution is identified in the text.
'I certify that I am the student named below and that the information provided in the form is correct'
Full Name: MIMI ZALEHA BINTI ABDUL GHANI
Date: 28 February 2012
Signed:
i
Acknowledgements
This research was funded by The Wyndham City Council, The Ampang Jaya
Municipal Council and the Postgraduate Research Funds.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful for
bestowing throughout my life with his blessings. I would like to acknowledge and
express my gratitude and appreciation to my supervisor Dr. David Beynon, my
associate supervisor Dr. John Rollo and my past supervisor, Dr. Sambit Datta from
Deakin University’s School of Architecture and Building.
I would also like to thank:
My research partner Dr. Craig Toussaint, from the Wyndham City Council.
Mr. Awang Mustapha and staff from the Planning Department of the Ampang
Jaya Municipal Council
Staff from the Building Department of the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council
My research assistants, Megat Noor Ikram, Hafeez Shariffudin, Shafiq
Mohamud Fouzi and Hazman Abu Bakar from the A + B Digital Media Lab
Siti Aekbal Salleh from the Geomatics Department of University Technology
MARA, Malaysia
My heartiest thanks also go to Dr Margaret Kumar from the Division of Student Life
for her academic assistance and moral support through out the research.
I also thank Nor Rima Mohd Ariff, Mohd. Azian Zaidi, Kartina Alauddin, Yuhainis
Abdul Talib and Sally Winkler for their moral support.
ii
Dedication
To my husband,
Yazid Sarkom @ Haji Othman
for his utmost understanding, enduring patience and never ending support
To my children,
Muhamad Faris, Nur Arisyah and Safiya Aisyah
for their endless encouragement and understanding
To my parents,
Arwah Haji Abdul Ghani Ngah and Hajjah Norlia Hassan
for their endless love and prayers
To my sisters,
Wan Kamilah, Wan Ainon Jamillah and Wan Ainon Thuraiya
for their love and care
iii
Research Publications and Presentations
During the course of my candidature, the following papers were published and
presented at conferences:
Refereed Papers
Abdul Ghani and Datta, 2009, Virtual Ampang Jaya: An Interactive
Visualisation Environment for Modelling Urban Growth and Spatio-
Temporal Transformation. The Proceedings of the 4th International Arab
Society Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD
2009), Manama (Kingdom of Bahrain) (11-12 May 2009, p. 379-394)
Abdul Ghani and Datta, 2010, Virtual Melawati: 3-D GIS as a Decision
Support Tool for Urban Planning, The 10th International Conference on
Design and Decision Support Systems in Architecture and Urban Planning,
Evoluon, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. 19-22 July 2010
Abdul Ghani, Beynon and Datta, 2011, Virtual Werribee: 3-D Visualisation
as a Planning Support Tool, International Congress on Modelling and
Simulation (MODSIM 2011), Perth, Australia. 12-16 December 2011
iv
List of Abbreviations
10MP Tenth Malaysian Plan 2-D Two-Dimensional 3-D Three-Dimensional AGISWlk Application of Geographical Information System for Klang Valley Region AHP Analytic Hierarchical Process BTS Build-Then-Sell CAD Computer Aided Design CCC Certificate of Completion and Compliance CFO Certificate of Fitness for Occupation DBKL Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur DCS Development Control System DLP District Local Plans DO Development Order DPCD Department of Planning and Community Development DPP Development Planning Process DSS Decision Support Systems DTM Digital Terrain Model e-govt Electronic Government e-Plan Electronic Plan FDTCP Federal Department of Town and Country Planning GIS Geographic Information System GPS Global Positioning System GSARD Geotechnical Spatial Analysis Research and Development HDR Higher Degree Research ICT Information and Communication Technology IKRAM Malaysian Institute of Public Works (Institut Kerja Raya Malaysia) ISO International Organisation for Standardisation IT Information Technology JAS Department of Environment (Jabatan Alam Sekitar) JBPM Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia) JMG Mineral and Geoscience Department (Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains) JP Agriculture Department (Jabatan Pertanian) JPBD Federal Department of Town and Country Planning (Jabatan Perancang Bandar dan Desa Wilayah) JPBDN State Department of Town and Country Planning (Jabatan Perancang Bandar dan Desa Negeri) JPP Sewerage Services Department (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Pembetungan)
v
JPPH Property Management and Valuation Department (Jabatan Penilaian dan Pengurusan Harta) JPS Department of Irrigation and Drainage (Jabatan Parit dan Saliran) JUPEM Malaysian Survey and Mapping Department KLCH Kuala Lumpur City Hall KPKT Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan) LA Local Authority LIDAR Light Detection and Ranging LPA Local Planning Authority LPPF Local Planning Policy Framework LUTM Land-Use Transportation Model MCA Multi-Criteria Analysis MDeC Multimedia Development Corporation MIMOS Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems MKN National Security Council (Majlis Keselamatan Negara) MOT Ministry of Transportation MPAJ Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya) MRR2 Middle Ring Road Two Highway MSC Multimedia Super Corridor MSS Municipal Strategic Statement MTC Melawati Town Centre NaLIS National Infrastructure for Land Information System NPP National Physical Plan NUP National Urban Policy OSC One-Stop-Centre PCU Planning Control Unit PPJ Putrajaya City Planning Department PSS Planning Support Systems PTD/PTG District Land Office / Department of Land and Mineral (Pejabat Tanah Daerah / Pejabat Tanah dan Galian) PWD/JKR Public Works Department (Jabatan Kerja Raya) SDTCP State Department of Town and Country Planning SPEAR Streamlined Planning through Electronic Applications and Referrals SPPF State Planning Policy Framework SUK State Secretary Office (Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri) TNB National Energy Incorporation (Tenaga Nasional Berhad) UBBL Uniform Building-By-Laws VCAT Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal VIA Visualisation Impact Assessment VPP Victoria Planning Provisions VRML Virtual Reality Modelling Language WCC Wyndham City Council WGAP Werribee Growth Area Plan
vi
List of Tables
Table 2-1: Profile of case studies ............................................................................ 8 Table 2-2: The Planning Permit Process in Victoria ............................................. 31 Table 4-1: Research design ................................................................................... 66 Table 4-2: Colour coding ...................................................................................... 70 Table 6-1: Public participation ............................................................................ 126 Table 6-2: Means and ranking of factors for good decisions .............................. 130 Table 6-3: Good decisions ................................................................................... 130 Table 6-4: Planning tools .................................................................................... 131 Table 6-5: Decision makers ................................................................................. 136 Table 6-6: Intuition and interpretation ................................................................ 141 Table 6-7: Visual assessment .............................................................................. 145 Table 6-8: Urban study and prediction ................................................................ 148 Table 6-9: Slope and hillside development ......................................................... 151 Table 6-10: City vision ........................................................................................ 153 Table 6-11: A common tool- 3-D visualisation and GIS .................................... 155 Table 7-1: Interest of the council officer in developing Virtual Werribee .......... 182 Table 7-2: New development .............................................................................. 185 Table 7-3: Re-development ................................................................................. 188 Table 7-4: Hypothetical development ................................................................. 190 Table 7-5: 3-D interactive visualisation for decision making, discussion and verification ........................................................................................................... 195 Table 7-6: Werribee master plan ......................................................................... 197 Table 7-7: Pedestrian Bridge ............................................................................... 198 Table 7-8: River Bank Mall ................................................................................. 199 Table 7-9: Wedge Street Piazza .......................................................................... 200 Table 7-10: River Bend Precinct ......................................................................... 201 Table 7-11: Kelly Park ........................................................................................ 202
vii
List of Figures
Figure 2-1: Map of Ampang Jaya .......................................................................... 10 Figure 2-2: Aerial view of Ampang Point from Google Earth .............................. 10 Figure 2-3: Aerial view of Melawati from Google Earth ...................................... 12 Figure 2-4: Planning improvement for Melawati .................................................. 12 Figure 2-5: Map of Greater Melbourne encompassing Werribee ......................... 12 Figure 2-6: Aerial view of Werribee from Google Earth ...................................... 14 Figure 2-7: Map of Wyndham ............................................................................... 14 Figure 2-8: Malaysian development planning framework .................................... 15 Figure 2-9: The Selangor State Government Structure ......................................... 17 Figure 2-10: The Development Planning Process flowchart prior to OSC ........... 20 Figure 2-11: The Development Planning Process flowchart with OSC ................ 22 Figure 2-12: Development areas in Melbourne 2013 ............................................ 25 Figure 2-13: Capacity for urban and residential development .............................. 25 Figure 2-14: The Planning Permit Procedure ........................................................ 28 Figure 3-1: Digital cities, Amsterdam (left) and Helsinki (right) ......................... 46 Figure 3-2: 3-D city model generation used for Virtual Time-Space of Kyoto .... 47 Figure 3-3: Photorealistic city model with virtual reality and internet for the Virtual Time-Space of Kyoto ............................................................................................ 48 Figure 3-4: The potential role of virtual model for urban analysis ....................... 49 Figure 3-5: Urban growth of Virtual Kyoto from year 1928 to 2000 ................... 51 Figure 4-1: Research framework - 3D visualisation as a common platform for the Development Planning Process in Selangor .......................................................... 65 Figure 4-2: Respondents' role ................................................................................ 71 Figure 4-3: Respondents' organisation attachment ................................................ 72 Figure 4-4: Respondents’ technical background ................................................... 72 Figure 4-5: Respondents' seniority ........................................................................ 73 Figure 5-1: 3-D visualisation and GIS for the Development Planning Process .... 83 Figure 5-2: The key problems in the Development Planning Process .................. 84 Figure 5-3: The critical source of the key problems in the Development Planning Process ................................................................................................................. 100 Figure 6-1: Public participation ........................................................................... 129 Figure 6-2: Decision making ............................................................................... 135 Figure 6-3: Decision makers ............................................................................... 139 Figure 6-4: Planning assessment ......................................................................... 140 Figure 6-5: Intuition and interpretation ............................................................... 144 Figure 6-6: Visual assessment ............................................................................. 147 Figure 6-7: Slope and hillside development ........................................................ 152 Figure 6-8: City vision ........................................................................................ 154 Figure 6-9: A common tool ................................................................................. 158 Figure 7-1: The entrance to Melawati from MRR2 highway .............................. 164 Figure 7-2: Rendered image of the proposed upgrading of entrance .................. 164
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Figure 7-3: 3-D GIS showing multiple viewpoints of the existing signage from MRR2 highway ................................................................................................... 165 Figure 7-4: (left) Traffic congestion along the one-way-traffic route. (right). An idle parking booth beside new parking machines .......................................... 166 Figure 7-5: 2-D view of traffic route marked in red and yellow lines in ArcMap................................................................................................................166 Figure 7-6: 3-D view of traffic and parking system in ArcScene ....................... 167 Figure 7-7: Existing less received side of the double frontage shop offices ....... 168 Figure 7-8: The modelled scene. ......................................................................... 169 Figure 7-9: Multiple viewpoints of the double frontage shop offices. ................ 169 Figure 7-10: Aerial view of the double frontage shop offices. ........................... 169 Figure 7-11: Raster data conversion in MapInfo ................................................. 171 Figure 7-12: Raster data in ArcCatalog ............................................................... 172 Figure 7-13: Raster data overlaid with vector data in ArcMap ........................... 172 Figure 7-14: Matching raster and vector data with reduced transparency in ArcMap ................................................................................................................ 173 Figure 7-15: (left) Building footprint exported from ArcScene into SketchUp .. 174 Figure 7-16: (right) Photo editing in Adobe Photoshop ...................................... 174 Figure 7-17: (left) Draped building block in SketchUp® ................................... 174 Figure 7-18: (right) Building blocks visualised in ArcScene .............................. 174 Figure 7-19: The process of overlaying SketchUp® layers (left) in Google Earth (right) ................................................................................................................... 180 Figure 7-20: 3-D GIS - Existing 3-D massing blocks with contour layer viewed in ArcScene. ............................................................................................................ 181 Figure 7-21: 3-D SketchUp® model with existing and new blocks portrayed using different colours .................................................................................................. 181 Figure 7-22: 2-D project developers' drawings ................................................... 192 Figure 7-23: Close-up of design error presented to the council officer for further negotiation with the project developer ................................................................ 193 Figure 7-24: Existing development ..................................................................... 194 Figure 7-25: Hypothetical development .............................................................. 194 Figure 7-26: The development of Ampang Jaya from the early 1900's .............. 206 Figure 7-27: The development of Ampang Jaya in 1960 .................................... 206 Figure 7-28: The development of Ampang Jaya in 2000's .................................. 207 Figure 7-29: Little Korea town in Ampang Point. .............................................. 208 Figure 7-30: (left) Housing and hillside development in Ampang Jaya. (right) Poor public access which is inaccesible by wheelchairs ............................................. 208 Figure 7-31: Process framework for 3-D GIS modelling .................................... 210 Figure 7-32: Example of 3-D integration using ArcGIS® and SketchUp® ....... 211 Figure 7-33: Example of animation development in ArcScene .......................... 213 Figure 8-1: Proposition for developing a 3-D visualisation and GIS model ....... 219 Figure 8-2: Resolving the key problems in the development planning process .. 221 Figure 8-3: Resolving the critical source of the key problems in the development planning process .................................................................................................. 224
ix
Figure 8-4: Requirements for success for developing a 3-D visualisation and GIS model ................................................................................................................... 227 Figure 8-5: Developing a Common Platform for Planning ................................. 231 Figure 8-6: Improving the development planning process .................................. 232 Figure 8-7: Aspiration of planners versus architects in planning assesment ...... 234
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List of Appendices
Appendix 1: List of participants .......................................................................... 249 Appendix 2: Categories, themes and sub-themes ................................................ 250 Appendix 3: Examples of 2-D and 3-D manual and digital representations, including 3-D visualisation and GIS ................................................................... 254 Appendix 4: Quantitative survey questionnaire .................................................. 261 Appendix 5: Progress of Virtual Werribee .......................................................... 270 Appendix 6: Virtual Melawati: 3D GIS as a Decision Support Tool for Urban Planning ............................................................................................................... 274 Appendix 7: Virtual Werribee: A planning support tool ..................................... 288 Appendix 8: Virtual Ampang Jaya: An interactive visualisation environment for modelling urban growth and spatio-temporal transformation ............................. 298
xi
Abstract With rapid urbanisation and the increasing complexity of the built environment,
planning authorities around the world are faced with unprecedented challenges for
addressing urban issues, challenges and development strategies. Recent studies in
three-dimensional (3-D) visualisation and Geographic Information System (GIS)
have shown the potential of these tools to significantly improve urban design and
planning decision making. However, while these studies have concentrated on the
technological capabilities, little is known about the barriers associated with policy,
culture, and organisation in using GIS and 3-D tools. Furthermore, there is a
critical need for research that incorporates the role of these emerging technologies
in the development planning process underlying the planning and control of urban
areas.
I address these issues by demonstrating the potential benefits of 3-D visualisation
and GIS models to enhance the Development Planning Process (DPP) within
Local Planning Authorities (LPAs). I also situate the technological innovation
within the social, cultural, policy and organisational constraints. I identify human
resources, computer infrastructure and financial constraints as important factors to
determine the effective development and application of such models. My
contributions are validated through a qualitative survey involving in-depth
interviews, a quantitative survey, and two case studies in the Malaysian and
Australian planning context. These studies validate the process of developing 3-D
visualisation models for planning applications in the context of local planning
processes in Selangor in Malaysia, and Victoria in Australia. Taken together,
these mixed methods impart a sound understanding of the effective development
and implementation of 3-D visualisation and GIS models for addressing the urban
issues and development faced by local planning authorities.
This study builds on work in the area of 3-D visualisation and GIS to enhance the
DPP in LPAs. It provides additional insight into the potentials of integrating 3-D
visualisation and GIS into the DPP as a common platform for decision making for
the LPAs. The focus on integrating visualisation and GIS to address the issues of
the built environment and to conduct urban analyses using Visualisation Impact
Assessment (VIA) enables another contribution.
xii
Contents 3-D VISUALISATION & GIS AS A COMMON
PLANNING TOOL
Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................... i
Dedication ............................................................................................................... ii
Research Publications and Presentations ............................................................... iii
List of Abbreviations .............................................................................................. iv
List of Tables ........................................................................................................... v
List of Figures ....................................................................................................... vii
List of Appendices ................................................................................................... x
Abstract .................................................................................................................. xi
Contents ................................................................................................................. xii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO STUDY ................................................... 1
1.1 Problem Statement ....................................................................................... 1
1.2 Aim and Objectives ...................................................................................... 2
1.3 Thesis Framework ........................................................................................ 3
CHAPTER 2: BACKGROUND: Case Studies and Planning System .............. 7
2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Part 1: Introduction to Case Studies ............................................................. 7
2.2.1 Ampang Jaya – township profile ............................................................. 8
2.2.1.1 Melawati ..................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Werribee – township profile .................................................................. 13
2.3 Part 2: Planning System ............................................................................. 15
2.3.1 Selangor Planning System ..................................................................... 15
2.3.1.1 Strategic planning ....................................................................... 16
2.3.1.2 Statutory planning ....................................................................... 16
2.3.1.3 Development planning process ................................................... 18
2.3.2 Victorian Planning System ................................................................... 24
2.3.2.1 Strategic planning ....................................................................... 24
2.3.2.2 Statutory planning ....................................................................... 26
2.3.2.3 Development planning process ................................................... 27
xiii
2.4 Part 3: Benchmarking ................................................................................. 29
2.4.1 Planning policy ..................................................................................... 30
2.4.2 Development planning process ............................................................ 30
2.4.2.1 Decision making ......................................................................... 32
2.5 Summary .................................................................................................... 32
CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW .......................................................... 34
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 34
Part 1: 3-D Visualisation and GIS for Planning ..................................................... 35
3.2 Planning Support Tool ............................................................................... 35
3.3 Decision Making Tools ............................................................................. 36
3.4 GIS for planning ........................................................................................ 38
3.4.1 Development Planning and Control ..................................................... 39
3.4.2 Development Planning Process ............................................................ 40
3.4.3 Advantages, Disadvantages and Issues ................................................ 41
3.4.4 3-D GIS ................................................................................................ 42
3.5 Visualisation for Planning .......................................................................... 44
3.5.1 Virtual City ............................................................................................ 46
3.5.2 Urban Growth ........................................................................................ 49
3.5.3 A Common Tool .................................................................................... 51
3.5.3.1 A Common Platform .................................................................... 52
3.5.3.2 The World Wide Web .................................................................. 53
Part 2: Motivation .................................................................................................. 54
3.6 Malaysian Urbanism ................................................................................... 54
3.7 Development Planning Process and Issues ................................................ 55
3.7.1 Delay: overall process ........................................................................... 56
3.7.2. Decision making process ....................................................................... 57
3.7.3 Data updating ........................................................................................ 57
3.7.4 Public Participation ............................................................................... 58
3.8 Computing in Malaysian Planning ............................................................ 59
3.8.1 Mindset ................................................................................................. 60
3.9 Summary .................................................................................................... 60
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH FRAMEWORK AND METHODS .................... 64
4.1 Introduction to Research Framework and Methods ................................... 64
4.2 Methods and Instruments ........................................................................... 64
xiv
4.2.1 Literature Survey .................................................................................. 67
4.2.2 Qualitative Survey: in-depth and open-ended interview ...................... 67
4.2.2.1 Participant ................................................................................... 67
4.2.2.2 Questionnaire .............................................................................. 67
4.2.2.3 Assessment ................................................................................. 69
4.2.3 Quantitative Survey Likert-Scale Questionnaire ................................. 70
4.2.3.1 Respondent ................................................................................. 70
4.2.3.2 Questionnaire .............................................................................. 73
4.2.3.1 Validation and Assessment ......................................................... 77
4.3 Demonstration ............................................................................................ 78
4.3.1 Data acquisition, reconstruction and application .................................. 79
4.4 Ethical Considerations ................................................................................ 80
4.5 Summary .................................................................................................... 81
CHAPTER 5: PROBLEMS AND ISSUES ....................................................... 83
(Key Problems and Critical Source of Key Problems in the Malaysian Development Planning Process) ............................................................................ 83
5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 83
5.2 Part 1: The Key Problems in the DPP ........................................................ 84
5.2.1 Delays in the Development Planning Process ...................................... 85
5.2.1.1 Manual system ............................................................................ 85
5.2.1.2 Bureaucracy ................................................................................ 85
5.2.1.3 Verification ................................................................................. 86
5.2.2 Decision Making .................................................................................. 86
5.2.2.1 Transparency ............................................................................... 86
5.2.2.2 Consistency ................................................................................. 87
5.2.3 Information Management ..................................................................... 88
5.2.3.1 Data availability and accuracy .................................................... 88
5.2.3.2 Data development, updating and co-operation ........................... 89
5.2.3.3 Land use and hillside .................................................................. 90
5.2.3.4 Data organisation and retrieval system ....................................... 92
5.2.3.5 Data sharing and integration ....................................................... 92
5.2.4 Public Participation ............................................................................... 95
5.2.5 Summary ............................................................................................... 97
xv
5.3 Part 2: The Critical Source of the Key Problems in the Development Planning Process .................................................................................................... 99
5.3.1 Planning Tools .................................................................................... 101
5.3.1.1 Current Tools ............................................................................ 101
5.3.1.2 GIS ............................................................................................ 102
5.3.1.3 3-D GIS ..................................................................................... 104
5.3.2 Planning Policy ................................................................................... 105
5.3.2.1 Planning structure ..................................................................... 105
5.3.2.2 Interpretation ............................................................................. 106
5.3.2.3 Local Plans ................................................................................ 108
5.3.2.4 One- Stop-Centre (OSC) ........................................................... 109
5.3.2.5 Coordination ............................................................................. 110
5.3.3 Attitude, Culture and Organisation ..................................................... 112
5.3.3.1 Planners ..................................................................................... 112
5.3.3.2 Top decision makers ................................................................. 114
5.3.4 Constraints ........................................................................................... 117
5.3.4.1 Human resources ...................................................................... 117
5.3.4.2 Computer infrastructure ............................................................ 119
5.3.4.3 Financial budget ........................................................................ 120
5.3.5 Summary and Conclusion ........................................................................ 121
CHAPTER 6: VALIDATION AND ASSESSMENT ..................................... 125
6.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 125
6.2 Public participation ................................................................................... 126
6.3 Decision making ....................................................................................... 130
6.3.1 Good decisions ....................................................................................... 130
6.3.2 Planning tools ......................................................................................... 131
6.4 Decision makers ....................................................................................... 136
6.5 Planning and assessment .......................................................................... 140
6.5.1 Intuition and interpretation .................................................................. 141
6.5.2 Visual assessment ................................................................................ 145
6.5.3 Urban study and prediction ................................................................. 148
6.5.4 Slope and hillside development ........................................................... 151
6.5.5 City Vision .......................................................................................... 153
6.5.6 A common tool: 3-D visualisation and GIS ....................................... 155
xvi
6.6 Summary .................................................................................................. 159
CHAPTER 7: DEMONSTRATION: Process and Application .................... 161
7.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 161
7.2 Virtual Melawati: 3-D Visualisation and GIS as a Decision Support Tool for Urban Planning .............................................................................................. 163
7.2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................... 163
7.2.2 Issues and challenges .......................................................................... 163
7.2.2.1 Image and Visibility ................................................................. 164
7.2.2.2 Traffic and Parking ................................................................... 165
7.2.2.3 Double Frontage and Streetscape ............................................. 168
7.2.3 3-D modelling and visualisation process ............................................ 170
7.2.3.1 Data acquisition ........................................................................ 170
7.2.3.2 Data processing ......................................................................... 171
7.2.3.3 Data reconstruction ................................................................... 173
7.2.4 Potentials of Virtual Melawati ........................................................... 174
7.2.5 Summary ............................................................................................ 175
7.3 Virtual Werribee ....................................................................................... 177
7.3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 177
7.3.2 3-D modelling and visualisation process ............................................ 178
7.3.2.1 Data acquisition ........................................................................ 179
7.3.2.2 Data reconstruction ................................................................... 179
7.3.2.3 3-D GIS ..................................................................................... 180
7.3.2.4 Interest ...................................................................................... 182
7.3.3 Potentials of Virtual Werribee ............................................................ 183
7.3.3.1 Development; New, Re-development and Hypothetical .......... 183
7.3.3.2 Discussion and verification tool ............................................... 192
7.3.3.3 Decision making tool ............................................................... 193
7.3.3.4 Comparison; Existing 3-D interactive visualisation and council’s documents ....................................................................................................197
7.3.4 Summary ............................................................................................ 203
7.4 Virtual Ampang Jaya ................................................................................ 205
7.4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 205
7.4.2 Issues and challenges .......................................................................... 207
7.4.3 3-D modelling and visualisation process ............................................ 209
xvii
7.4.3.1 Data acquisition, reconstruction and GIS ................................. 209
7.4.3.2 3-D Modelling .......................................................................... 210
7.4.3.3 Visualisation ............................................................................. 212
7.4.4 Potentials for urban analysis ............................................................... 214
7.4.5 Summary ............................................................................................ 215
7.5 Conclusion ............................................................................................... 216
CHAPTER 8: PROPOSITION AND CONCLUSION................................... 219
8.1 Proposition ................................................................................................ 219
8.1.1 Resolving the key problems in the DPP .............................................. 220
8.1.2 Resolving the critical source of the key problems in the development planning process .............................................................................................. 222
8.1.3 3-D GIS to improve the development planning process ..................... 225
8.1.4 Demonstration of 3-D visualisation & GIS model as a common platform ........................................................................................................... 226
8.2 Key Findings ............................................................................................ 228
8.3 Limitations ................................................................................................ 233
8.4 Future Directions ...................................................................................... 234
References ......................................................................................................... 238
Appendix 1: List of participants ......................................................................... 249
Appendix 2: Themes and sub-themes ................................................................ 250
Appendix 3: Examples of 2-D and 3-D manual and digital representations, including 3-D visualisation and GIS .................................................................. 254
Appendix 4: Quantitative survey questionnaire ................................................. 261
Appendix 5: Progress of Virtual Werribee ......................................................... 270
Appendix 6: Virtual Melawati: 3D GIS as a Decision Support Tool for Urban Planning ............................................................................................................... 274
Appendix 7: Virtual Werribee: A planning support tool ................................... 288
Appendix 8: Virtual Ampang Jaya: An interactive visualisation environment for modelling urban growth and spatio-temporal transformation ............................. 298
1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO STUDY
1.1 Problem Statement
In addressing the increasing urban development and complexity of municipalities
and cities across the world, planning authorities are challenged to improve their
decision making processes, by moving from rigid professionalism to collective
negotiation, and by incorporating urban analyses. Studies in Planning Support
Systems (PSS) have examined the potentials of using 3-D visualisation models to
improve planning practices while current best practices have shown that such a
digital approach enables the integration of highly complex spatial information such
as the evolution and transformation of the urban precinct as well as the impact of
planned developments. There are various types of spatial PSS, ranging from generic
such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and GIS, are examples of commonly available
mapping tool integrating 3-D visualisation. On the other range, is specialist spatial
PSS involving highly specialist software, such as multi-criteria analysis (MCA),
land-use transportation model (LUTM), as well as combining various standard
packages, such as in Community-Viz, and What-If (Batty 2007b). UrbanViewer
(Yutaka Takase et al. 2005) and UrbanSim (Hopkins 1999; Waddell 2002) are
among leading urban development models using automatic generation of 3-D city
models.
However, there is the ongoing frustration that PSS has not been broadly adopted in
planning processes (Brail 2008). Many studies in PSS are not integrating real-world
practice, as they mainly involve stand-alone projects (Brail & Klosterman 2001;
Vonk, Geertman & Schot 2005). This could explain why there is more supply than
demand for the PSS as abundant research has not been tailored to the actual planning
practice. Studies to explain this shortfall in adopting PSS have pointed to issues not
only involving technology, but also human, organisational, and institutional (Vonk,
Geertman & Schot 2005). However, the majority of studies focus on the technical
2
matters (Ismail & McCartney 1997), and little analytic attention has been paid to the
utilisation of these tools.
Using PSS is new to Malaysian planning. It has the potential to benefit Malaysian
planners who have a clear idea of how to control and design urban space but lack the
tools to articulate this. The system’s adoption demands enormous research and it is
anticipated that extensive studies in this field will continue for the next ten to fifteen
years, if not longer. Currently, there have been separate studies conducted in
Malaysia on the use of 2-D GIS and 3-D models for decision making in planning
(Abdullah, A, Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009; Ibrahim, Abdullah & Samad 2004; Jabar
2009; Johar et al. 2006; Ludin et al. 2007; Meng 1996; Rafi & Rani 2008; Yaakup et
al. 2004). However, there has not been any study which integrates the two tools in
the context of Malaysian planning practices, which are distinctive in terms of their
policy, social and cultural context and administration.
1.2 Aim and Objectives
This thesis aims at enhancing the planning system by recommending the use of 3-D
visualisation and GIS as a common platform. In order to enhance the Development
Planning Process in the local authority, the objectives of this research are to:
1. Identify the critical issues and the source of these issues in current Malaysian
planning practice.
2. Identify the potentials of 3-D visualisation and GIS as a common tool to
enhance the planning process.
3. Provide a strategy for the local planning authority in developing and
effectively implementing 3-D visualisation and GIS modelling.
This research will set an experimental platform to support decision making for the
local planning authority. It will provide the local planning authority with a rounded
3
understanding in developing and using 3-D visualisation and GIS as a common
platform for planning assessment and decision making.
1.3 Thesis Framework
The research design is presented in Table 4-1 (chapter 4, page 65). The outlines of
each chapter, except for chapter one are presented below:
Chapter 2 (Background: Case Studies and Planning System)
The following chapter presents the background of two case studies, in Selangor,
Malaysia and Victoria, Australia, and will be elaborated in the context of their
planning systems and the relevant local authorities. This will provide a framework on
how 3-D visualisation and GIS can fit into the development planning process and
suggest its potential role in the overall planning system. The planning policy and
implementation of these two states and nations, both of which are rooted in the
British system, will be compared to offer a benchmark for each state to further refine
its policies and procedures. Such best practices include development planning,
involving processes and assessments which integrate sound policies with active
engagement with stakeholders and communities, closer ties between local and state
governments, and expert advice from independent committees or panels, as well as
feedback from industry.
Chapter 3 (Literature Review)
In chapter three, the theoretical preposition of using 3-D visualisation and GIS to
enhance the planning processes in the local planning authorities is constructed in two
parts by exploring two related fields of literature. In the first part, the wider context
of 3-D visualisation and GIS in planning is examined, to identify the research gap
involving the effective use of 3-D visualisation and GIS in the development planning
processes. In doing so, the definition and best practices in planning are studied,
before surveying the advancement of information technology (IT) in GIS
environment involving various Planning Support Systems (PSS) and Decision
Support Systems (DSS). Subsequently, the literature examines the recent findings on
the potentials of computer modelling for visualisation, and GIS for data accuracy and
accessibility to improve urban planning and control, as well as to support policy
4
making and decision making in the development planning process. In the context of
translating complex spatial data into a common visual language that is better
understood, its role as a common platform to serve different stakeholders including
the public, and to bridge the professional divide among decision makers, is explored.
In the second part, issues in the Malaysian planning system illustrate the motivation
for this study. It starts by providing an overview of current Malaysian urbanism. This
overview helps to contextualise the potentials of 3-D visualisation and GIS as a
common platform in the planning system, while the development planning process is
investigated where four shortcomings are identified as the critical issues. In this part
of the literature review, the role of local government as the key player in planning
decisions is also questioned, as well as their planners’ conduct in organisation
structuring, and urban growth management in achieving current demands.
Subsequently, the tools currently utilised by the local planning authorities in
describing planning proposals are analysed, including the issues surrounding the use
of 2-D tools and the capabilities of GIS software, before exploring the potentials of
3-D visualisation as a common tool in the development planning process. In parallel,
literature on the advantages and disadvantages of computer modelling and GIS is
explored. This includes a discussion of why computing in Malaysian planning has
failed and recommendations to overcome problems. The technical framework of
developing the 3-D visualisation and GIS model will be outlined in the subsequent
chapters. This will outline the social approach to developing and using the model,
which is equally as important to determine the successful adoption of the tool.
Chapter 4 (Research Framework and Methods)
In chapter four, the research framework and the methods used to gather and analyse
the survey data are outlined combining qualitative, quantitative and demonstration
methods. They include an open-ended and in-depth interview, a Likert-Scale
questionnaire, and observation of two case study demonstrations. The open-ended
and in-depth method which involves planning authorities, serves the foundation for
the entire study. It validates and further explores the issues raised from the literature
review. This imparts a better understanding of the Malaysian planning scenario,
involving how Malaysian planners use computers to provide an insight into how to
adopt 3-D visualisation and GIS. Findings from this survey, which are grouped as 1)
5
the key problems and the critical source of the key problems, and 2) the potentials,
are presented in chapters five and six.
The Likert-Scale questionnaire provides the quantitative measurement of the
potentials and effectiveness of 3-D visualisation and GIS in the context of the
development planning process and planning scenarios suggested from the literature
and qualitative survey. Along with the overall agreement level, measurement is
categorised according to the respondent’s role, attachment, technical background,
and level of expertise and responsibility. The quantitative findings, which are shown
in tables and statistical graphs, and coupled with descriptions, are generated from the
survey data processed using the SPSS software. Findings from this survey are also
presented in chapter six. The demonstrations of two case studies involving
observation offer an insight into the actual construction of 3-D visualisation and GIS
models in context of the real practice in local planning authorities. This suggests how
local planning authorities could develop and use 3-D visualisation and GIS as a
common platform for planning. Findings from these demonstrations are presented in
chapter seven.
Chapter 5 (Problems and Issues)
In chapter five, the first part of the findings from the qualitative survey is presented.
It validates the existence of problems in the development planning process, as
identified from the literature, as well as investigating the related issues and sources
which contextualise these problems. The problems in the development planning
process are also identified from reviewing the literature review.
Chapter 6 (Validation and Assessment)
In chapter seven, the findings from the quantitative survey on the potentials and
effectiveness of 3-D visualisation and GIS in the context of development planning
process and planning scenarios are presented. As a planning tool, 3-D visualisation
and GIS is measured in terms of its effectiveness to assist decision makers and to
facilitate public participation. In addition, its potential as a tool for decision making
is also assessed. Most importantly, it is evaluated as a planning and assessment tool
involving intuition and interpretation; visual capability; urban study and prediction;
slope and hillside development; city vision; and as a common tool itself.
6
Chapter 7 (Demonstration: Process and Application)
In chapter seven, two case studies are demonstrated in the construction of 3-D
visualisation and GIS models in the context of actual local planning authorities in
Malaysia and Australia. The issues, challenges and development strategies of case
studies are described, before investigating the modelling process involving data
acquisition, data reconstruction and finally, visualisation. The outcomes of these
demonstrations indicate how the tools can support planning decisions and facilitate
consultation processes between councils and stakeholders, as well as improving the
presentation of spatial information about urban environments. The observation of
these case studies suggests how 3-D visualisation and GIS development and
application can be used as a common platform for local planning authorities.
Chapter 8 (Proposition and Conclusion)
Finally, in chapter eight, the strategy to develop a 3-D Visualisation and GIS as a
planning tool is proposed. The conclusions drawn from the study are also presented
and discussed in this chapter, including the key findings. These findings will confirm
that 3-D Visualisation and GIS modelling have the potential as a planning tool for
urban study and prediction, for assessment and decision making, and for
development planning processes. They can improve Malaysian urbanism by
providing the development planning process with a common platform. This can
encourage public participation as well as assisting decision makers in planning
assessment and decision making processes. While the outlined strategy may serve as
a guideline for the planning authority in developing the model, the recommendations
to resolve the circle of issues and problems in the development planning process will
help to ensure effective application of the tool within the current process.
7
CHAPTER 2
BACKGROUND: Case Studies and Planning System
2.1 Introduction
This chapter consist of three parts: introduction to the case studies; description of the
planning systems in Selangor and Victoria; and benchmarking of the two planning
systems and processes.
The first part will introduce the township profiles of the case studies which are
comprised of the urban precincts of Ampang Jaya and Melawati under the Ampang
Jaya Township; and Werribee under The City of Wyndham. For each of these two
case studies, the issues and challenges, and the potentials of 3-D visualisation and
GIS to resolve the problems will be demonstrated in chapter seven.
The second part will describe the planning system which contextualises the case
studies to provide a clearer understanding on how the planning process is being
influenced by these factors. In doing so, it will focus on the Malaysian planning
system, covering the structure, policy, processes and tools.
In part three the Victorian planning policies which contextualise Werribee will be
described to compare with the Malaysian planning system and to develop a
benchmark. This will offer further insight of how 3-D visualisation and GIS can be
fitted in the current planning system, and the benchmark may suggest refinement of
some of the policies and procedures of each case study to enable better adoption of 3-
D visualisation and GIS in the planning processes.
2.2 Part 1: Introduction to Case Studies
Table 2-1 lists the two case studies; Melawati and Werribee. In the Malaysian
planning context, Ampang Jaya is categorised as a “town” instead of a city, even
though its population density is higher than the city of Wyndham.
8
Table 2-1: Profile of case studies Case Study 1 2
Country Malaysia Australia
State Selangor Victoria
City Ampang Jaya Township City of Wyndham
Total area 143.5 sq km 541.6 sq km
Population 574,300 143,879
Town/City Melawati Werribee
Total area 2.657 sq km 23.8 sq km
Population 28,545 36,641
Local Authority Ampang Jaya Municipal
Council
Wyndham City Council
2.2.1 Ampang Jaya – township profile
Ampang Jaya is the eighth most urbanised municipality in Malaysia (Jaafar 2004)
and is experiencing a rapid urban expansion (Figure 2-1). Ampang Jaya in the past
was a section of the smallest zone in mukim (subdistrict) Ampang under the district
of Ulu Langat in the State of Selangor. Ampang Jaya was one of the earliest
townships in Kuala Lumpur. Encompassing a total land area of 38.59 square
kilometres, Ampang Jaya consists of twelve villages. Following the establishment of
Kuala Lumpur as a Federal territory in 1992, Mukim Ampang was split into two
zones. One section is under Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH) and the other section
of Ampang Jaya is under the administration of The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council
or known as Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ). MPAJ is a suburban
municipality covering the subdistrict of Hulu Langat, Hulu Kelang and a small area
of Setapak.
According to the Malaysian Statistics Department record in 2007, Ampang Jaya
municipality covers a total area of 143.5 square kilometres, has a population of
574,300 and asset holding of 135,109 titled parcels of land. Its land use from the
2002-2005 demographic data of Selangor local councils is as follows:
9
Forest: 50.7 % (72.8 sq km)
Housing: 36.4 % (52.2 sq km)
Public facilities: 5.2 % (7.5 sq km)
Agriculture: 3.1 % (4.4 sq km)
Recreation: 1 % (1.4 sq km)
Industrial: 0.9 % (1.3 sq km)
Commerce: 2.7 % (3.9 sq km)
Figure 2-1: Map of Ampang Jaya
(Melawati and Ampang Point marked in yellow)
Source: (Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, Selangor State Department of Town and Country Planning & Council 2011)
10
Figure 2-2: Aerial view of Ampang Point from Google Earth Source: http://maps.google.com.au/map
While the town centre for Mukim Ampang of Federal territory zone is in Kuala
Lumpur, the town centre for Ampang of MPAJ zone is located in the area known as
Ampang Point, which is a relatively new urban centre (Figure 2-2). It is also located
along Jalan Ampang, which is one of the busiest roads in Kuala Lumpur and the
connecting route to other parts of Kuala Lumpur.
2.2.1.1 Melawati
Melawati is a suburb that lies in the Ampang Jaya municipality and under the
administration of MPAJ. It is located in the district of Hulu Kelang, in the State of
Selangor. From the 143.5 square kilometres total land area of Ampang Jaya, 2.657
square kilometres of the land lies in Melawati, and Melawati Town Centre (MTC)
encompasses an area of 0.032 square kilometres. From the Malaysian Statistics
11
Department record conducted by the local council in 2008, the population of
Melawati Township is 28,545 people.
MTC (Figure 2-3) is a popular residential and commercial suburb in Ampang Jaya.
Together with other suburbs of Ampang Point, Taman Permata, Pekan Ampang,
Bandar Baru Ampang and Pandan Indah, they form the core areas for township
development for Ampang Jaya, focusing on commerce, finance and services. In the
past few years, the surrounding area of MTC has experienced a huge growth, mainly
due to rapid development of businesses, recreational, education centres and the
increase of highly established residential suburbs surrounding it.
Addressing the pressure of growth, MPAJ has realised the urgent need to re-look at
present developments and problems in MTC and to apply proper measures to achieve
good planning and control as well as gain the confidence of the public and
stakeholders, particularly the project developers. The strategies aligned for MTC in
achieving desired goals as stated in the (Ampang Jaya Municipal Council 1998, pp.
4-14), include developing the area and its surroundings to create business and
commercial hubs, boosting commercial development, services and public facilities,
executing and increasing landscaping and beautifying programs, and advertising
these hubs using their internet home page to invite local and foreign investors (Figure
2-4). While the planning authorities are grappling to resolve these issues, the
stakeholders are also calling for an innovative approach in order to better plan and
control their town.
12
Figure 1-3: Aerial view of Melawati from Google Earth Source: http://maps.google.com.au/map
Figure 2-4: Planning improvement for Melawati Source: (Ampang Jaya Municipal Council 2008)
MELAWATI TOWN CENTRE (MTC)
13
2.2.2 Werribee – township profile
Werribee is a city in Victoria, Australia, and considered as part of Greater Melbourne
(Figure 2-5). Along with Wyndham Vale, Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook,
Werribee is a self-contained suburb and remains the major centre of Wyndham; the
largest and most rapidly growing municipality in Victoria, and the fourth fastest
expanding in Australia (Wyndham City Council 2010). With the Werribee River
running in the centre, the city is located 32 km south-west from Melbourne (Figure
2-6). According to the 2006 census, Werribee covers an area of 23.8 square
kilometres, and has a population of 36,641 (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2005 -
2006). It is midway between two most important urban centres in the state of
Victoria; Melbourne and Geelong, connected to both by the major Princess Highway.
Under the jurisdiction of The Wyndham City Council (WCC), formerly called
Werribee City Council, Werribee city centre (Figure 2-7), which is situated along
Watton Street, is flourishing (Wyndham City Council 1999b, p. 1) and has recently
been planned as a major activity centre under the Melbourne 2030 urban plan
(Department of Infrastructure 2002a, p. 3).
Figure 2-5: Map of Greater Melbourne encompassing Werribee
Source: http://wn.com/Werribee,_Victoria
14
Figure 2-6: Aerial view of Werribee from Google Earth Source: http://maps.google.com.au/map
Figure 2-7: Map of Wyndham Source: Wyndham City Council, 2009
WERRIBEE CITY CENTRE
15
2.3 Part 2: Planning System
2.3.1 Selangor Planning System
Adopting a three-tiered system, the Malaysian planning system consists of the
federal government, the state government (where Selangor is placed) and local
authorities including city, municipal and district councils, as outlined in Figure 2-8.
The Malaysia Plans; the current Plan being the 10th and abbreviated as 10MP
(Economic Planning Unit 2010), are drawn at the national level and revised every
five years to serve as the blueprint for all Malaysian policies, including planning.
Besides the Malaysia Plan as the backbone, the Selangor planning system also
involves the National Urban Policy (NUP); as well as the urban planning policies
under the Town and Country Planning Act. They are the National Physical Plan
(NPP), State and Structure Plans, Local Plans, and the Development Control policies
(Siew 2008).
Figure 2-8: Malaysian development planning framework Source: (MLIT Japan 2007)
16
2.3.1.1 Strategic planning
In managing the increase in Malaysian urban development by the year 2020, The
National Urban Policy (NUP) serves as a guideline for all urban planning and
development for the whole of Peninsular Malaysia. It covers the federal, state and
local levels, excluding Sabah and Sarawak, which are governed by different planning
legislations. The NUP promotes liveable communities and urban sustainability by
balancing social, economic and physical development within urban vicinities. It also
aims to increase the effectiveness in the quality of urban services in striving for a
safer environment, and a more organised, more modern and more attractive towns
that will make up a competitive developed nation by the year 2020. These are
outlined in NUP’s thrust, policy, measures and implementation plans to guide the
Malaysian urbanisation process (Federal Department of Town and Country Planning
Peninsular Malaysia 2006).
While the NUP provides the guidelines to the urbanisation process, the NPP,
approved by the NPP council in 2006, forms the basis for all physical development
and conservation policies in Peninsular Malaysia. Its main goal is to create an
efficient, equitable and sustainable national spatial framework to guide the overall
country development until the year 2020 (Draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 n.d.,
p. 1.3). The development draft of NPP by the Federal Department of Town and
Country Planning must consider the NUP as provided in the Town and Country
Planning Act (Act 172).
2.3.1.2 Statutory planning
The main policies governing the majority of Malaysian local planning authorities are
The National Land Code; The Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171); Town and
Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172); Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act
133); Earthwork By-Laws; and Building By-Laws. These policies are coupled with
other technical guidelines by relevant departments and agencies for specific matters.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Local Government,
has influence over local government through Acts and guidelines to develop
uniformity among the different States in Malaysia. When an Act; passed by the
Parliament at the federal level, is adopted by the state, all local authorities within the
17
State must follow suit. The policies outlined in the earlier paragraph are adopted by
the majority of states in Malaysia including Selangor. In addition to these policies,
the Federal Government has also introduced some planning procedures and
guidelines, such as for processing development applications.
The government structure and the hierarchical position of the local authority in the
State of Selangor are outlined in Figure 2-9. As shown, the local authority is
positioned directly under the State Government, and not the Federal Government.
According to Act 172, the local authority is the approving body for planning
development under its jurisdiction, and not the state or the Federal Government. It is
only when there is a dispute in the decisions made by the local authority that matters
are brought up to the state government’s attention for final decision making. Land
matters on the other hand, are under the State Governments while the Federal and
Local Government can only offer technical comments and advice.
Sultan of Selangor
Judiciary Executive Legislative
Chief Minister
State Meeting Council (MMKN)
State Secretary
Local Councils
State Departments
State Enterprises
Federal Departments
State Agencies
MPAJ
District Land
Offices
SDTCP
FDTCP
Figure 2-9: The Selangor State Government Structure
18
2.3.1.3 Development planning process
The present system of development control in many local planning authorities in
Malaysia is exercised through the granting or refusal of development planning
proposals (Yaakup et al. 2003). The newly developed One-Stop-Centre (OSC) is a
process which involves procedural changes in development planning applications
and decision making, largely in reducing redundancy and delays. In order to
understand the changes that have taken place in the Malaysian development planning
process and for comparison with OSC, the earlier system will be explained in the
following paragraph.
The previous system, that is still implemented by the majority of states in Malaysia
but is slowly being phasing out is slow and involves a four step procedure. The
applicant has to go through procedures involving four main departments; (sometimes
including additional departments if necessary) (Figure 2-10). At stage one; it begins
with the application to the Land Office regarding land matters such as land
conversion, amalgamation or subdivision. The land issues have to be settled before
the actual submission to the Planning Department for planning permission can be
carried out in stage two. Once planning permission had been granted, the applicant
can submit for the earthwork or infrastructure approval from the engineering
department in stage three. Once the infrastructure plan has been approved, another
round of submission by the applicant needs to be carried out in stage four to the
Building and Landscape departments. Both approvals have to be obtained before
physical work on the ground can begin. In some cases, landscape plans can be
submitted later for approval after work on the ground has commenced.
At every stage, the development planning application will be distributed by the
respective department to other relevant departments, in many cases involving
external departments and agencies. Comments from these departments will then be
gathered and presented during the local authority’s technical committee meeting.
However, decisions made at the technical committee meeting are not final until they
are re-tabled and validated at the full council meeting which is held on a monthly
basis and involves politicians, except for Putrajaya Planning Council. When these
steps are completed, the applicant will receive the approval letter. Although the
19
system is relatively easy to follow, it is lengthy and involves many repetitions,
resulting in many complaints from applicants and property developers.
Several other improvements to the development planning system have been proposed
in the past, but none came close to the OSC in terms of revamping the earlier system.
Compared to the step-by-step process, the applicant has now the option to submit the
complete development planning application, including various and detailed plans,
simultaneously. The ease of submitting to one location (OSC kiosk) at the local
authority’s building, instead of visiting various departments located at different
places, offers a great advantage. The following paragraphs will further elaborate the
procedures and decision making in OSC.
20
Land office
Applicant The
relevant technical
departments State land council meeting
Land office
Planning department (LPA) The
relevant technical
departments Planning committee (LPA)
Planning department (LPA)
The relevant technical
departments
APPLICATION
REGARDING
LAND MATTERS
The relevant technical
departments APPLICATION
FOR BUILDING APPROVAL
APPLICATION
FOR EARTHWORK &
INFRASTRUCTURE APPROVAL
APPLICATION
FOR PLANNING PERMISSION
Engineering department (LPA)
Development committee (LPA)
Engineering department (LPA)
Building department (LPA)
Building department (LPA)
Development committee (LPA)
STAGE1
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
STAGE 4
Applicant
Applicant
Applicant
Applicant
Applicant
Applicant
Applicant
Figure 2-10: The Development Planning Process flowchart prior to OSC
21
2.3.1.3.1 One-Stop-Centre
The OSC was initiated on the 13th of April 2007 by the Ministry of Housing and
Local Government as an improvement to the development procedure. Together with
the OSC, other procedures related to the development process have also been
enhanced. This includes the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), to
replace the Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CFO), and the Build-Then-Sell
(BTS) to replace “Sell-Then-Build”.
The development planning process flow is outlined in Figure 2-11. The application
consists of a report and hard copy plans in several sets. They are submitted to the
OSC counter, which can be found at every local authority’s building. Despite the
launch of the electronic online submission by the Malaysian government, called “e-
submission” or paperless submission, this has not fully implemented due to costs and
scepticism among users. After going through the document checklist to ensure that
the documents are complete, the OSC secretariat will distribute all the materials to
the District Land Office and various internal and external technical and non-technical
related departments. The development application strongly relies on the approval by
the District Land Office. They will assess the application twice, firstly on the layout
plans, and secondly, on land matters such as land conversion, land subdivision, land
surrender and re-alienation.
The progress of these various departments will be monitored while they are given
datelines to complete their tasks, which involve assessment and commenting on the
hard copy drawings. Assessment by the Planning Department is based on the local
plan. However, if it is unavailable, the planning department will proceed to the
public objection process to gather consent for the proposed development. In some
cases, the Planning Department refers to the draft of the local plan, but still carry on
with the process of public objection.
22
Figure 2-11: The Development Planning Process Flowchart with OSC (4 months)
Applicant
Planning department
(LA)
Application for planning permission
OSC Secretariat
Application for
infrastructure approval
Application for building
approval
Engineering department
(LA)
Building department
(LA)
Application regarding
land matters
External technical
departments
&agencies
Applicant
National Land Code
Act 171 Act 172 Structure
Plan Local plan
Act 172 Act 133
Earthwork By-law
Act 172 Act 133 UBBL
1. Development
proposal report
& Layout plan
- Density
- Plot ratio
- Plinth
- Set back
- Height
- Access
2. Land ownership
3. Land title
4. Public objection
5. Others
1. Layout plan
2. Infra design
3. Slope
4. Amenities
5. Drainage
6. Road
7. Streetlight
8. Cut/fill land
9. Silt trap
10. Others
1. Layout plan
2. Building design
3. Fire requirement
4. Ventilation
5. Light
6. Area
7. Height
8. Setback
9. Drainage
10. Handicap
provision
11. Others
1. Land ownership
2. Land status
3. Land area
4. Land survey/
boundary
5. Premium fee
6. Subdivision
7. Amalgamation
8. Surrender
9. Alienation
10. Others
District Land
Office
Relevant technical comment/
advice
Technical
By-law &
Guidelines
1. JPBDN
2. PTD/PTG
3. JKR
4. JPS
5. TNB
6. JAS
7. JPP
8. JMG
9. JBPM
District Land Office
State Land Committee Meeting
District Land Office
OSC Council Meeting
Full LA council
meeting
OSC
Secretariat
DE
PAR
TM
EN
T
POL
ICY
A
SSE
SSM
EN
T
APP
LIC
AT
ION
OSC Secretariat
23
2.3.1.3.1.2 Decision making
Within the specified timeframe, all the comments regarding the application will be
compiled by the OSC secretariat and will be tabled at the OSC committee meeting
for decision making which takes place every fortnightly. The OSC secretariat will
prepare a presentation for the meeting, which will be attended by the head of all the
technical departments. The presentation usually consists of the project brief and a
visual report. For most local authorities, the mayor and the councillors of the local
authority will also attend this meeting and participate in the decision making.
The outcome of this OSC meeting will be resubmitted to the District Land Office for
the second round of approval, involving land matters, by the State Land Committee.
While the results on land matters will be informed directly to the applicant by the
District Land Office, the OSC secretariat will also be notified of the outcome.
Subsequently, the results are tabled by the OSC secretariat to the full council meeting
held on a monthly basis, merely for acknowledgement as all decisions have been
finalised during the prior meeting. The OSC secretariat will then inform the
applicant, as well as the registered objectors if there is any objection. In cases where
registered objectors are unsatisfied with the decision, an application for review can
be lodged to the State Planning Department within twenty five days from the
notification date.
The development application status involving the steps described above can be
pursued by the applicant using the OSC online tracking system. This has benefited
the applicants that they can monitor their application without physically visiting the
local authority.
24
2.3.2 Victorian Planning System
2.3.2.1 Strategic planning
The Victorian State Government outlines planning strategies for the community
concerning economy, society and environment. These demands drive the state
policies which include Melbourne 2030, Victoria Transport Plan, Ready for
Tomorrow: Blueprint for Regional Victoria, Integrated Housing Strategy, and
Victorian Coastal Strategy. In refining these broad state planning strategies into the
local context, and to cater for the community needs that are constantly changing, the
State Government and the local council discuss with the community to develop
planning strategies for the municipality. Along with community input, the vision for
the municipality is developed into the Council’s Municipal Strategic Statement
(MSS) and local policies. This process also incorporates expert advice from
independent committee or panel, as well as feedback from the industry. The proposal
is then submitted to the Planning Minister who is responsible for the planning
legislation and framework.
Melbourne 2030 was the Victorian State Government’s Strategic Plan from the
period of 2001 to 2030, but abandoned in 2010 when the new government took over.
Melbourne 2030 aimed at sustainable growth covering urban growth boundary,
growth areas, housing, activity centres, green wedges, and integrated transport
(Department of Infrastructure 2002a, p. 1). It covered metropolitan Melbourne and
north, south, east and west surrounding regions including Cranbourne and
Pakenham; Plenty and Epping North; Hume; Melton and Caroline Springs, and
Werribee (Figure 2-12). By managing growth and change, it was intended to equip
decision-makers and the community with a clearer and more consistent direction as
well as reducing speculation among investors (Department of Infrastructure 2002a, p.
4).
25
Figure 2-12: Development areas in Melbourne 2013 Source: (Department of Infrastructure 2002a, p. 3)
The Werribee Growth Area Plan and Ministerial Direction, which was prepared in
1990 (Figure 2-13), reports that the City of Wyndham provides the highest
percentage of all development in Melbourne’s growth areas, and is expected to have
the second highest housing growth rate in metropolitan Melbourne between 1996 to
1999. Local amenities and relatively inexpensive house prices have also made it a
popular residential suburb.
Figure 2-13: Capacity for urban and residential development Source: (Department of Infrastructure 2002b, p. 21)
WERRIBEE
26
2.3.2.2 Statutory planning
“The system relies on participation across all sectors of the community to
guide the future development of the state and deliver the right planning
controls”
(Department of Planning and Community Development 2010a)
The Victoria planning control system is drawn from the Planning and Environment
Act 1987, the Planning and Environment Regulations 2005, and other related
legislation and planning schemes. The planning scheme is developed and revised by
the planning authority to guide the local councils in exercising the state planning
policies in the local context. On the other hand, the Department of Planning and
Community Development (DPCD) is responsible to manage these policies, as well as
provide advice to the Planning Minister.
Every municipality in Victoria, including Wyndham, is governed by a planning
scheme that outlines the planning regulations involving the land use, development
and protection from the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP). Covering the state and
local policies, zones overlays and requirements about a particular land use, these
regulations become the reference for planning decisions.
Wyndham’s City Council’s Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) forms the basis for
Werribee’s planning policy. It integrates State Strategic Planning with local planning
policies to reduce the complication of obtaining the planning approval, which
combines state, regional and local approvals. The four components in Werribee’s
MSS are firstly the Werribee Growth Area Plan (WGAP), introduced in 1990 as the
principal strategic plan to guide urban development planning (Wyndham City
Council 1999a, p. 2). The other three components are the council planning policies,
relevant state government policy, and the reports from consultation with various
stakeholders (Wyndham City Council n.d.). In the development of the detailed Local
Plan for Werribee, the Werribee Growth Area Centres Strategy (1991) under WGAP
further outlined the growth area limits and hierarchy of activity cores until the year
2011.
27
2.3.2.3 Development planning process
The planning permit process is the main approval procedure of development
planning in Victoria (Department of Sustainability and Environment 2005). It is
generally perceived as a complex and an inefficient procedure for decision making
which is inconsistent, lengthy, well as demanding too many requirements. The
planning permit process (Department of Planning and Community Development
2010b), begins with lodging a complete application to the responsible authority,
usually the planning department of the local council (Figure 2-14). The process
includes a straightforward application procedure, but there may also be more lengthy
processes. For example, some applications will require further information from
applicants including some form of advertising, and the intervention of councillors
before a decision can be reached, or whether to grant a permit.
Prior to submission, discussion with the council is encouraged. In certain cases,
views from referrals are also required by the council. Subsequently, the council will
send a copy of the application to these agencies for comments, as well as notifying
the adjoining owners and occupiers. Taking all this and the planning scheme into
consideration, the council will then decide on the application and afterwards issue
either a planning permit, amended permit, or a notice of refusal to grant a permit. In
the latter case, the applicant or the objector can apply for a decision review to the
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). On the other hand, if a permit
is granted, the objectors can apply to VCAT (Department of Planning and
Community Development 2010b, pp. 1-2).
28
Figure 2-14: The Planning Permit Procedure Source: (Department of Planning and Community Development 2010a)
In the attempt to enhance the planning process in Victoria, there have been on-going
attempts to streamline the planning permit process and cut red tape. By improving
the approval process, planning schemes are intended to become simpler, more
strategic and consistent, as well as producing faster decision making (Department of
Sustainability and Environment 2005, 2006). For special projects, including larger
29
scale and heritage projects, this includes expert advice from independent advisory
committees and independent planning panels, that not only assist the state in policy
development as described earlier, (Department of Planning and Community
Development 2010a) but also help the planning authorities in assessing planning
decisions. They also safeguard the interest of the community by acting as neutral
bodies in the assessment process.
Among the computing systems which can be used as an option to explore simpler
assessment and approval methods, is code-assess; a system to process non-
complicated planning applications against predetermined performance standards
(Department of Sustainability and Environment 2005). Another system is
Streamlined Planning through Electronic Applications and Referrals (SPEAR), an
electronic permit application and tracking system which includes ePlans to reduce
the use of hardcopy or PDF plans, as well as improving the data quality, plan
examination processing, reducing requisitions and enhancing the Digital Cadastral
Database accuracy. This digital system can be used by all members involved in
planning processes including the applicants, councils, referral authorities and the
public (Land Victoria 2010). Other initiatives to improve the planning process in
Victoria include working more closely with local governments, and engaging with
the stakeholder groups and the community to identify better planning opportunities
(Department of Sustainability and Environment 2005).
2.4 Part 3: Benchmarking
As federations since independence from the British colonial ruling, both Malaysian
and Australian planning systems have adopted similar hierarchies of governance. The
current planning systems of both countries were modelled from the British planning
system, which has since revolutionised its own planning and local government acts to
adopt a single-tier system of development planning (Lee 1988, p. 5) in addressing
current demands (Whitzman 2011). Sharing the same root, there exist many
similarities between Selangor and Victoria in planning structure and policy, as well
as issues and problems. These include development planning processes involving
planning permit applications and decision making.
30
2.4.1 Planning policy
The Malaysian Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) is almost replicated
from the form and content of England, Wales and Scotland’s development plans (Lee
1988, p. 5). The Planning and Environment Act 1987, which describes the Victoria
Planning Provisions (VPP) and the planning process, was also adopted from the
British model. However, it has developed further, incorporating planning concerns
such as the environmental considerations after the United Nations Conference on the
Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden in 1972 (Beer 1977).
As described, the planning policies or schemes for the LAs in Selangor and Victoria
contain state physical plans as well as local plans. In preparing local plans, the LAs
in Malaysia do not seem to follow the physical state plans and the Malaysia Plans
which are prepared at the federal and state level (MLIT Japan 2007). On the other
hand, the Local Planning Policy Framework (LPPF) in the state of Victoria must
incorporate the State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF), in which SPFF must
prevail when there is inconsistency. This is also considered imperative in ensuring
integrated decision making across the state (Department of Planning and Community
Development 2010a).
2.4.2 Development planning process
Selangor and Victoria share a similar development planning process in which the LA
is responsible in facilitating the overall process. However, the newly adopted OSC
system in Selangor is more comprehensive with improved management procedures.
The steps for development planning permit application in Victoria are outlined in
Table 2-2. Although parallel to the process in Selangor, there exist a number of
differences, mainly related to the level of detail in the submission drawings. In
Victoria, the developer is encouraged to submit a detailed design scheme at the
earlier submission stage; while in Selangor, it is only required later when in principle
approval has been granted. However, the applicant in Selangor has the choice to
either submit the planning application alone or the complete documents including
building, infrastructure and landscape plans, using the OSC system. Another major
difference is regarding the methods of calculating the permit fee. In Victoria, the fee
31
is definite, but based on the monetary value of the development, which is estimated
by the applicant. While it should reflect the current economic situation, for many
projects, the fee scale has not changed since the year 2000. On the other hand, in
Malaysia, the fee merely depends on the size of the building. Less significant
variance is the requirement of a detailed site analysis in Victoria as compared to
Selangor.
Table 2-2: The Planning Permit Process in Victoria Process Steps
Preparation 1. finding out about the planning scheme
2. talking to the council planner
3. talking to the neighbours
4. consider getting professional advice
Application and
submission
1. Application information
2. Application form
3. Fees
Checklist by council 1. Additional information
2. Referral
Advertisement by
council, if required
14 days advertisement
1. Notification letter to affected neighbours and sign
on-site advertisement
Assessment by council 1. Considering objections
2. Holding mediation meeting if required
3. Considering referral comments
4. Assessing planning scheme provisions
5. Prepares planning reports
Decision making by
council
1. Approvals may be granted; or
2. Refusal; or
3. Notice of decision with conditions
Review 1. Applicant against conditions or refusal
2. Objector against notice of decision
32
2.4.2.1 Decision making
The planning scheme, which serves as the main instrument for local authority’s
decision making in Victoria, is closely tied to the state planning objective of Victoria
Planning Provisions (VPP). It is relatively sound, with a few challenges and issues
regarding the framework’s implementation that influences its efficiency. Among the
three key recommendations for a state-wide approach to improve the system is
training for the council’s planning officers to equip them with the knowledge and
skills for performing their statutory duties (Victorian Auditor-General Office 2008,
p. 21).
Victoria is pursuing genuine democratic decision making such as integrating hard to
reach communities, including remote communities, and the current employment of
public as decision makers and planning activities such as workshops. These planning
practices are a far cry from conservative public meetings (Whitzman 2011) that are
currently practised in Malaysia as described in section 2.3.1.3.
2.5 Summary
The background of the case studies in Selangor and Victoria and the planning
systems that governed them have been elaborated and provided an understanding on
how 3-D visualisation and GIS can fit in the development planning process as well as
broader planning structure and policy. This is imperative in identifying its potential
role in the planning system, which will be further discussed in the final chapter. The
comparison of the planning policy and implementation of these states from two
countries have their roots in the British system provides another contribution. Both
states are experiencing similar planning issues, particularly adopting a three-tier
development planning process which is generally perceived as a complex and
inefficient procedure. It involves inconsistent and lengthy timeframes in decision
making, as well as demanding too many requirements as highlighted by the
Department of Sustainability and Environment (Department of Sustainability and
Environment 2005).
33
A benchmark for sharing and learning from each other can help to further refine each
state’s policies and procedures. As Victoria is a more progressive state in planning
reformation, there are many elements which Malaysia can adopt from it. This include
the development of sounder policy by active engagement with the stakeholders and
communities, closer ties between local and state governments, and engaging expert
advice from the independent committees or panels, as well as feedback from
industry. Regarding computing in planning, unlike in the case of most Malaysian
cities (Meng & Ahmad 2000), prospects for online planning in Australian cities are
very good, with many local councils having the pre-requisites, including sufficient
infrastructure for the adoption and development of online planning (Yigitcanclar
2006). Victoria’s ePlan can offer insights on how Selangor can effectively adopt its
e-Submission system, or perhaps, to integrate other functions beyond submission of
documents.
Regarding the planning development process, Malaysia can also learn from
Victoria’s assessment method, and the procedures in its permit application process;
involving requirement of more detailed planning scheme at the earlier planning
stage, non fixed cost estimation, and on-site signage for planning objection. On the
other hand, although the more responsible local authorities in Victoria efficiently
liaise with the relevant agencies, the procedure could be further enhanced using the
Selangor’s OSC system which includes a comprehensive administrative procedure.
34
CHAPTER 3
LITERATURE REVIEW
3.1 Introduction
This chapter will construct a theoretical proposition that using 3-D visualisation and
GIS will enhance the planning processes in the local planning authorities. The
chapter will involve discussion of two related areas of literature.
The first part of the literature review will explore the wider context of 3-D
visualisation and GIS in planning, to set the foundation for this study in identifying
gaps in the research in the effective use of 3-D visualisation and GIS in the
development planning processes. It will describe the two main elements of the
proposed combined planning tool, respectively, GIS and 3-D visualisation. In the
earlier section of part one, GIS for planning will be explored in relation to the
Malaysian practice, reviewing the current planning support tools; decision making
tools; GIS; and 3-D GIS. The later section will evaluate the benefits of visualisation
for planning regarding the establishment of future cities, urban growth study,
provision of a common tool, and the use of the World Wide Web.
The second part of the literature review, which highlights the issues in the Malaysian
planning system, will set the motivation for this study. The bigger picture of
Malaysian urbanism will be covered, prior to reviewing the prospect of integrating
computing in the development planning process, including for public participation.
In the development planning process, four critical issues in the Malaysian planning
system will be reviewed, involving delay, decision making, and data updating and
public participation. Other related issues, including the mindset of the society
regarding computing, will also be discussed in this part of the literature review.
35
Part 1: 3-D Visualisation and GIS for Planning
3.2 Planning Support Tool
Planning commonly includes three activities which involve political dimensions;
designing for the future, assessing solutions with different alternatives, and
representing the community (Abdullah, A, Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009). Assessment is
not only important for current development scenarios, but also for forecasting future
changes, developing policies and strategies, as well as managing and controlling
planning development (Ludin et al. 2007). While Malaysian planning standards are
traditionally drawn from experience rather than scientific research, they need to be
reviewed to achieve current planning demands, including more efficient planning
processes (Salleh, G & Meng 1999, p. 12).
"Planning has become more complicated, integrated, holistic, more partnership-
oriented, more future-oriented and scenario-oriented, and more interactive and
participatory in nature" (Geertman 2002, p. 21). Planners are yet to find an efficient
method to allow planning to control and design the urban space (Xia & Qing 2004).
In enhancing planning processes that involve complex processes and tedious
procedures (Johar et al. 2006), planners require an appropriate tool to effectively
represent and communicate their viewpoints (Xia & Qing 2004). In such activities in
planning processes where spatial analysis is pertinent, “experimenting with urban
space” is a central task (Voigt & Linzer 2003).
For this exploration to take place, the advancement of Planning Support System
(PSS) and Decision Support System (DSS) in GIS environment can help. In
comparison to traditional GIS which focuses on map features, PSS is built on a set of
elements for urban development, involving actors, activities, flows, investments,
facilities, regulations, rights, issues, forces, opportunities, and constraints (Hopkins
1999, p. 337). By demonstrating the effectiveness of a technological tool, they serve
planning requirements (Yaakup 2006), and various applications, including urban
planning monitoring and management. E-planning, spatial planning, urban model
and presentation techniques using computers, can be PSS and DSS utilised to
improve planning decisions and resolve urban issues to a greater extent than at
36
present (Abdullah, MF et al. 2004; Yaakup 2006). However, careful planning is
required to construct the information environment, as these systems are not easy to
handle and demand education and training on the types of information needed and
the properties of the tools to be used (Yaakup 2006).
Planning Support System (PSS), which contains GIS attributes, urban modelling and
presentation techniques, is a tool for planning communities using computer software
(Brail & Klosterman 2001). IT innovations involving PSS, such as What-if software
enable land use scenarios, while DSS such as Definite software provide the
environment for selecting better development alternatives, by optimising strategic
planning and monitoring urban development (Yaakup 2006). The critical issue in
PSS have been identified as information management, data availability, storage and
access (Brail & Klosterman 2001). Research into PSS addresses the needs for IT to
assist planning activities using virtual space to replace the demand for physical space
(Salleh, G & Meng 1999, p. 12).
3.3 Decision Making Tools
“Decisions which modify the built environment have a lasting impact;
therefore it is crucial to comprehend the proposed changes before they are
cast in concrete. An obvious way is to view modifications through computer
simulations and assess their impact.”
(Pullar & Tidey 2001, p. 29)
Decision making is a complex process, shaped by many factors including policies,
economy, environment and social factors. Although decision making remains a
human activity, 3-D modelling and visualisation can enhance decision making
capability by increasing people’s ability to perceive, explore and conceive design
solutions (Abdelhameed 2005). In this course of action, planners heavily depend on
the availability, quality and comprehensiveness of the information to study
development plans and their relationship with the information (Yaakup 2006). While
decision makers who hold ultimate authority are generally not town planners, town
37
planners can help to furnish them with sound information, as a basis for making
better decisions (Abdullah, A, Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009).
Current IT advancement offers enormous prospects for exploring computing in
applying geographically referenced data for management, data analysis, generating
development scenarios and presentations (Ludin et al. 2007). It can create better
decision making regarding land use, to improve social and economic aspects of
planning (Yaakup 2006). Johar agrees that decision making for planning, including
monitoring, can be supported by means of innovative IT to conduct analysis, by
efficiently retrieving information as well as evaluating alternative solutions generated
by modelling different scenarios (Johar et al. 2006). As a support system for planning
and monitoring development, IT can enhance decision making processes and help to
produce better decisions by improving data accuracy and accessibility (Yaakup 2006,
p. 12).
Spatial Planning and Decision Support System (SPDSS) is an interactive, integrative
and participative computer based system designed to support semi structured spatial
decision making to produce more effective decision making processes (Abdullah, A,
Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009; Yaakup 2006). It expedites the planning process, as well
as improves the structure of the decision making process to become more transparent
and accountable to users, by recording all the decision making criteria in a computer
database (Abdullah, MF et al. 2004). Examples of SPDSS include Multi Criteria
Evaluation (MCE), which is used to generate development scenarios for the Klang
Valley area (Kamalrudin et al, 2006), while Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP)
serves to support GIS techniques to improve the planning model for water
environment in Selangor (Abdullah, A, Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009).
Institutionalising SPDSS aligns with adopting IT to assist Malaysian planning, as
aspired by the Ninth Malaysia Plan (Abdullah, A, Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009). While
FDTCP acts as the federal government department responsible for the planning
advancement in Malaysia, the FDTCP’s Geotechnical Spatial Analysis Research and
Development (GSARD) programme acknowledges the important role of SPDSS in
planning and decision making processes (Abdullah, MF et al. 2004). Following this,
as town planners need to be trained to undertake SPDSS process and to operate
38
SPDSS technology, decision makers must be made aware of the benefits of SPDSS
and to consider the results from SPDSS when making decisions. In this matter, town
planners who are directly involved in the decision making again require proper
training to undertake SPDSS’s processes and the technology, in order to integrate
them into their decision making processes (Abdullah, A, Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009).
Among PSS, when compared to SPDSS, GIS is increasingly gaining ground in
Malaysia (Abdullah, MF et al. 2004; Yaakup 2006). This is supported by a survey
undertaken to establish the level of awareness and knowledge in SPDSS among
Malaysian town planners (Abdullah, MF et al. 2004) which also substantiates Alias’s
observations that the larger majority of planners use GIS softwares such as MapInfo
and the Arc variants, in comparison to their usage of SPDSS software (Abdullah, A,
Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009).
3.4 GIS for planning
In planning processes involving the preparation and reviewing of plans, GIS plays a
significant part in environmental planning (Zhou et al. 2006), supporting spatial data
and analysing results, policy and guidelines. Its immense capacity for inventory,
navigation, and analysis of spatial and non-spatial data, has gained GIS popularity
among urban planners worldwide (Yaakup, Ludin & Nazri 2006; Yin, L & Hastings
2007). GIS can assist in improving the handling of information for urban planning
and management with the availability of data (Yaakup 2006, p. 10). While it has vast
capacity to display the relevant information to facilitate communication among
different decision makers involved in planning processes (Johar et al. 2006), its
ability to inter-relate data offers another contribution (Yaakup, Ludin & Nazri 2006).
GIS can serve planning in many ways and different levels; National, State and Local.
At the National level, GIS is recognised as the primary tool in the preparation of the
National Physical Plan (NPP) and Regional Plan. GIS serves to allocate land
availability and use in relation to the existing context such as urban areas, agriculture
areas and physical constraints. At the State level, GIS can assist in conducting a
combination of analyses in preparing key diagrams for the State Structure Plan
39
(SSP), and deciding potential development and conservation areas. At the Local
Level, GIS can be used to prepare District Local Plans (DLP), which form legal
documents in development guidelines and controls, as the GIS plans contain detailed
information on every plot of land (Yaakup 2006, p. 13).
Primarily functioning as a data repository and for drawing maps, a GIS database
contain layers of planning information and development plans, including land,
buildings, roads, rivers, utilities, community facilities, transportation, as well as the
environment and the socio-economic database (Yaakup et al. 2003). However, GIS
alone cannot provide all the functions that planning requires without integration with
other systems (Yaakup 2006). Integrating with PSS and DSS, its capabilities are
further enhanced as a planning and management tool (Ludin et al. 2007).
3.4.1 Development Planning and Control
Every stage of development planning and control has the benefit of using a GIS
database, including the assessments of the Technical Committee and the Planning
Committee. It can be referred to in initial discussions, registration, and invitation for
objections where GIS can assist in the invitation and discussion process. Not only
can it make available the details of the property owners of the surrounding
developments, it can also provide a platform to consider objections by displaying the
scenarios to inform them about the changing development environment that will take
place (Johar et al. 2006, p. 10). Most importantly, the system can provide
transparency and consistency in the development control procedure (Yaakup et al.
2003). Authorities can allocate scarce resources using GIS (Johar et al. 2006).
Assessing proposed development and deciding on the overall urban growth
management using a comprehensive database supports a quicker and better informed
decision making, and therefore, is economically beneficial.
GIS offers a vast opportunity for developing new ways for the computer processing
of geographically referenced data (Ludin et al. 2007). In the case of coordinating
planning and monitoring development in the Klang Valley, the adoption of GIS goes
beyond maintaining a comprehensive database. The idea to integrate GIS in
development plan preparation for Klang Valley was suggested by FDTCP in 1995 by
40
several academics (Abdullah, A, Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009). Following that, in 2004,
a pilot project involving GIS planning application system was launched by the
Ministry of Federal Territories.
GIS for Klang Valley region is adopted by AGISwlk, a planning support tool which
formulates and evaluates development policies and strategies as well as coordinating
and monitoring the development process using a comprehensive database and GIS-
based planning application. The available features of AGISwlk enable planners to
analyse development strategies, as well as providing information on land availability
and suitability. Other potentials include facilitating technical considerations
processes by displaying data used by other agencies and parties involved in the
technical aspects, with spatially translated information on development and
administrative policies. Such displayed information on the status of development,
surrounding developments, available infrastructure and other planning requirements,
can assist the planners to better advise the planning applicants (Yaakup et al. 2003).
The web application of AGISwlk for public interactive maps and stakeholders
application modules integrates with local authorities and other related agencies. Johar
et. al. predict that this will enhance the existing structure and practice of urban
planning and management in Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH) (Johar et al. 2006, p.
13) which in recent years has been dependent on the out dated 1970 development
plan which (Yaakup et al. 2003). Ludin (2007) claims that AGISwlk has significantly
contributed to the understanding of the development attributes in the Klang Valley
region and has thus improved the decision making process pertaining to the planning
and monitoring of the region.
3.4.2 Development Planning Process
In the development planning process, particularly in the preparation of Planning
Evaluation Reports, GIS data layers can be used as a tool to provide information on
development location and surrounding area, current land use, as well as planning
policies (Johar et al. 2006, p. 10). This is important in planning and decision making
where GIS can provide relatively quick responses to analytical questions and issues.
41
By means of its efficient retrieving and modelling capability, different scenarios can
be generated for planning evaluation (Yaakup 2006, p. 11).
In assessing proposed developments, GIS is able to provide town planning
committees with sufficient information to facilitate decision making. For the rest of
the representatives of the technical committee, GIS can facilitate their comment by
displaying the relevant data from the various involved departments. Acting as an
“early warning system”, GIS is capable of signifying the implication of the proposed
development, such as planning decisions which may affect city growth. GIS analysis
application such as What-if software provides appropriate alternatives instead of
merely rejecting the application (Johar et al. 2006, p. 10).
3.4.3 Advantages, Disadvantages and Issues
Johar lists four main advantages of GIS in planning. First is the information sharing
which is enabled by the interaction between subsystems within a comprehensive and
systematic workflow. This spatial attribute in GIS database can be used for locating a
development site for Development Control. Second is the reduced waiting time for
file distribution among the involved staff, which is possible within a transparent and
detailed workflow. Third, is the data recovery which automatically backs up files for
spatial and attribute data. Fourth is its capacity to encourage public participation
among citizens without demanding them to physically visit the relevant department
to inquire about the development site. Web based GIS can further facilitate a well
informed public to make significant objections and suggestions (Johar et al. 2006, p.
12).
On the other hand, Johar et. al. (2006, p. 12) list three disadvantages of using GIS in
planning. First is that the system may break down due to frequent electrical shortages
in Malaysia. To ensure the smooth running of the system, local authorities should
have a backup system. Second is the current requirement for hard copy submissions
along with digital copies, where there is no current legal provision for digital
submission. Third are data security and the vulnerability of the system to intrusion.
Although data recovery procedures have been developed to address this issue,
42
responsible staff should be accountable to ensure security of passwords from hackers
in the system.
Outlining the advantages and disadvantages of using GIS for planning, the authors
(Johar et al. 2006, p. 13) suggest that in order for a GIS system to be effective, a
comprehensive appraisal method, which covers planning, operational, organisational,
institutional, personnel, financial and technical matters, must be carried out
continuously. He stresses that for optimising the implementation of GIS in planning,
more attention and research are required towards organisational and institutional
matters, and in developing GIS for management purposes. This is more feasible than
in the past as the price of hardware is reducing, while the capabilities of desktop GIS
packages continue to improve (Abdullah, A, Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009, p. 2). In
addition, planning staff should be provided with workshops, particularly on how to
integrate GIS into the development plan preparation (Abdullah, A, Ibrahim &
Abdullah 2009). In establishing the success factors of GIS implementation, Ludin et.
al. (2007, p. 12) agree with Abdullah that human resources play an important role.
Educating planning staff is stressed as the basis for technology transfer in developing
understanding about the capabilities of GIS.
Another viewpoint is suggested by Ibrahim et. al. (2004) as they examine the issue
deeper. They believe that the Malaysian planning schools have a major responsibility
in educating planners-to-be in understanding the capabilities of GIS, and not to spend
most of their time merely teaching GIS mapping capability and how to draw plans. In
Malaysian planning schools, GIS is largely being delivered in theoretical form
without integrating many practical elements of real planning projects, which is also a
disadvantage. IT courses should be integrated with the rest of the curriculum, and
research to identify and develop a set of integrated IT skills for planners must be
carried out urgently (Salleh, G & Meng 1999, p. 15). The importance of education to
effectively utilise GIS in Malaysia is also agreed on by Abdullah et. al. (2009).
3.4.4 3-D GIS
3-D GIS supports spatial analysis and evaluating alternative solutions by two means,
firstly, using its data storage and retrieval technology, it provides rapid and efficient
43
information retrieval to support quick responses to analytical questions and
monitoring issues. Secondly, by means of its integrated 3-D capability that enables
different scenarios to be modelled and generated (Johar et al. 2006) 3-D GIS
supports spatial urban analysis. Shiode (2001) maintains that the advancement in 3-D
modelling GIS will always benefit from GIS technologies.
There are many strategies of linking GIS to 3-D models. Weak coupling is through
the import and export of data, and stronger coupling is through embedding the 3-D
model within the GIS environment (Batty 1994). However, while GIS has developed
from 2-D representation to 3-D representation since the 1960’s, the third dimension
is currently acting merely as an add-on attribute to 2-D that only enables 3-D
analysis with limited capabilities (Bruce 2007). Many communities throughout the
world that have stored their infrastructure in GIS database are now challenged by an
ongoing debate on how to effectively visualise the complex 3-D urban environment
(Starmer, Shufelt & McKeown 2002), as well as how to integrate Virtual Reality
Modelling Language (VRML) technologies and online design over the World Wide
Web (Bruce 2007).
With the increased and advanced use of GIS technologies and its value in analytical
and quantitative methods for urban planning analysis (Yaakup et al. 2004; Yin, L &
Hastings 2007), there is a pressing challenge to seek ways to effectively and
efficiently adopt 3-D GIS for decision making, combining analytical methods and
models to support spatial analysis, modelling and mining processes (Jiang & Li
2005). In the last decade, development of GIS technologies have incorporated
interactive visualisation tools such as ArcScene and ArcGlobe in ArcGIS® to
enhance the performance of spatial analysis, for example, in studying the
relationships between buildings, streets and neighbours (Yin, L & Hastings 2007).
The key feature of 3-D GIS is the geo-reference of objects, for example, while
performing spatial queries for various scenario based analyses (Shiode 2001) and for
proposing What-if scenarios (Counsell & Smith 2007).
There are various methods of constructing the 3-D GIS base models which heavily
depend on GIS data availability and accuracy. They can be performed by transferring
highly geometrical city models which have been created using different methods into
44
GIS environment (Emem & Batuk 2004). However, traditional CAD platforms such
as AutoCAD, ArchiCAD and 3-D Max, which are commonly employed for
geometric modelling, are not practical for visualising large data sets of the (built)
environment (Lange 2001). Although they can produce high geometric precision,
they are relatively heavy in terms of memory usage and require good operating skills
(Abdul Ghani & Datta 2009). A preferred method with sufficient data, is extrusion
technique within GIS software, carrying attribute data into volumetric blocks (Shih
& Lee 2009). Further detail treatments may incorporate texture mapping to add
realism to the blocks, displaying texture, colour and material. SketchUp®’s
proprietary plug-in, Shapefile importer, enables detailed content to be built and is
entirely compatible to the analytical functionalities and querying capabilities of state-
of-the-art GIS. Combining GIS and 3-D visualisation tools can be more powerful
than using either alone (Shiode 2001).
3.5 Visualisation for Planning
Visualisation makes the human-machine interaction so engaging by making various
types of planning information, such as traffic projections, more readily understood by
users (Shiffer 1993). Visualisation for design and planning started in the 18th century
using comparative perspectives (Hudson-Smith, Andrew, Evans & Batty 2005).
Since then, planners have developed an interest in visual means in their dealings with
a diverse group of people including the government, developers and citizens (Ospina
& Flaxman 2006). In the past twenty years, visualisation using desktop, network and
various immersive media powered by digital computation of various kinds (Hudson-
Smith, Andrew, Evans & Batty 2005), has emerged as a powerful decision support
tool.
Visualisation using digital tools can provide a valuable insight into design space.
While visualisation techniques enable the integration of complex spatial information
such as evolution and transformation of urban precincts, as well as the impact of
planned developments, there are various techniques to gather information and to
visualise in developing knowledge and understanding about the city (Fisher 2007).
According to Langendorf (1992), there are three bases of visualisation in the
45
planning process. First, is to assist in looking at consequences from multiple views,
second, is to extend understanding of complex urban planning and design, and third,
is to facilitate the communication process.
In reference to the concept of bridging between theory and reality (Batty 2007a),
models are tools for relating the world (Fragkias & Seto 2007). Possible utilisation of
digital simulation models and techniques in the planning processes is widespread,
particularly to support visualisation for spatial analysis and benefiting technical
evaluations of group decisions on planning proposals (Johar et al. 2006; Shen &
Kawakami 2007; Voigt & Linzer 2003). Araby and Okeil (2004), citing Aurigi
(2001) believe that simulation techniques are crucial to the decision making process.
Real-time simulation is considered better than 3-D animations and 2-D renderings
because it offers a relatively objective view of a project, as the users can freely
navigate around the project unlike rendering animations that only show views that
the creator has selected (Holtzman 2006).
There is an urgent need to develop expertise in the application of digital media to
address problems of the built environment (Hudson-Smith, Andrew, Evans & Batty
2005; Meng & Ahmad 2000). While digital media has the potential to produce better
decision making in urban design and planning processes, the effective application of
digital tools for visualisation in this area is relatively under-explored. Its effective use
to enhance planning decisions still needs further development, as most studies
revolve around the system development (Shen & Kawakami 2007). Meng (1997)
suggests that by gradually integrating computer applications into the existing
planning process will not only promote confidence among the planning staff, but will
also make the discovering of more effective and efficient applications less difficult.
He also recommends starting with using friendlier, easier to use and most
importantly, more affordable technology.
However, visualisation of the city is only feasible when integrated with PSS as a
support tool to access information, to support analysis and prediction for decision
making (Brail & Klosterman 2001). While innovative systems like Spatial Planning
and Decision Support System (SPDSS) as described earlier, are constructive, they are
ineffective as separate systems, within the existing structures and working processes
46
of an organisation (Abdullah, A, Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009). Following Meng’s
strategy and Kwartler’s suggestion as cited by Holtzman (2006), to “provide a
structure for small, incremental decision making”, this study is aimed at gaining an
insight on how to use 3-D visualisation and GIS as a tool for the development
planning process in the urbanised towns of Malaysia and Australia.
3.5.1 Virtual City
It is anticipated that the use of virtual reality models in planning processes will
increase in the future (Sunesson et al. 2008). Today, many cities around the world
have been actively engaged virtual reality models, in addressing various issues in
urban planning where visual communication is vital. In Europe, the Digital City of
Amsterdam has been created for communication between municipal council and
citizens, while Helsinki Arena 2000 serves as a communication platform for
community (Figure 3-1). America Online (AOL) on the other hand, pursues
economic efficiency by providing local information using online network services
for a growing number of American cities (Ishida, 2002). There are also different
digital concepts of visualisation involving cities, based on diverse sets of
philosophies (Hudson-Smith, Andrew, Evans & Batty 2005; Ishida 2002), combining
various technologies (Batty 2001; Ospina & Flaxman 2006) where each is unique in
its context involving environment, social and culture. There are different softwares
that can perform geospatial visualisation. For example, cities in Japan use Urban
Viewer® which is compatible to the 3-D modelling platform called MAP CUBE®.
Figure 3-1: Digital cities, Amsterdam (left) and Helsinki (right). Source: (Batty, 2007)
47
Virtual Kyoto in Japan is a leading example of the use of 3-D GIS automatic
generation system (Figure 3-2) and new technologies (Figure 3-3). While
maintaining World Wide Web quality, it extends the digital city concept by
supplementing the physical city with digital kiosks stationed as information centre
for its urban dwellers (Ishida, 2002). Old topographic maps since 1900 to 1935 are
scanned and transferred to digital map, using the geo-referencing functions of
ArcGIS®. It provides a Virtual-Time-Space-of-Kyoto from past to the present, using
an internet platform and integrating virtual reality. This has assisted the urban
landscape planning of Kyoto in looking at ways to transmit the historical and cultural
value of the machiya (traditional townhouse) to future generations (Yutaka Takase et
al. 2005; Yutaka Takase et al. 2003).
Figure 3-2: 3-D city model generation system used for Virtual Time-Space of
Kyoto Source: (Yutaka Takase et al. 2005; Yutaka Takase et al. 2003).
48
Figure 3-3: Photorealistic city model with virtual reality and internet for the Virtual Time-Space of Kyoto
Source: (Yutaka Takase et al. 2005; Yutaka Takase et al. 2003).
The development of virtual and real cities has been supported by the rapid
development of information and communication technologies (ICT), which
encourage the creation of intelligent community. An intelligent community can be a
community, a town, city or region, which regards communication bandwidth as a
fundamental value, as it involves a wired city, smart community, or e-city. It has five
attributes of measurement: broadband infrastructure, knowledge force, venture
capital, marketing prowess and digital democracy (Rafi 2005, p. 230). While many
perceive ICT as the new means to prosperity; its ability to create a virtual real world
for the future city where the capacity to capture, collate, analyse and communicate
the information is significant (Salleh, G & Meng 1999, p. 9). Malaysia’s ability to
respond to the future city and rapid urban growth, hinges on adopting world’s best
practices in the field of interactive virtual environments.
In planning, digital visualisation and communication are expected to improve the
process, by making planning information more accessible and easier to understand
by its various stakeholders, including the general public. As a channel of information
to affected citizens, the virtual environment has the potential to represent the
geography and geometry of a real city, to enhance engagements between
professionals and politicians in order to produce more effective plans (Hudson-
Smith, Andy et al. 2002). Such a suggested role of virtual model is reframed in
Figure 3-4.
49
There is also an issue of realism in virtual environmental visualisation in comparison
with the real environment, as well as the level of ease of use among software tools
and user interactivity (Lange & Bishop 2005). In improving comprehension,
credibility and non bias-relating visualisation simulation in visual-impact-
assessment, five measures have been suggested involving representative, accuracy,
visual clarity, interest and legitimacy (Sheppard 1989). While technical matters,
such as the process of developing the model, may serve as a guideline to develop
other city models, the social approach of using digital media in data management and
managing the city are pertinent to the effective use of 3-D visualisation and
modelling in planning (Pietsch 2000a).
3.5.2 Urban Growth
Models are tools for organising and describing the world.
(Fragkias & Seto 2007, p. 859)
Responding to a digital paradigm which is becoming more inevitable, developing a
visualisation environment using 3-D models also recognises their potential to support
spatial analysis for decision making (Shen & Kawakami 2007), and the needs for
modelling urban growth (Batty et al. 2000; Brail 2001; Fragkias & Seto 2007). Cities
Figure 3-4: The potential role of virtual model for urban analysis
TEST BED TEMPORAL VISUALISATION
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
VIRTUAL MODEL
Local Council
IT Authority
Academic State Government
Industry
Partners
PRESENT
FEEDBACK
PAST FUTURE
STAKEHOLDERS
50
can be considered living organisms (Sidiropoulos & Vasilakos 2006) and fractal
structures (Batty 2007a) that change through time. However, Hillier (2006, p. 18)
contradicts this view, describing that cities have never been organic, or grown
without human reflections and agency. He suggests that cities grow by people
reflecting on how the city has grown so far and working out what has to be done to
adapt it to new needs or larger scales. Therefore, cities have their own logic and the
need for us is to make sense of how economic and social factors impact on them. In
addressing these different fundamental views concerning urban growth, computer
visualisation provides new ways of encountering urban space and allows us to
approach the city as a site for interaction (Brewer & Dourish 2007). It offers us the
tools to enhance, for example, Hillier’s process of reflection and creation, to produce
better planning and design. If this theory is valid, computer visualisation has a role in
forecasting and displaying those changes using the current data.
In understanding the city’s spatial-temporal transformation, interactive virtual
models are set to operate as an urban growth tool. As a planning support tool, they
can offer understanding about different parts of a planning system. They can also
generate and test hypotheses about patterns and mechanisms as well as make testable
predictions (AlSayyad 1999). As demonstrated in Figure 3-5, visualisation with
urban growth tools enables us to capture both present and future conditions and plans
with the ability to present clarity, accuracy and respond immediately, as well as offer
innovative ways, for information distribution (Hudson-Smith, Andrew, Evans &
Batty 2005). An urban growth model has the ability to enable systematic studies and
experiments of the city planning, to improve the reliability and validity of the
computer visualisation (Buccolo 2001; Mahmoud 2001).
51
Figure 3-5: Urban growth of Virtual Kyoto from year 1928 to 2000 Source: (Yutaka Takase et al. 2005)
While development of cities is difficult to comprehend (Hillier 2006), environmental
planning is an even more complicated process that requires a wide range of
considerations. Technical concern of urban function and form; economic issues, cost
and benefit; aesthetics relates to both appearance and experience; and social concerns
involve allocation and provision (Duhr, Bates-Brkljac & Counsell 2005).
3.5.3 A Common Tool
Planners have long dreamed about tools that could match the scope of their
vision (Ospina & Flaxman 2006).
Non-technical specialists and the public often find that conventional planning
materials are difficult to understand (Pietsch 2000a; Sunesson et al. 2008, p. 255).
The 3-D physical models and 2-D and text based information commonly used in
urban design and planning, such as maps, coded plans, sections and elevations, need
52
complex interpretations by professionals. Current research in computer visualisation
indicates that computer generated visualisation have potential, as a result of
inefficiencies in conventional methods to deliver information (Duhr, Bates-Brkljac &
Counsell 2005) and imply that conventional drawings cannot communicate
effectively beyond the construction industry (Pietsch 2000a). On the other hand,
they suggest that digital media has the potential to make planning information more
accessible and easier to understand by different stakeholders.
Digital representations such as 3-D computer models and interactive visualisation
have the potential to better translate and communicate planning materials more
clearly and effectively than conventional methods (Duhr, Bates-Brkljac & Counsell
2005; Meng & Ahmad 2000; Pietsch 2002), as well as engage better with the general
public (Pietsch 2002). They can enhance the understanding of the complex spatial
information about the city to different levels of people including laymen (Pietsch
2002). This is among the key aspects for resolving the urban design and planning
problems and producing better planning outcomes.
3.5.3.1 A Common Platform
The visual preference between designers and non-designers has been compared in a
survey which showed that they both are similarly sensitive towards the tested
streetscape components. In this context, both designers and non-designers read 3-D
models of streetscape the same way (Rafi & Rani 2008, p. 666). Having a similar
pattern on visual preference among stakeholders from design and non-design
background (Rafi & Rani 2008; Shen & Kawakami 2007), the digital approach,
including 3-D models, enables all levels of people to understand the evolution and
transformation of the urban space, as well as the impact of planned developments
(Ramasubramaniam & Neil 2004; Yin, L & Hastings 2007).
Where daily reflection and creation includes different professionals with different
tasks and responsibilities, difficulties often arise, as expressed by Stonor (2006), as
“educated apart, they sit around the same table but do not always know how to talk to
each other” and “with one group designing the destinations and the other the
connections between them”. Stonor (2006) also suggests that the main success in
53
focusing on the common interest, is having tools that can overcome the professional
divide to enhance the decision making process by involving decision makers and
stakeholders from different professional backgrounds who have different tasks and
responsibilities.
“Three-dimensional models speak in a common visual language that people can
easily understand” (Yin, L & Hastings 2007, p. 62). To assist in shaping perceptions
of the real world, the virtual environment in the form of 3-D computer models can
communicate in a “common visual language” as compared to 2-D text based
materials (Duhr, Bates-Brkljac & Counsell 2005; Meng & Ahmad 2000; Pietsch
2000a; Yin, L & Hastings 2007). A digital approach enables the integration of highly
complex spatial information. On the other hand, visualisation techniques provide the
common platform for viewing the same information from different angles as well as
assisting in the integration of multiple opinions and perspectives (Ramasubramaniam
& Neil 2004).
3.5.3.2 The World Wide Web
Authorities have to look into their provision for public access to planning
information and services (Yigitcanclar 2006). As the World Wide Web is
progressively becoming a common platform to disseminate information to the wider
public, it provides the interface for regulatory authorities to disseminate information
and to service the city, as well as to assist dialogues between the different local
authorities in managing urban growth. An important tool in decision making, it can
assist in reducing the amount of physical work required to collate the consensus by
the community (Salleh, G & Meng 1999, p. 12). In designing and planning, the web
assists collaboration between professionals and non professional stakeholders,
allowing them to contribute ideas, visions and needs in a truly participative and
empowering environment (Salleh, G & Meng 1999, p. 15; Shiffer 1992).
In Malaysia, the advantage of technology convergence has been implemented at the
National level as a means to increase human participation and to embrace the Digital
Age (Rafi 2005, p. 230). The web serves as a city portal for citizens to be connected
and updated with not only planning activities, and other interactive programmes and
54
to participate in community activities. As an example, www.i-putra.com.my,
Putrajaya’s community interactive platform to provide services for different levels of
target audiences of urban activities by demonstrating a digital community by
showcasing online information in the form of 3-D, VRML, panoramic view, and
images (Rafi 2005, pp. 230, 46).
Part 2: Motivation
3.6 Malaysian Urbanism
Malaysia is striving for an efficient planning system to deal with current and future
prospects in its rapid urbanism. The rapid urban transformation of metropolitan
areas and surroundings has not received enough attention during the last decade of
the twentieth century (Bunnell, Barter & Morshidi 2002). There is a strong need for
Malaysia to develop an effective planning approach to achieve its desired goals and
objectives, evaluate alternatives as well as control development programs (Yaakup et
al. 2004). While urban growth modelling has the potential to enhance the process,
Fragkias and Seto (2007) have suggested that the current urban growth modelling
should focus on the developing countries such as Malaysia where most urban growth
will occur in the future, instead of concentrating primarily on the industrialised
countries.
Malaysia is one of the fastest rising economies in the world and there are many
issues surrounding the development of its urban centres, particularly in the State of
Selangor (Salleh, G & Meng 1999, p. 8). While planning and regulating urbanism are
among the main functions of a local authority (Meng & Ahmad 2000, p. 2), these
functions are no longer merely associated with land use and theory of traffic, as the
planner’s consideration must now include social, political and economic elements
(Yaakup, Ludin & Nazri 2006). This is because our living environments rely heavily
on urban design management by local government and other parties involved in the
development process (Salleh, G & Meng 1999). Currently, there is also a great
urgency to integrate sustainable planning with the rapid urbanisation experienced in
developing countries, although they are often constrained by limited resources
55
(Reffat 2004). Along with the government’s acknowledgement to act responsively
towards sustainable urbanism which demands new alternatives (Ampang Jaya
Municipal Council 1998), the existing planning system can no longer deal with the
current issues and challenges faced by Ampang Jaya.
In addressing urbanism, most local planning authorities in Selangor exercise
planning guidelines and limitations, but their effectiveness is questionable as these
guidelines are flexible and can be compromised. Strategies using information
systems need to be aligned to support planning processes, as well as deal with rapid
urbanism. While IT can benefit the urban development process by establishing
urbanisation patterns and forecasting growth to assist planning for the future city,
research in planning and IT in this area is still lacking (Salleh, G & Meng 1999).
3.7 Development Planning Process and Issues
In the process of development planning, a combination of problems must be
simultaneously resolved using different alternatives and tested with analysis,
experiment, and public discussion (Yaakup et al. 2003). In considering planning
permits, the development control process requires an organised collection of
professional project analyses and assessment of land use and development feasibility,
including the effects on the surroundings. In assisting decision makers to assess
appropriately, predicted development results, including the possibility of
amendments and other scenarios, should be clearly presented (Yaakup 2006). This
tedious development planning process is further complicated, as it involves
numerous stages, departments and different types of information, as well as media,
when determining projects’ suitability (Johar et al. 2006).
In the context of the present Malaysian system, planners’ conduct is compromised as
are they continually guided by outdated planning standards (Salleh, G & Meng 1999,
p. 12). Salleh and Meng suggest that the revision and development of new standards
is timely through their research and involves key issues, including organisation
restructuring, urban growth management, and IT tools in planning. This also includes
replacing the current paper based manual system in planning, which is the outcome
of multiple layers of bureaucracy and government red tape. Paper-based and manual
56
systems are a hindrance to the free flow of information. They not only make it
difficult in managing numerous records, but are also slow in response time and
require considerably high manpower (Meng & Ahmad 2000, p. 3). These systems
require transfer of files across departments for numerous redundant verifications and
consultations with various levels of officers and staff before the files can be handed
back to the developers for further actions (Meng & Ahmad 2000; p. 12). Salleh and
Meng argue that even though this critically lengthy and redundant process can be
avoided by using IT such as the electronic planning approval system, there is
resistance as the officers may prefer the manual system to they are accustomed
(Meng & Ahmad 2000; p. 13).
To develop a standard planning application procedure is also difficult due to the
diversity of local authorities across Selangor, and several methods have been put
forward to address this diversity. In this matter, Johar (Johar et al. 2006) proposes a
Development Control System (DCS); a comprehensive geospatial and planning
information subsystem to support discussion and analysis in development planning
process. Meng and Ahmad (2000, p. 2) on the other hand, recommend interlinked
multi-departmental approval systems for local authorities.
3.7.1 Delay: overall process
In relation to different processes and protocols, and bureaucracy in the Malaysian
development planning process, a number of shortcomings have been identified by
Johar (2006). The first critical issue is the slow process, which is related to the
overall process and procedures caused by consultants, planning committees and
applicants. When there are delays in obtaining approvals, it is very common to blame
local authorities, particularly when this results in private sectors failing to respond to
market changes quickly enough (Meng & Ahmad 2000, p. 19). In expediting the
approval process, computerisation can support critical procedures by offering a
relatively quick response to planning issues, thereby reducing cost and time (Johar et
al. 2006). Meng and Ahmad agree with the potentials of IT for planning processes
and further suggest to streamline procedures to guarantee decisions within the
specified time (Meng & Ahmad 2000, p. 19).
57
3.7.2. Decision making process
The second set of issues highlighted by Johar and his research team are related to
decision making processes, involving lack of consistency, transparency and public
participation (Johar et al. 2006). While the basis for inconsistency in decision making
is its reliance on personal judgement and insufficient information, the cause of lack
of transparency is that decision makers and enforcement officers are not following
rules and regulations, do not communicate information clearly, as well as not using
effective media. In producing more effective and faster decision making processes,
including more structured, transparent and accountable processes, the Ninth Malaysia
Plan stipulates the intervention of ICT (Abdullah, A, Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009).
3.7.3 Data updating
Although access to development control data guidelines, concerning zoning, density
and road reserves, enables better and informed decision making (Meng & Ahmad
2000, p. 18), there is lack of regularly updated information and difficulty of access
and retrieval of data among the relevant departments, even within the same local
authority, as a result of ineffective data exchange system which is commonly
dependent on hardcopy data. This is the third issue raised by Johar. Meng and
Ahmad agree that liaison between departments in local authority in general,
particularly the two major departments of Planning and Building, require more
integration and a good tracking system such as a master index or a map based system
(Meng & Ahmad 2000, p. 3) as well as the server system to transport the information
between departments (Meng & Ahmad 2000, p. 8). Such server system and giant
repositories only exist in cyber cities of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya (Meng & Ahmad
2000, p. 12; Rafi 2005). While major problems in the centralised database system
have become the stumbling block for the government agencies to co-operate, the
overly complicated bureaucracy also makes it difficult for officers involved in the
planning process to even retrieve their own data from the central database (Meng &
Ahmad 2000, p. 5).
Electronic systems are the obvious solutions in managing urban development
activities (Salleh, G & Meng 1999, p. 8). In improving data updating, free flow of
58
information is not possible when each department has authority over its own
documents (Meng & Ahmad 2000, p. 3). The responsibilities of each department are
also not shared; so the idea of sharing is not seen as necessary. Currently,
information management is becoming more important than the information itself
(Rafi 2005, p. 230). There are innovative staff in the Selangor planning authority
who are proactive in exploring IT as they recognise the importance of free flowing
information between departments for effective and efficient work processes to
facilitate timely and accurate decision making (Meng & Ahmad 2000, p. 5).
However, techniques need good planning to ensure information that is free from
errors, regularly updated, easily accessible, cheaply available, and has a higher
degree of standardisation (Abdullah, A, Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009, p. 1) to ensure the
validity and reliability of data (Ludin et al. 2007, p. 12).
3.7.4 Public Participation
Rationalism is based not on pure logic and the abstract evaluation of evidence, but
rather on informed consensus formed by a community of individuals in a particular
place and time (Brail & Klosterman 2001). Public participation is vital in planning
processes, and its reformation involves broad public participation (Yigitcanclar
2006). As joint decision-making will deliver a better overall result (Kalay 1999),
broader participation in the planning process might better meet the needs of the
future users (Sunesson et al. 2008). Computer tools have the potentials to
democratise planning processes using new computing environment and information
infrastructure (Shiffer 1993).
In supporting public participation and electronic government, information and
communications technologies offer high potentials (Salleh, G & Meng 1999;
Yigitcanclar 2006). Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the Malaysian government gives
strong emphasis in developing knowledge-based society, thus creating a society that
is knowledgeable about their built environment. Among the government initiatives to
support this matter in planning and decision making processes include a GIS, e-
planning, spatial planning and decision support system (SPDSS) (Abdullah, MF et al.
2004). This leads to the fourth issue in the Malaysian planning system, which is lack
59
of public participation. This is partially caused by lack of information publicly
available (Yaakup 2006).
3.8 Computing in Malaysian Planning
Computing in practice allows for more efficient services by three distinctive means,
as compared to manual system (Radford & Gero 1980). First, it can be faster and
more accurate. Second, its computational capability enables the practice of new
methods. Third, it offers an entirely new advancement in design. Modern information
technology, particularly databases, GIS, CAD, animation and web based technology,
can assist planning and support urbanisation, as well as to decide whether to couple
urbanisation with such development (Salleh, G & Meng 1999, p. 9). While there is
an urgent need to embrace the digital paradigm, the Malaysian Government has
delegated the task of managing, monitoring and implementing ICT initiatives to the
Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC), which effectiveness has been argued
by both public and private sectors.
However, many attempts by state and local authorities to adopt computing in their
work process have been piecemeal and ad hoc, and many have failed, resulting in
frustration, and finally abandonment of systems. The contributing factor is the lack
of knowledge and skills in IT among the staff, which results to poor briefing to IT
consultants over what type of system is required for their scope of work in planning.
Many layers of superiors and subordinates in planning hierarchies are another cause
of redundant work, which counters the benefits of IT to reduce manpower. (Meng &
Ahmad 2000, p. 9).
Abdul Rahman (2006) offers a different viewpoint, focusing on Malaysian
computing and GIS technologies in planning. He finds that even with the right
technology, most attempts have failed to produce the demanded information, because
most of the projects initiated by the government are duplicative in nature. However,
he believes that the problems can be solved with the right and clear policy at the
national level, suggesting that the highest level in the government should play a more
active role in changing the way GIS is managed in Malaysian planning practices, and
recommends that the GIS development be parked under the Prime Minister’s
60
Department. Salleh and Meng (1999, p. 15) on the other hand, blame the lack of
exposure of IT capabilities even among younger generations, and the perceptions of
policy makers that IT solely belongs to the field of computer sciences. Urging that
these preconceptions should quickly change, they also suggest that IT and planning
skills should become the integrated core of the planning curriculum which itself is
still paper based.
3.8.1 Mindset
While the government is pursuing a knowledge-based economy and society, the
average citizen must explore the IT opportunities offered for improving their quality
of life (Rafi 2005). In reducing the digital divide, changing the mindset of
Malaysians is the greatest challenge, especially convincing those who cannot see the
potentials of IT to enhance life quality, in the opinion of the Chief Executive Officer
of Multimedia Development Corporation (Rafi 2005, p. 240). In overcoming this
challenge, careful planning in preparing digital infrastructure, including in a public
education sense is needed (Rafi 2005, p. 236).
The mindset of the planners is significant, and is dependent upon their exposure to
the advanced technology. As mentioned in 3.5, old habits die hard as some planners
do prefer the manual system which they are accustomed to. This is considered to be
the most critical problem for the majority of the government departments in Malaysia
(Meng 1996). This is even more crucial when advice from the planners in developing
the system, for example, in terms of the specification and the type of system, is
important to determine effective system application. On the other hand, the people
responsible for implementing changes to the existing system are reluctant to change
it, because they do not see the benefits of the new technology.
3.9 Summary
In this chapter, the theoretical proposition of using 3-D visualisation and GIS to
enhance the planning processes in the local authorities has been constructed by
61
exploring two related parts of literature. The first part of the literature review set the
foundation for this study, as it identified gaps in the research in the effective use of 3-
D visualisation and GIS in the development planning processes, by exploring the
wider context of 3-D visualisation and GIS in planning. The second part motivated
this study by investigating the issues in the Malaysian planning system.
Recent studies have acknowledged the potentials of computer modelling to facilitate
the process of development planning, particularly for urban growth where future
results can be predicted and planning scenarios can be modelled. As GIS is gaining
popularity among planners world-wide, the advancement of IT in GIS environment
enables various PSS and DSS systems to be developed as effective technical tools to
serve planning requirements. Urban models, e-planning, spatial planning and
presentation technique are examples of PSS used to improve planning decisions and
resolve urban issues to a greater extent than currently.
Integrating GIS to improve data accuracy and accessibility, offers a potentially
powerful tool to enable the integration of complex spatial information in supporting
policymaking, facilitating planning and decision making. In the development
planning process, GIS has the ability to play a significant part, for its immense
capacity for inventory, navigation, and analysis of spatial and non-spatial data to
support policy and guidelines. While the human factors remain, the four potentials of
GIS highlighted in literature for information sharing, reducing waiting time for file
distribution, data recovery, and encouraging public participation, have the potential
to effectively address the critical problems in the Malaysian development planning
process.
3-D visualisation can facilitate the communication process by providing insight into
space. Combining 3-D visualisation with GIS can be more powerful than using either
alone. While 2-D GIS supports spatial analysis by means of its efficient retrieving
capability, 3-D GIS can further enhance the operation by modelling and
visualisation techniques, such as simulation, which are crucial to decision making.
In this process, real time simulation is even better than rendered 3-D views because it
offers a relatively objective view of the project.
62
In analysing the spatial-temporal evolution of urban precinct, 3-D GIS has the
potential to enable viewing the transformation of planned developments as it could
translate complex spatial data into common visual language that is better understood
than 2-D representations. Visualisation techniques are able to provide a common
platform by integrating planning information from various sources, and allow
viewing from multiple angles. This can aid in overcoming the divide among different
professionals involved in the planning process as well as engaging different
stakeholders and the general public in decision making. The World Wide Web,
which is progressively becoming the common interface, has the ability to further
assist regulatory authorities to disseminate information to the wider public as well as
engaging in dialogues between different parties in managing urban growth and
collating consensus by the community.
While the potentials of 3-D visualisation and GIS for planning are immense, a review
of the literature has highlighted eight reasons why computing in Malaysian planning
has failed. This has resulted to frustrations and finally abandonment among the
planners. The greatest challenge faced by the government in fostering computing in
planning is changing the mindset among society. Other factors include lack of
exposure among decision makers and planners to IT capabilities, lack of knowledge
and skills in IT, piecemeal and ad-hoc project implementation, projects which are
similar, non integrated syllabi in planning tertiary studies, lack of description in
instructions to appointed IT developers, as well as the perception that IT is exclusive
to the field of sciences.
In order for computing in planning to be effective, more attention and research are
required towards organisational and institutional matters, and in developing GIS for
management purposes. Comprehensive appraisal methods, which cover planning,
operational, organisational, institutional, personnel, financial and technical matters
must also be carried out continuously. The success of computer implementation in
planning also relies on human resources to educate the planning staff in GIS and the
integration of the system into the existing planning process. While technical matters,
such as the process of developing the model is important, the social approach of
using the model is equally as important to determine the success of the system
63
implementation. Because of this, more research into integrating planning and
computing is needed.
Literature shows that planning and regulating urbanism by local government is
crucial because our living environments are heavily reliant upon urban design
management. It is achieved by activities in planning involving designing for the
future, assessing solutions with different alternatives, and representing the
community. While planning standards in Malaysia are traditionally drawn from
experience than scientific research, in addressing current planning challenges, they
need to be revised to outline the planner’s conduct in organisation structuring and
urban growth management.
Although in some ways redundancies are necessary for resilient systems, the
development planning process has too many redundancies and lengthy, and involves
bureaucracy and red tape. It also relies on a paper-based system. On the other hand,
decision making is a complex process, involving policies, economical, environmental
and social factors. In assessing planning applications and developing strategic and
statutory plans, planners heavily depend on the availability, quality and
comprehensiveness of information, and the relationship between various information.
Four issues have been identified in the literature as critical in this process: the overall
process having delays; decision making which has a lack of consistency and
transparency; poor data updating due to lack of data sharing, and lack of public
participation.
64
CHAPTER 4
RESEARCH FRAMEWORK AND METHODS
4.1 Introduction to Research Framework and Methods
This chapter describes the research framework and methods in addressing the
problems outlined by the previous chapter (literature review). The foundation for this
study is set by the critical problems and issues in the Malaysian planning process. In
adopting 3-D visualisation and GIS as a common platform in the Malaysian planning
process, five components; issues, problems, potentials, validation, demonstrations,
are studied and mapped out in the research framework (Figure 4-1) before the
effective use of the tool is proposed in Chapter 8.
4.2 Methods and Instruments
A mixed method comprising three main methods is engaged by this study, involving
literature survey, qualitative survey, quantitative survey, and 3-D computer
modelling and simulation as outlined in the research design (Table 4-1). Combining
different research strategies is a useful approach involving diverse fields and
disciplines (Groat & Wang 1954). The first method explores the use of 3-D
visualisation and GIS in the planning support system using an open-ended in-depth
interview. The second method is a quantitative assessment to help validate the issues
raised; from literature review and the previous interview. The third method involves
demonstrations of the actual construction of two 3-D visualisation and GIS models in
the context of the local planning authorities.
65
Prob
lem
s in
the
deve
lopm
ent
plan
ning
pr
oces
s
Cha
pter
3
Prop
ositi
on
& C
oncl
usio
n
A
com
mon
to
ol
Publ
ic
parti
cipa
tion
Dec
isio
n m
akin
g Pl
anni
ng &
Ass
essm
ent
Pote
ntia
ls o
f 3-D
vi
sual
isat
ion
& G
IS a
s a
com
mon
pla
tform
Plan
ning
to
ols
Urb
an
stud
y &
pr
edic
tion
Plan
ning
as
sess
men
t &
dec
isio
n m
akin
g
Dev
elop
men
t pl
anni
ng
proc
ess
A
com
mon
to
ol
Inte
rpre
tat
ion
&
intu
ition
Slop
e &
hi
llsid
e de
velo
pmen
t
D
emon
stra
tion
Cha
pter
7
Cha
pter
8
V
alid
atio
n
Dec
isio
n m
aker
s Vis
ual
asse
ssm
ent
Cha
pter
5
City
vi
sion
Intr
oduc
tion
Cha
pter
1
Res
earc
h Fr
amew
ork
& M
etho
ds
Cha
pter
4
Lite
ratu
re R
evie
w
Cha
pter
3
Bac
kgro
und
Cha
pter
2
Issu
es ab
ove
prob
lem
s Figu
re 4
-1: R
esea
rch
fram
ewor
k - 3
D v
isua
lisat
ion
as a
com
mon
pla
tfor
m fo
r th
e D
evel
opm
ent P
lann
ing
Proc
ess i
n Se
lang
or
Cha
pter
6
66
Tab
le 4
-1: R
esea
rch
desi
gn
Hyp
othe
sis:
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n an
d G
IS h
as th
e po
tent
ial t
o en
hanc
e M
alay
sian
pla
nnin
g pr
oces
s by
serv
ing
as a
com
mon
pla
tform
in d
evel
opm
ent p
lann
ing
proc
ess.
Sub
hypo
thes
is: I
dent
ifica
tion
of b
road
er p
robl
ems i
n M
alay
sian
pla
nnin
g pr
oces
s will
enh
ance
the
use
of d
igita
l med
ia in
pla
nnin
g.
PUR
POSE
M
ET
HO
D &
IN
STR
UM
EN
T
DA
TA
SO
UR
CE
D
AT
A A
NA
LY
SIS
M
EA
SUR
EM
EN
T
RE
SPO
ND
EN
T
CA
TE
GO
RY
Qua
ntita
tive
Seco
ndar
y To
val
idat
e an
d m
easu
re th
e ef
fect
ive
pote
ntia
ls o
f 3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n &
GIS
in
deve
lopm
ent p
lann
ing
proc
ess
Like
rt-Sc
ale
Que
stio
nnai
re
Stat
istic
al d
escr
iptiv
e an
alys
is u
sing
SPS
S so
ftwar
e
Freq
uenc
y an
d
Cro
ss-ta
bula
tion
Dev
elop
men
t pl
anni
ng p
roce
ss
parti
cipa
nts a
nd
cand
idat
es fr
om th
e Se
lang
or
Rol
e
Obs
erva
tion
of
plan
ning
med
ia
exam
ples
by
resp
onde
nts
Org
anis
atio
n
Tech
nica
l ba
ckgr
ound
Seni
ority
To e
xplo
re is
sues
in re
latio
n to
the
abov
e pr
oble
ms
To id
entif
y th
e us
e &
pot
entia
ls o
f 3-D
vi
sual
isat
ion
& G
IS fo
r Mal
aysi
an p
lann
ing
To re
conf
irm v
aria
bles
from
lite
ratu
re
Ope
n-en
ded
& in
-de
pth
inte
rvie
w
Man
ually
cod
ed
trans
crip
ts
Fr
eque
ncy
and
patte
rn
Qua
litat
ive
Prim
ary
Seni
or p
lann
ers
from
Sel
ango
r pl
anni
ng a
utho
ritie
s
To id
entif
y th
e po
tent
ials
of 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
&
GIS
as a
com
mon
pla
tform
for d
evel
opm
ent
plan
ning
pro
cess
To d
emon
stra
te th
e co
nstru
ctio
n pr
oces
s an
d ap
plic
atio
ns o
f 3-D
& v
isua
lisat
ion
mod
els i
n lo
cal p
lann
ing
auth
oriti
es
Com
pute
r m
odel
ling
&
sim
ulat
ions
Dem
onst
ratio
n
Gov
ernm
ent
docu
men
ts,
disc
ussi
on
mat
eria
ls, 3
-D
com
pute
r mod
els
The
proc
ess,
appl
icat
ion
of 3
-D
visu
alis
atio
n &
GIS
m
odel
s
Des
crip
tive
expe
rienc
e &
ob
serv
atio
n
Plan
ning
off
icer
s fr
om th
e lo
cal
auth
oriti
es
Lite
ratu
re S
urve
y
Loca
l con
text
To se
t the
rese
arch
foun
datio
n by
iden
tifyi
ng th
e cr
itica
l pro
blem
s in
Mal
aysi
an p
lann
ing
proc
ess
To e
stab
lish
the
prop
ositi
on u
sing
3-D
vi
sual
isat
ion
and
GIS
in th
e pl
anni
ng p
roce
ss
Lite
ratu
re S
urve
y
Wid
er c
onte
xt
Cha
pter
3
Cha
pter
5
Cha
pter
5 &
6
Cha
pter
7
Cha
pter
3
67
4.2.1 Literature Survey
Examination of the literature indicates the use of 3-D visualisation and GIS in the
planning support system in the wider context. It has also become the springboard
for this study in identifying the critical problems in the local development
planning process in Malaysia.
4.2.2 Qualitative Survey: in-depth and open-ended interview
This qualitative survey involved open-ended and in-depth interviews with senior
officers in the planning authorities in Selangor in Malaysia. The purpose of the in-
depth and open-ended interviews was to explore the social, cultural and
technological issues in using digital media, focusing on the roles and potentials of
3-D visualisation and GIS in the Malaysian planning authorities.
4.2.2.1 Participants
This survey involved the Federal Town and Country Planning (FDTCP), three
city councils, and six town councils in Selangor. It was conducted among sixteen
planning officers from the senior and director levels that are well-informed of the
issues in using digital media for urban design and planning. It involved judgement
sampling in which respondents were selected on the basis of their expertise in the
area of investigation. Sekaran and Bougie (2009) noted, that while generalisation
is questionable, it is perhaps the only meaningful way to investigate issues in an
organisation. In this study, the respondents were coded as P1, P2 up to P16, to
maintain their confidentiality (Appendix 1).
4.2.2.2 Questionnaire
Each interview session lasted for one hour, where participants were asked to
answer six questions and give comments on three issues as per below:
68
Questions:
Q1. What are the critical areas, issues, problems or weaknesses regarding
planning development and control in Selangor and Malaysia?
Q2. What constitutes a good decision, as far as planning is concerned?
Q3. How do you measure the effectiveness of design and planning (better
decisions)?
Q4. What impact does computing; 3-D modelling and computer visualisation
with GIS technologies have on the current scenario in planning practice?
a. If there is a positive impact, what role should it take?
b. If there is a negative impact, please state why.
Q5. What is your opinion on the interest of policy/decision makers in Malaysia
on the use of digital media to make decisions in planning?
Q6. Can new information, e.g. responsive spatial data influence urban design
and planning?
Comments:
C1. Use of computers in planning, for example: electronic planning, 3-D
modelling and GIS technologies.
C2. Planning and building control in Malaysia.
C3. Uniformity and interpretations of legislation, for example, where the
Constitution allows each state government to amend its legislation.
The above questions and comments, marked Q and C respectively, relate to four
areas of study (A,B,C and D) in order to provide a better understanding of the use
of computing in planning in the context of the Selangor planning authorities, as
shown in sections A, B, C and D. Section A sets the background by establishing
the problems and issues in the Malaysian planning system, which involves policy,
policy makers and culture. Section B explores the perception and use of the
digital tools in the local planning authorities. Section C further explores the
potentials of the digital tools and visualisation in the planning process to produce
effective design and planning. Section D is the additional information on the
current planning system employed by the organisation.
69
Section A: Malaysian Planning
(C2) Malaysian planning and building controls
(Q1) Issues (critical areas, issues, problems or weaknesses pertaining to
planning development and control in Malaysia)
(C3) Policy (uniformity and interpretations of legislation of planning
policy)
(Q5) Policy makers (interest of policy makers and decision makers in
digital tools)
Section B: Digital Media in Planning
(C1) Use (use of digital media in planning; for example, e-planning, 3-
D modelling and GIS technologies)
(Q4) Role (the impact and roles of digital media on the current scenario
in planning practice)
(Q6) Potentials (new information, for example, responsive spatial data
to improve the current practice of urban design and planning.)
(Q7) Obstacles (obstacles to improve best practice)
Section C: Effective Design and Planning
(Q2) Elements (elements of effective of design and planning (better
decisions)
(Q3) Measurement (measurement of effective design and better
planning)
Section D: Existing System and Applications
(S) System (system and applications currently employed by the
respondent’s organisation)
4.2.2.3 Assessment
The results were manually analysed. Issues raised were grouped into several
themes and sub themes in accordance to A, B, C and D categories (Appendix 2),
to reconfirm the literature and to explore other related issues. Data was verbally
70
recorded, transcribed, coded alphabetically, organised using colours, and
manually analysed to identify the recurring patterns (Miles & Huberman 1994, p.
69) in the respondents’ viewpoints for each question. These patterns contributed
to the findings, which also signify the critical problems and issues in the
Malaysian planning process. While the process of sifting data took several steps,
colour coding was used to maintain the confidentiality of the respondents and the
involved organisation as shown in Table 4-2.
Table 4-2: Colour coding
Organisation/respondent Question 1
Respondent 1
Respondent 2
Respondent 3
4.2.3 Quantitative Survey: Likert-Scale Questionnaire
A quantitative method was further employed to assess and measure the
effectiveness of 3-D visualisation and GIS as a common platform in the
development planning process, as identified earlier using the qualitative method.
It also helped to further validate the issues raised, from literature review and the
interview.
4.2.3.1 Respondents
In comparison to the interview, the survey engaged a larger population among
those involved in the development planning process. It was conducted among 103
respondents, who are involved; as technical participants, decision makers,
stakeholders and public participants in the Malaysian development planning
process. The respondents comprised of 31 planners, 23 architects, ten engineers,
three landscape architects, twelve officers from the local planning authorities,
71
eight officers from other external agencies, six stakeholders; all of them were
developers, and eighteen members of the public. They were categorised by their
roles (Figure 4-2), organisational attachment (Figure 4-3), technical background
(Figure 4-4) and seniority (Figure 4-5). While decision makers answered all the
parts, including questions involving decision making, the stakeholders and
members of the public only answered questions which were relevant to their
involvement. While project developers were categorised under stakeholders; there
were six of them. Their assessment only involved sections A (public participation
and D (written comment). This is because they are not directly involved in
decision making involving the development planning process.
Figure 4-2: Respondents' role
31, 28%
23, 21%
10, 9%3, 3%
12, 11%
8, 7%
6, 5%
18, 16%
planner
architect
engineer
landscape architect
other internal department of MPAJ
external agency of MPAJ
other stakeholders
public
72
Figure 4-3: Respondents' organisation attachment
Figure 4-4: Respondents’ technical background
24, 23%
45, 44%
10, 10%
24, 23%
0, 0%
mpaj staff
government agency
private company
others
87, 84%
16, 16%
technical non technical
73
Figure 4-5: Respondents' seniority
4.2.3.2 Questionnaire
The survey began with the respondents observing different sets of 2-D and 3-D
manual and digital representations (Appendix 3), taking into account (from the
previous survey) that 3-D visualisation and GIS is relatively new in the Malaysian
planning practices and many planners are not familiar with digital media. The
series of images contained 2-D materials and physical models, including charts,
blueprints, 2-D manual drawings, 2-D computer drawings, 2-D maps, 2-D site
plans, 3-D physical models and 3-D computer still images. Following that, the
respondents were shown images of 3-D models integrating GIS data, and the 3-D
GIS model generation process including aerial images, 2-D GIS maps and
attributes, and 3-D models including details and texture. The last series of images
showed examples of 3-D GIS models for planning purposes, including for
simulating scenarios, urban study, site context and slope development, predictive
modelling, and public participation.
After observing the sets of images, the respondents answered a set of questions to
assess and measure their perception on the effectiveness of 3-D visualisation and
GIS as a common platform in the development planning process. Beforehand,
respondents were asked to score their agreement levels on the issues raised from
the interview. Likert-Scale, using balanced rating (Sekaran & Bougie 2009) of a
21, 21%
25, 24%
21, 20%
36, 35%
director
senior
intermediate
others
74
one to five agreement score from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”,
respondents were asked to score the statements which involved four main sections
as per below. (“The model” here refers to 3-D visualisation and GIS model).
Section 1: Public participation
a) Communication of development proposals such as documents, maps, 2-D drawings
and 3-D physical model are easy to understand.
b) Members of the public, in general, are more attracted to 3-D visualisation as
compared to documents, maps, 2-D drawings and 3-D physical models.
c) The model with its site context can better assist the public and other stakeholders in
understanding the real issues and decisions about the development proposal.
d) The model will encourage public participation by generating interest in the planning
development of their urban context.
e) The model can increase participation among the public by providing a common
platform for discussion and comments about the planning development of the
surrounding areas.
f) The model can assist in accommodating public input early in the development
planning stage.
Section 2: Decision making in development planning process
1. Ranking of the factors below that were suggested from the interview in producing
good or better decisions:
i. Providing living comfort
ii. Providing neighbourhood security
iii. Using planning tools
iv. Saving lives
v. Being well accepted by the stakeholders and public
vi. Satisfying local residents
vii. Satisfying members of the public
viii. Reducing explanation to the stakeholders
ix. Reducing complaints/objections by the community
x. Reducing traffic problems
xi. Reducing accidents
xii. Satisfying the stakeholders (clients in the general sense)
75
2. Planning tools, including current presentation materials such as flow charts,
photographs, plans, 2-D drawings and 3-D physical models.
a) Incomplete and unclear planning information provided by the developer is one of the
main reasons for delay in the development approval process.
b) The current presentation materials required for development planning proposal
submission are satisfactory in explaining the development proposal.
c) Rendered drawings and 3-D physical models used by the developer can be
misleading.
d) The model and its visualisation capability, can serve to verify whether the information
provided by the developer is correct.
e) The model, with a more accurate site context, has the potential to make planning
development proposal meetings more transparent.
f) The model can enhance planning presentations by local council, by providing a
clearer picture of the planning development proposal.
g) The model and its visualisation capability can perform as a tool to assist decision
makers to ensure and enforce that developers comply with planning policies and
guidelines.
h) The model and its visualisation capability can provide strong justification for good
decision making.
i) The model can provide a base to develop informed decision making knowledge that
can be applied to the development of consistent planning policies.
Section 3: Decision makers, including politicians, internal departments and external
agencies
a) Different decision makers have different frameworks when looking at development
proposals.
b) Different decision makers use different sets of tool for assessing planning
development proposals.
c) The model can assist decision makers to understand/ imagine the spatial quality of the
proposed development and site context.
d) The model with its visualisation capability, can provide a common platform to bridge
the gap between different decision makers, in understanding and communicating
about the planning development proposal.
e) The model and its visualisation capability can assist developments at the borders
between different local planning authorities.
76
Section 4: Planning assessment
1. Interpretation and intuition
a) Intuitive decision making is good.
b) Decision makers often depend on intuitive decision making.
c) Decision makers are often influenced by social reasons like empathy.
d) The model can assist in reducing grey areas, thus reducing flexibility and
interpretations in decision making.
e) The model supports a scientific approach to decision making that aims to improve the
planning process.
f) The model can help to expedite the development application process.
2. Visual assessment
a) Visual tools for planning assessment helps in creating human experience such as
happiness and satisfaction, as well as anger and disappointment.
b) Visual capability of the model allows decision makers to look at the planning
development from different angles, for ex. from the hill, the bus and the street.
c) The model can help decision makers to visualise alternative scenarios and enhance
analyses such as “what if”.
d) The model can show the impact of proposed development, such as density within a
larger site context and surrounding areas.
e) Visual assessment can help the decision makers to avoid overlooking important
elements and reduce errors.
3. Urban study and prediction
a) The model is effective for studying urban environments, for ex. traffic impact
assessment, sun/ shadow casting, green spaces and vertical gardens.
b) The model is helpful for predicting future growth and development with reference to
restrictions and changes to current guidelines. For example, by visualisation and
manipulating the data parameters (building heights, location, density, podium levels,
and water run-off).
4. Slope and hillside development
a) The capability of the model to visualise the terrain in relation to the different
classifications of zones (1-4) will assist decision makers to analyse the suitability of
urban land for development.
b) By creating patterns of landslide prone areas, the model can assist authorities to
identify and monitor development for high risk development areas, ex. on hillsides.
77
c) The model can assist in producing technical analysis for example, on geo-physical
aspects.
5. City Vision
a) Visual capability of the model can help authorities to promote the city agenda, for
example; eco-tourism.
b) Visual capability of the model can assist in creating an image and vision for the city.
6. A common tool: 3-D visualisation and GIS
a) GIS is a planner’s tool.
b) 3-D visualisation is an architect’s tool.
c) The current GIS system applied by Malaysian planning authorities is attractive to the
decision makers and stakeholder, including members of the public.
d) GIS is currently used in planning processes for data information and for producing
maps.
e) 3-D visualisation has the potential to make GIS systems become more user-friendly
for decision makers and stakeholders including the public.
f) GIS and 3-D visualisation can be integrated as a common tool for decision makers
and stakeholders, including the public.
g) The model’s ability to merge GIS data into visualisation can be the basis for data
integration between different departments and agencies, at the local, state and national
level.
4.2.3.3 Validation and Assessment
Examination of the total mean score established the mechanism to validate the
findings in chapter five and six, as well as measuring the respondents’ perception
of the effectiveness of 3-D visualisation and GIS in enhancing the development
planning process.
Utilising the SPSS Statistics version 17.0 software, data was analysed using
Descriptive Analysis for frequency and cross tabulation analysis. The frequency
analysis suggests the respondents’ perception from the total mean score for
agreement level for each statement or question, in value and percentage. Cross
tabulation analysis further demonstrates how these perceptions are influenced by
78
background factors involving four categories: role (planner, architect, landscape
architect, other internal department in MPAJ, external agency of MPAJ, other
stakeholders and public), organisational attachment (MPAJ staff, government
agency, private company and others), technical expertise (technical and non
technical) and seniority; level of expertise and responsibility (director, senior,
intermediate and others).
4.3 Demonstration
In parallel to the above methods, 3-D computer modelling and simulation were
used to demonstrate the actual process of constructing two 3-D visualisation and
GIS models in the context of local planning authorities in Selangor and Victoria,
for planning purposes. A case study method was preferred because it involves,
asking "how " and "why"; little control of the investigator over the study; and it
focuses on a contemporary phenomenon within a real-life context, as opposed to
historical phenomena (Yin, RK 2009). These two case studies: Virtual Melawati
and Virtual Werribee, including a proposed project; Virtual Ampang Jaya, will be
further elaborated in chapter 7.
Virtual Melawati presented the process and applications, involving data
availability and accuracy, as maintained by the involved government department.
This provided a better understanding of the actual process and applications, as
well as the data availability and accuracy maintained by the local planning
authorities in Selangor. In addition to the Malaysian demonstration, a similar
process was carried out in a similar context involving a Victorian local authority
(City of Wyndham). While Virtual Melawati and Virtual Werribee provided more
empirical knowledge, particularly the later, which has been fully implemented
into actual planning practice, Virtual Ampang Jaya focused more on theoretical
knowledge.
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4.3.1 Data acquisition, reconstruction and application
The process of developing the first empirical study involving Virtual Melawati,
which dealt with current data maintained by the LPAs in Selangor, has provided a
more realistic approach to modelling the city. Lack of data availability and
accuracy, which included poor satellite images, has limited the application of
ArcGIS®’s automated functions, as well as in integrating CAD. The project has
also been limited by the disciplinary boundaries that demanded expertise from
architects for modelling, and planners and land surveyors for GIS applications
and geo-referencing.
On the other hand, the second empirical study, which is the Virtual Werribee, has
been adopted into actual planning practice as images of the model have been
integrated into the newly revised local plan for Wyndham City to better inform
stakeholders. Unlike Virtual Melawati which was developed by integrating CAD
with limited GIS software applications, Virtual Werribee was entirely built using
a modelling software; SketchUp®. The presentation, which showed simulation of
the existing and future development incorporating site views using Google Map
and Google Earth, was enhanced in comparison, by its use of visualisation
techniques for urban planning.
From experience learned in the two case studies, the focus shifted from empirical
to theoretical. Virtual Ampang Jaya is a theoretical project to construct a 3-D
visualisation model and GIS to serve as a tool to understand complex information
about the city and to conduct urban analysis. It pursues the Taxonomy for
Communities (Snyder 2003) in understanding the four system layers of the city;
social, economic, built and natural.
Virtual Ampang Jaya proposes to utilise ArcGIS®’ desktop, rather than rely
solely on CAD applications. In acquiring Ampang Jaya’s data, GIS datasets and
other historical data were sought from LPA in MapInfo format. These data layers
will be interactively viewed using ArcGIS®’s components; ArcScene and
ArcGlobe while 2-D map tracking will be viewed simultaneously in ArcMap.
Using the Shapefile importer, a plug-in for GIS in SketchUp®, animated scenes
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will be developed, and multiple spatial queries will be performed. While
maintaining the spatial reference to the exact geographic location, more attributes
and details will be added. Past aerial photographs of Ampang Jaya, dating from
1950 to the current date, as well as satellite images in Quick Bird will be accessed
from the Malaysian Survey and Mapping Department, known as JUPEM. A
simulation of the visualisation model incorporating the growth of Ampang Jaya
will be played in a movie player or further extended into VRML, displaying
qualitative and quantitative responsive spatial data information on time line since
1950 until present.
4.4 Ethical Considerations
The qualitative and quantitative surveys consist of two sections in the National
Ethics Application Form, version 2008 – V2.0. The approval for conducting this
research has been granted by the Deakin University’s Human Research Ethics
Committee (EC00213) in compliance with the National Statement on Ethical
Conduct in Human Research (2008). Following the researcher’s participation in
the workshops on Human Ethics conducted by Deakin University’s Higher
Degree Research (HDR), the questions and code of conduct for these surveys
adheres to the requirements of a Low Risk Research. The reference quote is
STEC-04-2009.
While the list of potential participants was furnished by the Federal Department
of Town and Country Planning, Peninsular Malaysia, participation is voluntary
and consent provided, by use of the Plain Language and Consent. Three different
sets of forms were provided for diverse categories of respondents; the planners,
stakeholders and decision makers.
Once participation agreement was obtained, the survey was privately held within
the respondents’ own time and selected venue to avoid possible risk or discomfort
for the participant. Confidentiality of the respondents has been strictly maintained
where their identities are reserved and their individuality is unidentifiable in any
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report. In discussing results from the interview, they are addressed as “planners”,
“decision makers”, from “local planning authorities”, “federal or state department
of town and country planning”. In presenting the results from the quantitative
survey, some organisations will be mentioned, for example, the Ampang Jaya
Municipal Council (MPAJ) is a case study. However, each respondent cannot be
traced back to role, seniority, technical background, and more importantly, her or
his attachment to a particular department.
4.5 Summary
This chapter has outlined the research framework as well as the methods used to
gather and analyse the survey data involving the use of 3-D visualisation and GIS
as a common platform in the Malaysian planning process. A mixed method,
combining a qualitative open-ended and in-depth interview, a quantitative Likert-
Scale survey, and demonstration of 3-D computer models, has been used in this
study to help develop a more rounded result. These tools have been used to
explore, validate, and demonstrate the use of 3-D visualisation and GIS as a
common platform in the Malaysian planning process. The method of combining
qualitative, quantitative survey and demonstration is essential for this research as
it provides a rounded understanding on how local planning authorities can adopt
3-D visualisation and GIS in their planning processes. This is significant in
developing a guideline for the Malaysian planning authorities in the construction
and application of 3-D models and visualisation
As the literature review set the foundation for this study, the in-depth and open-
ended interviews have provided a better understanding of the issues and problems
surrounding the Malaysian planning system and development planning process,
including the perceptions and current use of computers for Malaysian planning.
While findings from literature have been validated, the interviews have further
explored the issues around the highlighted critical problems. This includes issues
encountered by the planners in the planning authorities in Selangor, while
conducting their daily responsibilities; from policy to measuring decisions. These
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issues are crucial in emphasising the weaknesses in the context of current practice
in Selangor and will serve as guidelines to adopt 3-D visualisation and GIS in the
Malaysian planning authorities. This will also help to identify the true potentials
of 3-D visualisation and GIS in addressing the problems in the Malaysian
planning process.
Quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of these potentials among different
categories of users in a planning process has established a more comprehensive
understanding in using 3-D visualisation and GIS. Validation of these issues
involving a larger population and broader categories of respondents has been
carried out using quantitative assessment, involving the use, effectiveness and
potentials of the planning support tool. By means of development planning, which
is the critical process as the investigation context, the potentials of the media in
planning practices have been highlighted.
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CHAPTER 5
PROBLEMS AND ISSUES (Key Problems and Critical Source of Key Problems in the Malaysian
Development Planning Process)
5.1 Introduction
This chapter is categorised into two parts as outlined in Figure 5-1.They are
findings from the open-ended and in-depth interviews with sixteen senior
planners in the local planning authorities (LPA) and the Federal Department of
Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia (FDTCP). The senior planners
will be identified as P1, P2 and so forth to maintain their anonymity.
Figure 5-1: 3-D visualisation and GIS for the Development Planning Process
3-D visualisation & GIS for the development planning process
Delays in the development planning process
Decision making
Information management
Public participation
Part 1 Key problems in the
development planning process
Planning policy
Culture, organisation & attitude
Part 2 Critical source of the key
problems in the development planning process
Constraints: - Human resources - Computer infrastructure - Financial budget
Planning tools
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5.2 Part 1: The Key Problems in the DPP
The first part elaborates the problems in the development planning control
process highlighted in the literature (Johar et al. 2006).The four problems are
delays in the development planning process; lack of transparency and consistency
in decision making; lack of accuracy and organisation in information
management; and lack of public participation as outlined in Figure 5-2.
Figure 5-2: The key problems in the Development Planning Process
The key problems in the development planning process
Delays in the development
planning process Bureaucracy
Verification
Decision making Transparency
Consistency
Information management
Data availability & accuracy
Data development & updating & co-operation
Data organisation & retrieval system
Data sharing & integration
Public participation
Land use & hillside development
Manual system
Political influence
Scientific approach versus experience &
intuition
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5.2.1 Delays in the Development Planning Process
5.2.1.1 Manual system
The manual process for development planning in Selangor starts with the
submission of the required planning data to the LPA. Once finalised, the GIS unit
that usually sits in the Planning Department will digitise the information,
including the number of buildings and infrastructure. This is also how the LPAs
update their layout plans. Submission and registration are manually done,
including data entry for the Development Order (DO), which primarily consist of
comments about land suitability from the Land Office. The planning record
system is completely systemised for internal computerisation, from the person
who receives the application up to the decision makers.
The common complaint by the public about this manual planning process in LPA
is about delays in approving planning development applications, claimed a LPA
officer (P11). According to this officer, the development planning process in the
LPA is relatively slow, especially with the implementation of International
Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). While ISO is a new system undergoing
adjustment process, it is continuously being improved, including means to
expedite its process.
5.2.1.2 Bureaucracy
According to a LPA officer (P1), the process of procurement for a building such
as a factory can take several years; from the planning approval application,
through construction to licensing, because of bureaucracy. Bureaucracy in the
LPA is considered one of the reasons why foreign industrial investors choose to
invest in other countries than Malaysia. They find that it is a very challenging task
to fulfil the varying requirements of the many departments involved in the entire
process, especially considering that delays impact on cost of workers and
materials. The development planning process itself, from inception to completion
as elaborated in chapter, involved four applications involving land matters,
planning permissions, earthwork and infrastructure, and building approval. These
applications involve various internal and external technical and non-technical
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departments, which assess the relevant applications based on different policies
and guidelines. This is further delayed with the slowness and unpredictability of
the process. Lack of knowing how long the whole process is going to take, and
the slow development planning process, is often off-putting for developers and
investors.
5.2.1.3 Verification
An officer (P13) who has previously worked in a private planning consultant firm
agreed that there are too many hierarchies and bureaucracies in government
planning procedures in comparison to private firms. The process starts with the
clerk, who minutes the application, then the technician checks the application
documents, the technical assistant who rechecks, and finally there is another
round of checking by the planning officer or the head of the department. The
unnecessary verification process at many levels within the same department
delays the process of delivering planning approval. The officer expressed the
view that this repetition is not needed, especially with the implementation of the
One-Stop-Centre system (OSC) which provides a checklist at the earliest
submission stage to avoid missing information.
5.2.2 Decision Making
The biggest problem for the development project approval process is in lack of
decision making, and delays are closely related to this, claimed a LPA officer
(P14). In the context of this thesis, decision makers are those who have the
ultimate authority to make decisions above the planning officers, who are also the
planners.
5.2.2.1 Transparency
According a LPA officer (P5), the information on how the decisions are generated
and who are the decision makers and the beneficiaries, is often hidden from the
planners. Planning control decisions are pre-set by decision makers who are in top
management positions. This means that politicians, rather than planners, control
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the planning process. Considering that there is no possibility to change pre-set
decisions, planners have no alternative but to follow directives. In many cases,
decision makers are just interested in getting recommendations and justifications
from the planners to support their intentions to allow projects to commence.
While assuming that the decision makers have studied the proposal and generate
the decisions for specific reasons, the role of the planners is limited to generating
a rationale to ensure that pre-set decisions will be accepted by the stakeholders.
This view was partly shared by two other officers (P10, P12).
Officer P5 added that political interference often obstructs the process and forces
planners to put their task aside. There have been several instances where they
have been pressured to go against what they believe should be approved. Certain
information is hidden from the planners, putting them in a difficult position, as
they must produce a technical report while accommodating hidden agendas. This
leaves the LPAs with a bad reputation as they are often made the scapegoats for
poor decisions. On the other hand, planners have no technical means to justify
project approval as they are not equipped with tools to perform such assessment.
He strongly believes that decision making must be rightfully processed through
the OSC decision making committee. It should be a straightforward and smooth
process that only involves decision makers among the technical committee.
However, this is not the case in most LPAs. Political interference has often
caused postponement of technical discussions in the development approval
meeting for no particular reason, resulting in delays in issuing the approval result.
The politicians’ difficulty in understanding technical matters is another factor that
delays the approval process.
5.2.2.2 Consistency
A few respondents (P1, P2, and P4) pointed out that the major contribution to
inconsistent decision making is due to planners being subjective in their
assessment. Lacking in ability to make scientific assessment forces them to rely
on experience, intuition and photographs of the situation. A LPA planner (P5)
thought that as some planners make decisions blindly (out of ignorance), they
should use some form of computer planning tools. This implies clear and good
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planning strategies, which can be codified in such a way as to be embedded in
such tools.
Different LPAs are adopting different policies, said another FDTCP officer (P2).
Currently, their decisions are contradicting with other agencies, and often with the
federal agencies, for example, the Public Works Department. While a LPA officer
(P9) blamed the decision makers for lack of consistency in decision making, the
FDTCP officer (P2) claimed that the planners are the culprit. This is because they
often allow buildings to be erected differently from the submissions and
interpreting the guidelines to suit their own interest. This seems to suggest not a
problem of policy, but a problem of implementation, and possibly corruption.
Their capacity to produce good decisions is questionable.
5.2.3 Information Management
5.2.3.1 Data availability and accuracy
There are many planning benefits to information being made readily available.
For example, information on the surrounding areas of the proposed development
will help to determine the planning layout, suggested a FDTCP officer (P4). He
believed, that the more information the planning report contains, the better it is.
Stressing the importance of data availability, he pointed out that the major
problem in Malaysian planning system is out of date data. On the other hand, he
also believed that a sound database is not enough, if it is not also easy to
understand.
A LPA officer (P15) thought that there are many things LPAs can do to improve.
For example, her department has commissioned external consultants to do a pilot
project for data collection and management. During the process, the consultants
were provided a room in the planning department, as a mean to avoid
communication problems. She added that while the process was ran smoothly,
and that they were happy with sufficient data furnished by the consultants, the
project stopped when there was no more funding to continually maintain the
client web-based server that integrates planning data for the whole of Malaysia.
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5.2.3.2 Data development, updating and co-operation
For most LPAs, the common method for recording data is to digitise the hardcopy
information, such as plans and satellite images. The base map is provided and
managed by the Planning Department and shared by other departments within the
LPA. While some training has been provided for the staff, they are still not
capable of updating their own data. Afraid of mismanaging and disorganising the
data, the other departments are only allowed to view, but not allowed to update
the base map. Some other departments use customised and stand-alone systems,
which do not integrate with the Planning Department’s system.
A LPA officer (P7) explained that data development and updating for his
department has been carried out by the planning staff. So far, they have managed
the task by carefully resourcing their few staff; office clerks key in and update the
data into the GIS system using the MapInfo® program installed in every
computer in the Planning Department. Despite this, there have been a number of
problems. Lack of staff, cost overruns, and uncertainty on how to update data,
whether by ground exercises involving fieldwork and site analysis; based on
application and approval; or by referring to satellite images. A LPA officer (P14)
commended the practice in Putrajaya City Planning Department (PPJ) where the
developers are responsible for preparing digital planning data for submission,
reducing the task of the staff to merely cleaning, upgrading and collating data. A
FDTCP (P4) officer considered the updating systems in most LPAs to be awful.
For example, they are inconsistent and largely depend on data provided by
developers in the development application. While there is an urgent need to
update planning information, he posed two questions. Firstly, how do we make
decisions with old data? Secondly, how can we develop a 3-D visualisation model
using out-of-date data?
A LPA officer (P6) believed that all departments should have GIS application
skills and knowledge, for example, the ability to find the location of, upgrade and
endorse data. He added that GIS should be a one-stop-centre in the LPAs to
obtain planning information, but that is not possible when the GIS Unit is
generally separated from the rest of the units in the Planning Department. An
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example is the Planning Control Unit (PCU), which submits their information to
the GIS unit for processing and updating. Miscommunication often happens when
the PCU is dependent on the GIS unit, especially when the PCU frequently does
not hand over the latest information. In most LPAs, the client has to take the
printed map from the GIS unit to PCU for verification as information, such as the
land plot number and details, are not being updated by PCU to the GIS unit, said
another LPA officer (P12).
He assumed that the PCU is not interested in learning GIS, even though it would
be helpful in performing their task of monitoring planning development. As well
as PCU, the same issue applies to other departments, said a LPA officer (P13)
from a GIS unit. Her unit has taught the other departments the process of data
entry but they are still not capable, or perhaps not interested, in doing so, she said.
For example, the License Department has borrowed the GIS unit’s data to obtain
building information, such as details of the owner. She added that it was
disappointing when they did not add their own data when they returned the
borrowed data to the GIS unit.
5.2.3.3 Land use and hillside
Developments on hillsides are some of the most critical developments in
Malaysia and their processing urgently requires a good information retrieval
system. The policy and guidelines for hillside development involve several
different departments and agencies including JKR, IKRAM, State DTCP, KPKT
and SUK. A FDTCP officer (P4) said that they would provide information on
landslide areas to MKN (Majlis Keselamatan Negara). However, this information
needs to be retrieved for analysis quickly. He believed that 3-D visualisation can
help by prompting analysis where the elements such as rivers and trees can easily
be viewed. Currently, there is a lack of coordination from the relevant agencies to
inform LPAs of the constant change in policy and guidelines for controlling
hillside development, particularly on terrain with forty-five degree angle or
steeper slopes.
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There is an urgent need for the LPAs in Malaysia to update their land use
information, including slope classifications, stressed a LPA officer (P9) who has
been heavily responsible in cases involving landslide occurrence. While the
public often blame the LPAs, he stressed that terrain mapping is lacking for LPAs
to monitor development on the landslide prone areas. The need for terrain
mapping and aerial views for his municipality is becoming more demanding, as
losses of lives occur because of landslides in his municipal vicinity on a yearly
basis during the monsoon season. When a landslide happens, various agencies
panic and urgently demand site information, forcing the GIS staff to be on a 24-
hour-standby. While the urgency for up-to-date land use data is immense, he
believed that the top administration in the LPA and above this in government is
unaware of the situation.
He added that the detailed status of the land, including slope classification, is
unknown to the LPAs. While he thought that 3-D would have the capability of
showing the terrain clearly, 2-D zoning plans do not show the impact of the
different classifications. For example, an area of terrain may appear as a slope in
2-D maps and plans, but in reality it is terraced or levelled land. When the LPAs
do not have sufficient information regarding sloping areas; the developers take
advantage of the situation. He accused developers of often hiding information in
their development application reports, and Kumpulan Ikram Sdn Bhd; a corporate
approving body which is an expert entity in infrastructure and engineering, and
responsible for evaluating hillside development applications, seldom rejects their
applications due to developers hiding information.
Another LPA officer (P11) complained that the existing 2-D land use information
is incomplete and insufficient to conduct analyses, for example, to suggest other
suitable uses. While aerial photographs are outdated, they have no choice but to
depend on free maps from older versions of Google Maps and Google Earth. The
department in charge of information technology (IT Department), which is
responsible for upgrading software, is constrained by financial budget and
therefore supports the use of free software. As for decision making involving
sloping sites, this respondent notes that they have to refer to the Department of
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Mineral and Geo Science to determine the slope classification (1-4) as their
terrain maps are useless and their contour maps are inaccurate.
5.2.3.4 Data organisation and retrieval system
A FDTCP officer (P2) said that data, which analysis depends upon, must have
complete attributes and be systematically organised, as well as needing a good
retrieval system to assist in comprehensive urban analysis. This was agreed by
another officer (P3) who has computing experience in LPA. Sharing his thoughts
on the major problems in LPAs, besides data organisation, he pointed to a back
log of uncollated data. A backlog of data and poor management has made it
impossible to access immediate information, or even information that is one or
two years old.
How we can obtain local information from LPAs is yet to be seen, criticised
another FDTCP officer (P4). Although there have been many published papers
and workshops conducted on seamless information flow from LPAs to FDTCP
and other agencies; it is still not happening. He said that even though it has been
difficult, as LPAs are not within their control, the FDTCP is still working hard
and closely with LPAs to achieve better information sharing. While the State
FDTCP follows the Federal FDTCP, LPAs should also do the same. In his
opinion, the whole planning system needs be reformatted and restructured. The
problem is they do not have enough financial and human resources, particularly
capable staff. However, he believes that the pursuit of information sharing should
start even without a sound system and good computer infrastructure.
Subsequently, it will be just a matter of patching up loopholes in achieving a
sound database and system.
5.2.3.5 Data sharing and integration
5.2.3.5.1 Data sharing
The concept of working together is generally not well adopted in Malaysian
planning and difficult to achieve as LPAs are complacent, claimed a FDTCP
officer (P2). Malaysian planning authorities have the latest technology, but lack
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the understanding and readiness to share information, said another FDTCP officer
(P4). There is no concept of data sharing among the departments in most LPAs
where each department reserve its rights to information. It is also impossible to
develop and practice centralised information among LPAs as they do not interact
or share their information with one another. Lack of support from the
management of LPAs on data integration also contributes to the non co-operation
among departments, he stressed.
The majority of the respondents from LPAs stressed that they should practice
sharing of information and transparency. However, there is a fear of exposing the
information; fear of others detecting the flaws, fear of being seen to make
mistakes, and fear of others gaining control over information. On the other hand,
they believed that openness may help to improve the system, but only if it allows
areas for comments to improve information. While there is an urgent need for
LPAs to work with FDTCP and other agencies in this matter, LPAs themselves
should show more commitment for improvement in sharing of information and
transparency, particularly from the top management, stressed a FDTCP officer
(P3). However, he added that LPAs regard information as precious belongings,
and are often hesitant to share it with the external parties. Another FDTCP officer
(P4) thought that the departments are stingy with information, such as zoning
plans and there exists inter-departmental jealousy. He also felt that some planners
may not support full accessibility to information as they prefer the developers and
public to come to their office; a superiority that some planners enjoy. He reported
that there have been embarrassing incidents in the past where some LPAs refused
to provide information to potential investors that wanted to construct buildings
and factories in their municipality. Lastly, he rejected claims by Ludin et. al.
(2007) that AGISwlk has greatly improved the decision making process
pertaining to planning and monitoring of the region in Selangor and Klang
Valley.
5.2.3.5.2 Data integration
A FDTCP officer (P4) stressed the importance of data integration among
departments and agencies, particularly to establish a uniformed land use
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application. GIS should be a one-stop-centre to obtain details on the land plot,
said a LPA (P16) officer. A meeting aimed at developing uniformed data layers to
promote data sharing among all LPAs in Malaysia was held last year, attended by
the head of GIS units from all LPAs. He strongly felt that GIS cannot be
separated as its own unit, but must be integrated with all the units in the LPAs.
Developing the GIS layer should be the responsibility of every department and it
relies on the top management to instruct the departments to learn. The
commitment to follow instructions would depend on how firmly they are enforced
by the top management, he declared. GIS and remote sensing should be a tool, not
a department and a separate entity, said another LPA officer (P14). GIS staff
should not waste their planning education and knowledge by becoming data
managers.
An officer from a well-resourced LPA (P6), comparing his organisation to the
majority of local authorities, said that their policies are integrated, and the staffing
capacity is adequate to conduct extensive planning tasks. The integrated system
between the Planning and Building departments enables the planners and the
architects as decision makers, to view the proposed buildings at the earlier
planning stage. The building approval stage is just a matter of checking the
fulfilments of the Building By-Law requirements. This can avoid major changes,
for example, such as redesigning the building at the later stage of the development
planning process.
On the other hand, he claimed that the practice in most LPAs of using different
programs, projections and layers by planners, engineers and developers have
meant weakness in developing data integration. Templates have been provided by
FDTCP, but why are LPAs not using it?, complained a FDTCP officer (P4).
FDTCP has provided a standard metadata including colour coding and data
classifications. Since LPAs are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Housing
and Local Government and not under FDTCP, they choose to only adopt certain
components from FDTCP. To get the LPAs to use FDTCP’s manual to establish a
standard application across all LPAs is difficult, admitted another FDTCP officer
(P3).
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Currently, the majority of LPAs are using MapInfo® with different projections
and layers in terms of names, labels and colours. On the other hand, the engineers
are using ArcView® (an older version of ArcGIS®) to manage their data, such as
drainage and road systems. According a LPA officer (P12), there are a few
problems with MapInfo® such as slow performance when processing numerous
data. They have attempted to use ArcView® but have reverted back to
MapInfo®. He found that ArcView® layers are more complicated and detailed,
and although they can offer more benefits, conversion from the common LPAs’
MapInfo® to ArcView® is difficult and confusing because it alters the layer
attributes and requires tedious adjusting.
5.2.4 Public Participation
Planners at LPAs that have reached city level are less involved with the public, as
they deal less with development issues and more with the exercising of strategic
planning control, for example, with maintaining forest land and other reserved
land from development, stated a LPA officer (P10). On the other hand, planners at
the town and district councils have to deal with more planning development
issues. Because of this, LPAs have often become the scapegoat and wrongly
accused by the public. Perhaps, the public do not understand the issues faced by
the LPAs, he commented. Another LPA officer (P5) was quite upset with the
general perception towards LPAs and assumed that the public are ungrateful and
prone to blame others; and they are also badly influenced by reality television
shows that shamefully promote open criticism of LPAs (relating to the media
coverage on the landslide in Selangor in 2008).
While there are too many complaints, there is little praise for the LPAs, said the
other LPA officer (P9). Perhaps when there is no complaint, it means that they are
satisfied, he added. He thought that many problems lie in the public not
understanding the issues contributing to LPA’s approval, because they do not
attend the publicity forums that are organised by FDTCP and LPAs. This has
often resulted in lengthy public objections during the actual building stage of
various projects. Due to this, he added, they are now focused on integrating public
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participation earlier into every proposed development planning process. Another
planner from LPA (P1) said residents are interested in the process of preparing
the local plan and it is important to involve their comments. He shared the similar
view that it is important to assist residents in understanding their housing areas,
for example, on rules governing land use, to avoid objections at the later stage.
Public participation is an important element in the urban design and planning
procedure, and public involvement needs to increase and be more active,
maintained a FDTCP officer (P4). However, there is no coordination between the
LPAs and the public, he declared. Unlike in the past, the public has now started to
argue and are not willing to blindly accept and accommodate LPAs’ planning
decisions. He added that the question for LPAs is not “should we adopt their
ideas?” but “how much of their ideas can we absorb into our decision making?”
Currently, there are many forms of publicity discourse, including static
exhibitions at the LPAs’ lobbies or other chosen locations for presenting plans,
perspective images, and including oral presentations, described a LPA officer
(P8) responsible for OSC. The LPAs usually start with distributing flyers and
letters to individual houses. When a new development is being proposed,
objection forms to the neighbouring residents will be sent in the mode of
registered letters to avoid future legal actions. The petition meetings or public
hearings are usually held two weeks before the One-Stop-Centre (OSC) meeting,
and attended by department directors and council members, as well as the
objectors.
According to a LPA officer (P9), the current practice for resident objection
involves them gathering information from2-D maps produced by GIS. He thought
that the public in general do not have sufficient knowledge to read GIS maps and
plans and agreed with the use of 3-D visualisation to increase planning interest
among the public. Another officer (P10) supported the use of visualisation
techniques to increase public participation, for example, in enabling the public to
assist in deciding the best location for a building.
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5.2.5 Summary
Four critical problems in the Malaysian planning process have been identified
from literature (Johar et al. 2006); delay in the development planning process,
transparency and consistency in decision making, problems with information
management and lack of public participation. The interviews have highlighted
and verified these four problems as the most critical problems in the development
planning process in Malaysia.
The first problem; delay in the development planning process is caused by three
main factors. They are manual registration and submission procedures;
bureaucracy at different government agencies and redundant verifications at
various administrations and planning levels.
The second problem is the lack of transparency and consistency in decision
making. Considered the biggest problems in development project approval, the
main contributing factor to lack of transparency is political influence, which also
obstructs the flow of approval process. On the other hand, inconsistency in
decision making is caused by the lack of scientific approach among planners.
Different decisions are being made within a similar context as planners solely use
intuitive interpretation based on experience, which can be very subjective. In
some cases, these interpretations have been designed to suit certain interests.
The third problem lies in information management. The identified problems are,
firstly, data availability and accuracy where efforts by LPAs are compromised by
lack of financial budget. While LPAs generally do not have sufficient
information on hillside and slope areas, they cannot verify the developer’s data in
the planning applications. Limited 2-D data on land use has also made it difficult
to conduct urban analysis. The second problem is data development, updating and
co-operation, particularly for land use and hillside areas. The problem has
resulted from the lack of skilled staff, and lack of knowledge of how to update the
information prepared by the consultants, total reliance on the GIS department by
other LPA departments, and the different templates and systems used by LPAs
across Malaysia. The third problem involves data organisation and retrieval
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systems. The overall poor organisation of data and backlog of uncollated data on
land use are critical problems, particularly for hillside developments as they
involve fatality on a yearly basis. The fourth problem is lack of data sharing and
integration from various internal and external departments and agencies. The
concept of sharing is not well adopted in Malaysia, as each department is not
willing to share and reserve its rights to information. There is a lack of integration
even among the units within the Planning Department because they are too
focused on the departmental or divisional roles. GIS staff who are involved in
developing and maintaining data across the discipline clearly see this problem
among the departments in a LPA. Lack of clear direction from management is
also a contributing factor, as well as lack of understanding and readiness to apply
the concept of sharing. Even for some LPAs which own the latest technology and
expertise, information management is still problematic, due to a reluctance to
make information more widely available, fearing that the information may be
inaccurate and citing the lack of support from management for financial and
human resources, and the sense of superiority among the planners when the
interested parties have to approach them in their offices.
The fourth issue is public participation. Public participation is an important
element in urban planning, but not actively practised in Malaysia. The LPAs
believe that they have been wrongly criticised and made the scapegoats, and that
the public do not understand the issues that they are facing. While they blame the
public for non co-operation, the media used to engage the public is not effective
and does not show the impact of the planning activities on surrounding areas. In
many cases, the public’s disapproval for planning proposals is due to the failure
of informing them at the earlier planning stage. This has caused complaints, and
in a few cases, has involved legal action.
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5.3 Part 2: The Critical Source of the Key Problems in the Development Planning Process
The second part further investigates three other issues as the source of the four
critical problems earlier described in the first part of this chapter. As outlined in
Figure 5-3, the four issues concern planning tools; planning policy; the culture,
organisation and attitude; and constraints involving human resources, computer
infrastructure and financial budgets.
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5.3 The critical source of the key problems in the DPP
Planning policy
Planning structure
Interpretation
Local Plans
One-Stop-Centre (OSC)
Coordination Border uniformity
Discrepancy
Planners
Attitude, Culture &
Organisation
Attitude & culture
Manual system & face-to-face interactions
Organisational support
Top decision makers
Interest & knowledge
Awareness
Constraints
Human resources
Computer infrastructure
Financial budgets
Understanding & readiness for information sharing
Manual system
Support
Staffing & workload
Knowledge, skills, training & education
Planning tools GIS
3-D GIS
Current tools
Figure 5-3: The critical source of the key problems in the DPP
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5.3.1 Planning Tools
5.3.1.1 Current Tools
Currently, in the development planning process, planners present to top officials,
council members and other decision makers with text information on hardcopies,
but they also use screen projections, as well as 2-D coloured layout plans,
explained a LPA officer (P9). Commonly, visualisation in planning involves large
physical models and 3-D photographs. For the development planning process,
developers usually present 2-D images and perspectives. In addition, physical
models are required for buildings of a certain height. As decision makers hardly
refer to the models and perspectives in meetings, the LPA officer felt that these
models and perspectives are a waste of resources and could be misleading.
However, he did not blame the decision makers for not utilising representation
materials as these materials rarely include the site context and are always
ineffective in describing the proposed development. Since models are also bulky
and expensive, his department does not require them anymore. They currently
depend on GIS plans and perspectives, but he felt that they do not show the
overall proposed design effectively.
Among the tasks of LPAs is to monitor planning development, said a LPA (P16)
officer. He agreed that perspectives, sketches and renderings are insufficient as
they provide unclear descriptions about planning proposals. He is quoted as
saying, “when the developers are seeking for planning approval, they can create
facts. We give approvals as long as those facts can be accepted”. On the other
hand, LPAs are solely reliant on the data produced by the developers. He believed
that 3-D visualisation can help planners to verify those facts (data). He gave an
example involving a planning application for a development adjacent to his office
building. As required, the planning application included a motorcycle lane.
However, from the application drawings and perspectives, the planners did not
realise that the motorbike lane was actually part of the highway and only
discovered this when the building was completed. Unlike text information, which
can be interpreted in many ways, 3-D can clearly show the planning intentions,
suggested another LPA officer (11). This can also reduce his work in explaining
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and convincing the landowners if their lands are not suitable for the proposed
development, he added.
A LPA planner (P9) who has been actively involved in hillside development
claimed that they are often instinctively confident that certain applications cannot
be approved, but lack the information or tools, compared to the developers’
engineers and architects. This puts the LPAs under pressure when the developers
are constantly seeking alternatives to develop the area despite recurring
landslides. As a result of this, hillside developments continue to crowd land that
should not be developed, as well as reducing the forest reserve land.
5.3.1.2 GIS
GIS is simple but not well exposed and known, said a LPA officer (P16).
Although the GIS system is available, LPAs are not using it for several reasons.
According to him, system breakdown is a constant problem caused by non-
customisation for non technical and technical staff, because various tasks are
performed using the same program. Digitising information when the approvals
have been obtained would also save time, he added.
Another LPA officer (P14) believed that GIS is not only for storing data, but
could assist many things in planning. It could develop attributes, update and
arrange information. Layers of land-use maps and topography in different colours
could be produced when there is enough data. This data could be analysed and
studied to assist decision making. However, current human attitudes limit the
application of GIS to merely accessing information and producing maps, said the
other LPA officer (P5). He suggested that GIS should take up an integrating role
that includes the periodical collection of data, such as type and property value.
GIS data should also be integrated with the planning process to benefit not only
the decision makers, but also the stakeholders, including investors, landowners,
and all interested parties. On this note, another officer (P1) questioned whose role
it would be to monitor the GIS data bank for a particular planning authority.
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A LPA officer (P1) explained that the GIS software used by FDTCP and a couple
of advanced LPAs, including the Kuala Lumpur City Hall to collect and process
planning data is ESRI’s ArcGIS 9.2. Most LPAs are using MapInfo 7.5 to store
planning data while the filing system is still done manually. According to him,
both programmes have their own benefits. MapInfo® is adequate for managing
data for smaller areas such as local data, and ArcGIS® is preferred for urban
analysis. ArcGIS® application components such as ArcScene for visualisation
and ArcAnalyst for urban studies are very convincing, he explained.
However, the majority of the LPA planners interviewed find ArcGIS® too
complicated. One officer (P9) described ArcGIS® as complicated because there
are too many integrated components and commands. Planners need a simple,
open and user-friendly system. A LPA officer (P12) shared his experience in
using the basic applications of ArcView for 3-D, statistical graph and terrain
mapping in the past, but reverted back to MapInfo®. He reasoned that there was
no ArcView training provided. Moreover, his staff found ArcView unfriendly and
incompatible compared to MapInfo®.
On the other hand, another LPA officer (P15) considered that it was compulsory
to use ArcGIS® since it is the base software for NaLIS (The National
Infrastructure for Land Information System). The fact that some have tried using
ArcView and reverted to MapInfo is a concern, she said. She blamed this on
complacency, not difficulty of using the software. She thought that when using
MapInfo®, it is unlikely that planners will ever explore 3-D as the components
are very limited. A FDTCP officer (P2) believed that every planning authority in
Malaysia was going through the learning curve with fragmented usage according
to affordability and exposure. He also shared similar thoughts that ArcGIS®
should be customised for different users, and to suit different government
applications. Another concern with using ArcGIS® is public participation, as the
public have no access to the software.
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5.3.1.3 3-D GIS
2-D GIS does not attract the interest of people, claimed a LPA planner (P5). 3-D
GIS would be more interesting not only to decision makers, but landowners and
other stakeholders, including the public. It can also enhance other GIS functions
such as data retrieving. However, 3-D modelling needs more data, including
topography, plot ratio and building height. Currently, the data that planning
authorities have is too basic to develop a 3-D GIS model.
Another LPA officer (P6) found that people usually associate GIS with planners,
although it can also be used by other professionals. He agreed that planners
currently only use 2-D GIS layout while 3-D models are generally used by
architects, who are also consultants for the developers. He believed that both
professions, as well as those who are involved in planning process, should benefit
from the use of 2-D and 3-D materials. In accommodating the public, the different
tools used by different agencies involved with LPAs, for example JKR and JPS,
need to be aligned and combined to maintain consistent results, suggested a LPA
officer (P16).
A majority of LPA officers were confident that 3-D GIS can function as a
platform to integrate different professionals and stakeholders, who have different
opinions and use different tools. They were convinced that 3-D GIS will work if
the Planning Department and the Building Departments integrate their efforts.
They also believed that architects should spearhead the use of 3-D visualisation as
a spatial planning support tool. This is because architects have stronger spatial
capabilities involving content and scale, developed from their educational
training, compared to planners, whose expertise is limited to viewing from a
macro level, such as for zoning, land use and urban infrastructure.
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5.3.2 Planning Policy
5.3.2.1 Planning structure
There are three levels of planning policy in Malaysia; The National Physical Plan,
The State Structure Plan, and the Local Plan. These policies for monitoring
planning development need to be integrated in terms of information and database,
so that when a local area is discussed, it can be cross-referenced with National
data, noted a FDTCP officer (P2). He further elaborated that before the first
National Physical Plan was implemented in 2005, each state had its own policy.
After the amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act (Act 172), forums
to standardise the policies were held and chaired by the Prime Minister himself
and attended by the head of the every State Government and key officials from the
Public Works Department (PWD). As a result, each representative had to produce
a report on the concerned issues such as open areas and forest development to
FDTCP as the governing body.
Until recently, planning practices relied on local planning policy and guidelines,
the legislation: Local Government Act (Act 171), Town and Country Planning Act
(Act 172), Roads and Drainage Act (Act 133), and the 2020 Structure Plan,
because the Local Plans, which contains more detail, had not been available,
explained a LPA officer (P16). The preparation of Local Plans takes too long;
usually three to four years to be gazetted. Meanwhile, planners have no choice but
to process the incoming planning applications following the existing Master Plan
which has been prepared by consultants of the State Government. By the time the
Local Plan is gazetted, too many changes have taken place, which results in the
Local Plan being irrelevant.
Another LPA officer (P9) said that the current text policies and guidelines adopted
by the LPAs are not complete or comprehensive. They are also too general. They
are based on the Structure Plan, the draft of the Local Plan, and the Development
Proposal Report, which have been entirely copied from the developers’ reports.
While many of these planning policies are out-of-date and irrelevant, they are also
flexible, and planners should be more open to suggestions. He added that new
ideas should be adopted as long as they are suitable and justified, for example, the
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Zero-Lot design concept, recently introduced by some developers. It is an
improved semi-detached housing scheme which incorporates the privacy design
of a bungalow. The approval of this design scheme, involved amending the
planning requirement which did not allow any side of the building to sit at the
boundary of an adjacent building lot.
Published Malaysian planning guidelines are comprehensive and specific. On the
other hand, while unpublished guidelines can describe, for example, planning
allowance as “minimum” or “maximum”, these requirement that can be more
easily manipulated, commented a LPA officer (P8). In many cases, the developer
will provide the minimum requirements and later negotiate with the LPAs.
Flexibility and interpretation should be reduced and the “minimum – maximum”
requirement should be replaced by a fixed figure, she added. Another LPA officer
(P7) also thought that policy should be the basis for making decisions, and other
social reasons such as empathy, should not be considered.
According to a FDTCP officer (P3), planning does not necessarily involve only
built projects but also unbuilt projects. While the Constitution remains unchanged,
policy; the basic reference for planners for monitoring development planning,
changes constantly. Occasionally, the built form is not the same as the submitted
design, which is the responsibility of planners and architects. A LPA officer (P1)
thought that while planning policy should be explicit, it should also involve not
only the proposed structures, but also connecting infrastructure and what is
allowed in surrounding areas. He maintained that planning policies should allow
for justifications, as well as accompanied by a scientific approach and systematic
application.
5.3.2.2 Interpretation
The LPAs follow the State Structure Plan but have amended it, adding detail at
the local level, described a LPA officer (P7); LPAs are controlled by the State
Department of Town and Country Planning (SDTCP), and the Federal
Department of Town and Country Planning (FDTCP). The LPAs slightly amend
the FDTCP’s policies to suit local needs. The respondent thought there need to be
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sounder guidelines to suit each LPA which are not too broad, so as to avoid
interpretations. He believed that sounder and more detailed guidelines is a good
practice as it would make the policy dynamic. Another officer (P9) shared the
same view that LPAs should have their own policies that are slightly different
from FDTCP. He defended his view and suggested that there should be no
problem as these amendments are reviewed and approved by the planning
directors in technical meetings.
However, two other LPA officers (P15 and P17) thought that decision makers
should use the same policies and guidelines as the FDTCP. A third officer (P9)
agreed that they should not use personal judgement, but proper guidelines. A LPA
officer said that FDTCP has prepared the policy well, but it is disappointing when
LPAs change them as they wish. He claimed that although each LPA has the right
to amend the State policy accordingly, in many cases these amendments are not
justified. A fourth LPA officer (P6) said that there should not be any more
amendments as the policy is already comprehensive. Planners’ comments should
be limited as land use for each plot of land has been determined without the need
for further discussion.
A LPA officer (P16) revealed that they face difficulties because they do not have
a Local Plan and have to depend on the Structure Plan that keeps changing;
affected by the various Special Plans, developed to accommodate special projects
such as highways and large buildings. Another difficulty is regarding planning
and land matters, which do not complement each other as a result of LPAs not
being authorised to interfere in land matters. While LPAs need to follow the
federal guidelines, land matters are under State jurisdiction. He recommended that
the constitution of state and federal departments should change to allow LPAs to
follow federal guidelines regarding land matters.
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5.3.2.3 Local Plans
According to a LPA officer (P7) interviewed in 2009, Local Plans, which include
the new master plans for all LPAs, are currently prepared and aim to be completed
by 2009. However, the last series of Local Plan for LPAs in Selangor, including
MPAJ, was only completed in May 2011. A series of FDTCP meetings for
coordination and technical matters are being conducted and LPAs in Selangor
have been invited for advice as experts in their jurisdiction areas; of social issues,
the economy, current issues, traffic, and the environment. Discussions on the
boundary areas between different LPAs are held on matters such as land use,
infrastructure and density, to ensure that each Local Plan is paralleled to the
adjacent ones. The LPA officer described the Local Plan in his jurisdiction; it is
divided into zoning blocks comprising suburbs and forest reserve that are further
divided into smaller detailed lots for future development. These blocks are
represented in computer aided design (CAD) models, manual renderings and
perspectives for planning purposes. While the earlier gazetted master plan
concerned buildings and delivery systems, the focus of the new Local Plans is on
re-branding, creating new images for the municipalities and towns. The
preparation of Local Plans was monitored by the State Department of Town and
Country Planning (SDTCP) and developed by external consultants. While they
have been completed the first launch combine two LPAs for every Local Plan.
The next exercise will allocate one Local Plan for every LPA.
A LPA officer (P16) was not confident about the completeness and correctness of
the data in the draft Local Plan. While they are accessible online, the public are
restricted to accessing minimal data such as zoning, name of suburbs and roads.
Printing is not allowed as it might expose LPAs to legal charges. However, he was
aware that printing is still doable using “computer tricks”. Until security issues are
resolved, request for details on the zoning and lot can only be made at the
planning offices. Currently, his department is trying to set up their own client
server, similar to those at the Seberang Prai Town Council and Petaling Jaya
Town Council which are among the benchmarks of LPAs in Malaysia. Once
finalised, the web-based version developed by external consultants will be
launched to the public. Another LPA officer (P15) also shared the same practice
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of publishing limited planning information on the website and requiring clients to
come to the planning office to buy detailed maps of the interested lot and make
payments.
On the other hand, three other LPA officers (P5, P9 and P13) said that they would
prefer to wait for confirmation on their Local Plans before publishing any
planning content on the website. Another officer (P6) said that in the intention to
make information transparent to all parties, data should firstly be readily
available. He also thought that the level of transparency must be based on the
policy of the organisation to avoid future disputes. On the other hand, another
LPA officer (P15) believed that planning data should be given and assessed to the
public for free when possible. However, an officer from FDTCP (P4) felt that the
LPAs in Malaysia are operating in secrecy. He disagreed that information needs to
be ultimately correct before LPAs can practice data sharing. Assuming that this is
just an excuse, he said that FDTCP shares all of their data even if it was not
guaranteed to be precise. Conversely, a LPA officer (P16) said the question was
how to sell the information to the right people. LPAs’ copyrights should be
reserved to avoid data abuse, as data is collected from LPAs and sold to the public
by individuals.
5.3.2.4 One- Stop-Centre (OSC)
One-Stop-Centre (OSC) is a newly introduced development planning process that
employs information sharing, as described by a FDTCP officer (P3). It is
considered to be a breakthrough in the Malaysian planning system, developed to
improve and simplify the planning processes in LPAs. However, it is a time-
consuming process and the system still relies on maps and hardcopies for
evaluating planning applications. Maps are sufficient in terms of reporting, but
there is a lack of sufficient information for actual decision making, he declared.
The OSC system is good and valid, but there are questions about practicality and
information sharing. For example, the level of information that is permitted to be
released, he emphasised. In this matter, the major problem is not within the
government policy, but lack of will for transparency among planners in LPAs.
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5.3.2.5 Coordination
There is lack of coordination in planning policy at various levels of management,
said a FDTCP officer (P2). This office also noted that LPAs have their own set of
standards for approving development planning applications and FDTCP has the
right to comment on the areas under LPAs’ jurisdiction. While LPAs are obliged
to address those comments, they can also overrule them by using justifications.
For example, when FDTCP require certain percentage of development land for
green areas, LPAs can reduce it. However, FDTCP cannot compel LPAs to
comply if they disagree, except by restricting their funds, which has never been
practiced, he reported.
Critical areas that call for special attention, and areas under FDTCP’s jurisdiction
such as green areas and village areas, require development planning applications
from LPAs to be submitted to FDTCP, which sits on the technical decision
making committee. There are also other areas that are outside the jurisdiction of
any local council; such as district councils that do not have in-house planning
departments.
5.3.2.5.1 Border Uniformity
According to a FDTCP officer (P4), the boundaries between LPAs are not
integrated in terms of policies. He gave an example where the building heights in
two adjacent LPAs are quite different. The other LPA officer said that there is
lack of uniformity between the twelve LPAs in Selangor, especially in the
development of border areas, because each LPA has its own planning
development policy to suit its own interest. For example, between Bukit Gasing
and Kuala Lumpur, which fall under two different LPAs, the area in Bukit Gasing
is reserved for forest, while the latter is gazetted for housing. Coordination has
been a problem in the past, but this is no longer the case, in the opinion of the
LPA office, as it is currently monitored by the State Government whose
committee members, chaired by the state planning director, conduct occasional
meetings on planning control coordination.
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As described by a LPA officer (P9), FDTCP has organised discussions between
LPAs on boundary matters involving land use, infrastructure and density and
other related issues. Each LPA needs to correlate their plans with the adjacent
LPAs, but other agencies as well. LPAs are often blamed by the public for the
billboards along the highways in their jurisdiction even though approvals for these
fall under the authority of PWD. The situation has now improved, as licences are
required from the LPAs for billboards within their jurisdictions.
5.3.2.5.2 Other Issues
A FDTCP officer (P2) explained that for hillside developments, there are five to
seven agencies, which define and interpret the policies differently. We also have
too many departments generally in the Malaysian authority, leading to many
authorities in regards to planning, he stressed. He suggested that the solution to
this problem is the complete revamp of the planning system, as has been done
with the New Zealand planning system. He described a need to absorb and
integrate certain departments and certain Acts, including the Town and Country
Planning Act and the Environment Quality Act.
Coordination in transportation planning is another problem where many proposals
are being developed without comprehensive implementation plans or integrating
other relevant departments and agencies, particularly regarding connecting
transportations such as feeder buses, in the opinion of a LPA officer (P6).
Planning of routes by the Federal and the Ministry do not integrate LPAs as they
are not consulted in this process. For example, the Ministry of Transportation
(MOT) conducted a study for the whole State of Selangor but did not allocate
connecting transportations to the surrounding municipalities. While many
agencies are involved in planning, there is no coordination between the State
government and the LPAs, resulting in each agency carrying out its own study.
For example, while planning proposals need to be integrated, PPJ has carried out
its own transportation study, despite MOT’s national study. As a result, PPJ
cannot commence with its monorail plan due to lack of riders as it needs to
connect to the surrounding areas such as Bukit Jalil.
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5.3.3 Attitude, Culture and Organisation
A planning officer (P2) shared his concern over the lack of lack of interest among
Malaysian political members in general, concerning the importance of digital
media in communication. He related his experience during the Malaysian Institute
of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS) Conference in Penang in 1993, where he
quoted an opposition political party leader saying that the future is internet. He
added that back then, the opposition party owned a homepage, and the leading
political party was making a joke about it during the conference. The officer
believed that this attitude and lack of awareness of the potential of digital media in
communication among members of the leading party, has cost them their political
downfall and surrender of power to the opposition party in Penang. This suggests
that the issues in planning are connected to a broader problem of attitudes towards
new technology in Malaysian government departments.
5.3.3.1 Planners
5.3.3.1.1 Attitude and culture
Policy makers do not know that the roots of the problems lie with the LPAs,
reported a FDTCP officer (P2). He said that it is sad that LPAs keep complaining
without seriously trying to resolve their problems. He added that LPAs have
spatial information, including attribute layers, but do not apply them. Complaints
among LPAs on some issues he regarded as petty, such complaints about the
difficulty of accessing drawings on small screens, a matter which can easily
resolves by replacing small screens with bigger ones. He also suggested that the
current habit of using hardcopy materials is wasting too many resources and
papers. Excitedly, he related his experience using a “digitised planning table” at a
conference and envisioned the possibility of replacing the planners’ computers
with it.
On the other hand, a LPA officer (P1) said that planners and other decision
makers involved in development planning meetings think that the computers are
unreliable because they always experience system breakdown, especially during
online demonstrations. He admitted that this is the reason they are not confident in
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conducting online meetings with decision makers and stakeholders. He added that
even the IT staff themselves are not confident to present online, leading to the
common practice of saving the screen text and images and projecting them using
PowerPoint, as well as relying on hardcopies.
5.3.3.1.2 Manual system and face-to-face interactions
Face-to-face meetings are still vital, especially to acquire detailed information,
stressed a LPA officer (P14). Unlike simpler operations, such as the application
process for obtaining business operation license, development planning
applications involve more complicated issues. Developers and consultants need to
discuss, ask questions and receive explanations. When developers are planning to
invest millions of ringgits for a project, obviously they will require specific
information on the development area and its neighbouring blocks. Consultants use
this information to produce the development planning proposal report. It is the
common practice for LPAs to rely on this report for information in the
development planning meetings.
5.3.3.1.3 Organisational support
There is a lack of support from the organisation in upgrading the quality of the
department’s work, reported a LPA officer (P11). He believed that individual
knowledge is vital, where each planner must have his/her own initiative to explore
new media. Licenses to the purchased software are limited to only a few
computers. With respect to the no-pirate-policy (policy regarding using pirated
software); he had to find other alternatives to extend the number of computers;
such as using freely available software such as Google Earth®, Google Maps®
and SketchUp®. Also aware of the benefits of using GIS, he had tried to allocate a
portion from his department’s funding for building up GIS infrastructure,
although their financial budgets for GIS are often slashed by the top officials, who
do not understand about the benefits of the GIS system and digital media. A
FDTCP officer (P4) suggested that while planners generally insist on using the
manual system, the organisation must support the use of computers. While he
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believed that computer usage in planning is inevitable; the current issue is whether
to adopt it wholly like PPJ, because this requires excellent infrastructure.
5.3.3.1.4 Understanding and readiness for information sharing
Another FDTCP officer (P2) believed that the mind and attitude of the planners in
LPAs are vital to practice the concept of information sharing. In this context, he
thinks that planners need to be open minded, future oriented, as well as up-to-date
with the current development, using the latest tools and technology and
continuously updating their tools. He added that the new technologies should not
be considered as a choice, but as a necessity, as there is no way but to embrace the
digital paradigm. Planning processes should move towards computerisation in all
aspects of the planning processes, from information, and application, to
monitoring. On the other hand, a LPA officer (P15) believed that those who are
passionate in computing are usually officers from the junior level while the
organisations themselves are generally not committed in their pursuit for
innovations, merely regarding it as a temporary change that they must go through.
A FDTCP officer (P4) thought that it is important to adapt to the changing
environment. However, he believed that most planners tend to follow "the
streamline" and are not willing to take up new challenges. Made complacent by
using the same system for a long period of time, they find no reasons to change.
He criticised some planners for being narrow-minded and not wanting to be
exposed to the current issues and technologies.
5.3.3.2 Top decision makers
5.3.3.2.1 Interest and knowledge
According to a LPA officer (P10) top officials and council members in LPAs have
no planning or professional background, but ultimately make final planning
decisions. The majority of the LPA’s officers stressed that it is essential that top
officials in the planning authorities, have knowledge in computing. However, they
are not interested, complacent and happy with the current system provided as long
as the planning processes continue. For most of them, using the basic application
115
of the system is sufficient. Most top officials only see computing as a process to
modernisation, said another LPA officer (P11). Not wanting to be left behind,
they accept whichever system they have. Two other LPA officers (P15 and P9)
shared similar thoughts; that the constant change of officers, including the
planners, the head of the department and the highest level of the authority as well
as organisational policy, have made it difficult to keep up with any improvement
or new innovation.
Another LPA officer (P17) did not think that policy makers are uninterested, but
believed that they are merely going through a learning process, which is slowly
getting them aware and interested in new media. It is unfortunate that in general,
they are only exposed to computing problems such as system breakdown.
Otherwise, they would have made the effort to pursue the system development
more rigorously.
5.3.3.2.2 Awareness
A FDTCP officer (P4) suggested that before asking if policy makers are interested
in computing, one should firstly ask, if they are aware of the new technologies in
planning such as GIS and 3-D visualisation. He further questioned whether many
of them are knowledgeable in computing and argued that some have never even
touched a keyboard. FDTCP have conducted computer training sessions during
lunch time to teach basic computer operations such as switching On/Off. He
related how they have used computer games in warm-up sessions to encourage the
senior planning officers and top officials to use the computers.
A few LPA officers (P17) admitted that the reason LPAs are not active in
pursuing computing is because the upper level policy makers are not aware of the
capabilities and benefits of computers in planning. It is quite sad that policy
makers who are constantly confronted with problems are not exposed to the
potential of computers and GIS in addressing planning issues, said another LPA
officer (P16).
116
5.3.3.2.3 Manual system
Similar to planners, top officials prefer using the manual system and handling
hard copies, as compared to using computers and handling softcopy materials,
said a LPA officer (P9). They are more confident with the physical representation
of the documents as “proofs”. In pursuing efficiency and a paperless planning
process, top officials, including council members, have each been given a laptop
and receive minutes of meetings through email. It is disappointing when they still
request for a hardcopy minutes before every meeting starts. Therefore, when one
questions how can we develop the practice of using computers, the answer is that,
it must start from the top, he concluded.
5.3.3.2.4 Support
Another LPA officer (P11) agreed that convincing the highest level of the LPAs
would be the only approach to get any computing system adopted. He also felt
that it is very important for the head of the department to be passionate about
computing. When they are interested, they may want to develop the technological
skill themselves, he added. He agreed that while they are generally attracted to
sophisticated presentations, they often find computers impractical because they
constantly breakdown and delay meetings, suggesting that there are problems with
hardware maintenance and technical support. Another officer (P1) agreed that
planners are not convinced because of problems which he considered trivial,
including using small screens to view the drawings. Therefore, he concluded that
while the system needs to be friendly and simple, it is necessary to use creativity
to convince the policy makers. However, another LPA officer (P9) shared a
different view, that although there has been some support from the Federal
Government, top officials in LPAs do not support innovation unless it suits their
political agenda.
117
5.3.4 Constraints
While there are many complaints against LPAs, an FDTCP officer (P4) said that
he understands that LPAs have many constraints, mainly concerning human
resources, financial budget and computer infrastructure. It is unimaginable how
LPAs manage in updating their database with these constraints, he added. During
a GIS workshop, which he conducted for LPAs, before he could finish his
presentation, a LPA officer stood up and said, “We don’t have people (human
resources), money (financial budget) and machines (computer infrastructure), so
what do you expect us to do?”
5.3.4.1 Human resources
5.3.4.1.1 Staffing and workload
A LPA officer (P16) from the GIS unit believed that while everyone at all levels
in the LPAs should use computers; there should be at least one staff member who
is skilled in GIS. However, this is not the case in his office. Although he is happy
that there is one staff member at his office who can operate the GIS system, the
same staff member also needs to manage all the programs, including CAD as well
as produce site plans. The LPA officer argued that this is unreasonable as the
relevant departments should produce their own plans and not rely on the GIS unit.
He believed the job description for planners is not well defined, resulting in
planners like him having to conduct GIS tasks such as data entry. This is the result
of the general assumption that GIS belongs to the field of planners, he thought.
A LPA officer (P5) complained that there is too much work at the council, leaving
no time for information technology development. Planners who have a strong
interest in developing expertise and knowledge in new technologies are finding it
almost impossible to explore computing, as the amount of work is overwhelming.
He revealed that he could not complete his Masters studies due to heavy
workload. Staffing problems; particularly lack of staff is commonplace, declared
another LPA officer (P16). Currently, his office only manages to maintain two
layers of planning information in their GIS system; plot type and ratio. While the
staff are multi-tasking, it is impossible to explore computer planning tools such as
118
3-D and visualisation. Unlike the other LPAs, DBKL has its own special unit
called Jabatan Plan Induk, an information portal department. Better than most, his
planning department is run by many staff to perform data entry and management.
In this context, they have the capacity to explore 3-D and visualisation, he
concluded.
5.3.4.1.2 Knowledge, skills, training and education
There are many human weaknesses in LPAs, particularly in the Development
Planning Process, admitted a LPA officer (P7). Among the common errors in
preparing the public or residential objection notices, is in writing names and
addresses. Although they seem trivial, these errors can cause legal actions against
the LPAs, which the interested parties can use to challenge decisions by the LPAs.
3-D GIS can assist in reducing this mistake by enabling the staff to verify the
addresses by visualising the affected addresses of the development, as compared
to current practice of relying on plans that are sometimes out-dated.
A few respondents (P1, P3, P6, P9 and P15) agreed that while LPA staff lack the
knowledge, skill and expertise in computing, they can improve with proper
training. Even the planning education system should include proper computer
training as the majority of fresh graduates do not seem to know how to even
operate basic computer planning programs. A respondent (P16) said that while
there is a need to provide software application training for the staff, it is also
important to train more staff for taking over work, as staff members get regularly
transferred. He also agreed that the Malaysian government places little priority on
IT, as evidenced by their allocating insufficient staff to it.
LPAs have no problems in getting facilities, but they lack the expertise to conduct
urban analysis, stressed a LPA officer (P5). While he acknowledged the need to
conduct 3-D urban analysis, like many respondents, he agreed that there is not
enough expertise and trained staff. In contrast, another LPA officer (P11) pointed
out that lack of skilled staff member is not a problem. He believed that the real
issue is the lack of resources and if the system is available, it will automatically
drive the staff to develop and polish their skills. He also thought that having staff
119
that are interested and responsible in their work is the key to ensure smooth
computing development in planning. On the other hand, another officer (P14)
believed that the system is failing because the programmers and system analysts
among the IT vendors who are responsible for developing the system for users
have no knowledge of planning processes.
5.3.4.2 Computer infrastructure
A majority of LPA officers agreed that the current computer infrastructure in
LPAs is poor. One of them (P2) felt that developing basic computer infrastructure
is not good enough as it must be strengthened and integrated into the planning
system. While a strong and user-friendly system is needed, he questioned the
capability of small councils, since they do not even have computers, let alone a
computer network. Another LPA officer (P3) agreed that the main obstacle for
improving information technology application in LPAs is lack of computer
infrastructure. A few LPA officers (P6, P14, and P15) pointed out that failure in
the internal system is due to the deficiencies in the computer infrastructure
system, which could be improved using fibre optic cable to support, for example,
the e-submission system. This also contributes to problems with sending and
retrieving drawings as well as system that forces them to switch their machines
off and on periodically.
A FDTCP officer (P2) believed that quality of computer infrastructure has a huge
impact on the success of any program. He described the current bandwidth as
using copper cable and being extremely slow, despite the support from The
Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC); the government-owned
institution responsible for the management of the information technology industry
in Malaysia. The FDTCP’s server speed in retrieving information from its land
use portal is extremely slow and annoying, he commented. Due to this, the
FDTCP’s land use portal is currently not accessible to everyone and needs
immediate attention. Unable to retrieve online information, a few of their
international counterparts had to collect materials from the FDTCP’s office.
Another FDTCP officer (P4) believed that the lack of computer infrastructure is a
120
major drawback in LPA’s computing. Good bandwidth is needed to stimulate
interest in information sharing, he concluded.
5.3.4.3 Financial budget
As computer applications are getting more powerful and cheaper, there are many
ways that planning can benefit, stressed a FDTCP officer (P1). However, planners
must use appropriate applications in digital media. Unlike buying computers,
developing an application takes time and money. The government has invested 17
million Ringgit (5.7 million AUD) to develop the AGISWlk (Application of
Geographical Information System for Klang Valley Region) (Ludin et al. 2007)
over 10 years since 1995. However, he questioned LPAs’ application of the
system. He assumed that when his team, which has been supporting the AGISWlk
system, leaves FDTCP, the whole system will be abandoned.
Top government officials are usually nervous about the cost involved in adopting
digital media, said a LPA officer (P9). Unlike planners, who are aware of its long-
term benefits, top officials assume that digital media is an unnecessary
investment. Another LPA officer (P11) said that the government should not
hesitate to provide LPAs with sufficient funding for a good computer
infrastructure. It is difficult to get a sufficient financial budget for computer
applications including GIS. Financial budgets in LPAs are very limited and
commonly need to address acute problems, such as burst drains.
A LPA officer (P17) agreed that top officials are currently not willing to support a
bigger financial budget provision for GIS. She believed that in order to gain
support, the GIS system must have good capacity. Although GIS is valued among
the departments as the main source for data, the council president does not
understand the value of GIS, even for producing plans because GIS works from
behind the screen. She assumed that this is the reason why the financial budget for
their GIS unit was previously cut, and her aim is to highlight the importance of
GIS to top officials.
121
Two other LPA planners (P11 and P15) agreed that their financial budget is
limited despite their eagerness to keep up with the latest technology in updating
and maintaining the programme with the latest versions of software. They were
unhappy that computer funding often goes to political agendas, while the balance
goes to selected private consultants for them to develop and manage the system.
One of them (P15) added that despite computing being increasingly demanded,
financial budget provision is becoming smaller, and this is not because software
getting cheaper, but other areas are prioritised. Licensing is also an issue; their
mapping progress has been stagnant because a license for Global Positioning
System (GPS) is only valid for one year. Our aerial photographs are lapsed,
complained another LPA officer (P11). We can use Google Earth, but the free
downloaded versions are not the latest. Licence renewal and software upgrading is
the responsibility of the Information and Communications Technology
Department, but they support the use of free and trial software because they too,
are constrained by financial budget.
5.3.5 Summary
This chapter has presented further findings from the open-ended and in-depth
interviews with senior planners. It has identified the four categories of issues
around the problems in the development planning process. They are planning
tools; planning policy; the culture, organisation and attitude; and constraints
involving human resources, financial budget and computer infrastructure.
The first issue is planning tools, starting with an overview of the planning tools,
Malaysian urbanism and the potential of 3-D visualisation and GIS for planning
processes. Current planning tools are ineffective in describing planning proposals
as they do not include the overall site context. Decisions are difficult to validate
using 2-D materials, as they are insufficiently clear, allowing applicants to argue.
However, LPAs give less visual importance in their planning assessment and
urban design. The LPAs also lack suitable verification tools, and solely rely on
developers’ information when assessing planning applications. While instinctively
confident that some areas should not be developed, planners have no means to
prove against developers who are constantly seeking to develop critical areas such
122
as hillsides. On the other hand, GIS can assist by performing urban analysis for
decision-making, but planners are not keen on this because of their computer
infrastructure deficiencies. They need a simple but customised GIS system as they
learn a new system with usage according to affordability and exposure. Although
complacency has been suggested as a reason, lack of proper training is why some
LPAs have reverted to MapInfo® after using ArcGIS®, reducing the possibilities
of exploring 3-D visualisation. The Malaysian trend of having impressive “one-
time-launches” are also not supportive in long term adoption of planning
innovations.
The second issue is planning policy. It involves the planning structure; lack of
specific guidelines resulting to inaccurate interpretation; non-existence and
incomplete Local Plans; One-Stop-Centre (OSC) which delays the planning
application process but is continually improving; and a lack of coordination at
various levels of management. Other causes are lack of planning uniformity at the
boundaries of different LPAs, which is caused by different policies, lack of
coordination, and policy discrepancies between LPAs and other authority
agencies. While LPAs follow FDTCP regarding planning matters, they have to
refer to the State Government for land matters, which are the main component in
planning.
The third issue is the culture, organisation and attitude of the planners and the top
officials in the planning organisations. The issues involving the planners are the
lack of understanding and readiness, preference for the manual system and face-
to-face interactions, lack of organisational support and lack of understanding and
readiness to embrace the concept of information sharing. On the other hand, the
issues involving the top officials are lack of interest and knowledge of computing,
lack of awareness of the benefits of computer tools for planning, and preference
for the manual system. Support from top officials, which is vital in adopting the
system, is also difficult to achieve as the departmental and organisational heads
keep changing.
The fourth issue is constraints involving human resources, financial budget and
computer infrastructure. Human resources include lack of staff, knowledge, skills,
123
training and education; and heavy workload. When GIS is solely associated with
planning, planning staff have to manage GIS data entry, thus wasting their
planning expertise. In terms of workload, there is too much to handle, leaving no
time for IT development among the passionate staff members. Some planners also
lack the skills to explore computer planning tools. The other concern is human
error, including typographical errors, which seem trivial but have caused legal
actions against the LPAs. Computer infrastructure constraints involve poor
internal and external infrastructure, and deficiencies in the networking of the
system such as fibre optic cable. There are also problems with hardware
maintenance and technical support. These become the obstacles for IT
applications such as e-submissions, the cause for the system to breakdown, and
online inaccessibility such as the Land Use Portal. Financial budget constraints
involve lack of monetary allocation for planning tools, which have not been given
priority, as the benefits are not been, exposed to the top decision makers.
Financial budgets are limited despite the eagerness of some passionate staffs to
keep up with the latest technology. Licensing is also an issue that affect the data
development progress.
In addressing Malaysian urbanism, including monitoring and resolving urban
issues, it has been suggested from the interviews that 3-D visualisation has much
potential. However, it is not yet practiced in Malaysia and the authorities have
little experience using 3-D software, even though FDTCP have successfully used
basic visualisation techniques for convincing policy makers, monitoring
development and enforcing regulations. Currently, all LPAs in Malaysia are
incapable of producing and using 3-D models, as such models require greater
levels of data, stronger computer infrastructure and more powerful machines than
they possess. The findings also showed that while 3-D is associated with
architects, 2-D GIS is normally associated with planners. While GIS should be
used by everyone involved in the planning activity, in the opinion of interviewees,
the visualisation component in GIS software such as ArcScene in ArcGIS® can
assist by combining 2-D GIS and 3-D. The interviews have suggested that the
combination of 3-D visualisation and GIS has the potential to assist decision
makers in the development planning process by serving as a common platform for
public participation, decision making, and conducting urban planning and
124
assessment in consultation with the public. However, the adoption of new
technology itself is not enough, without the changing of attitudes towards sharing
information.
125
CHAPTER 6
VALIDATION AND ASSESSMENT (Effectiveness of 3-D Visualisation and GIS in the Development Planning
Process)
6.1 Introduction
This chapter firstly presents quantitative data from the Likert-Scale questionnaires
to assess and measure the effectiveness of 3-D visualisation and GIS as a common
platform in the Malaysian development planning process. This data involves 103
respondents among potential participants as decision makers, stakeholders and
public participants in the Malaysian development planning process, and comprises
of 31 planners, 23 architects, 10 engineers, 3 landscape architects, 12 officers
from the local planning authorities, 8 officers from other external agencies, 6
stakeholders; all of them were developers, and 18 public members.
Secondly, it combines data from this survey with findings from the qualitative
open-ended and in-depth interviews with senior planners from the Malaysian
planning authorities. This combination establishes the validity of the effectiveness
of 3-D visualisation and GIS models as a common platform in the development
planning process, in the four main areas as listed below:
1. Public participation
2. Decision making
3. Decision maker
4. Planning and assessment:
- Intuition and interpretation
- Visual assessment
- Urban study and prediction
- Slope and hillside development
- City vision
- A common tool: 3-D visualisation and GIS
126
6.2
Publ
ic p
artic
ipat
ion
Tab
le 6
-1: P
ublic
par
ticip
atio
n O
vera
ll ag
reem
ent l
evel
Re
spon
dent
’s R
ole
Resp
onde
nt’s
Atta
chm
ent
Resp
onde
nt’s
Tec
hnic
al B
ackg
roun
d Re
spon
dent
’s L
evel
of E
xper
tise
and
Resp
onsi
bilit
y
a) C
omm
unic
atio
n of
dev
elop
men
t pro
posa
ls su
ch a
s doc
umen
ts, m
aps,
2-D
dra
win
gs a
nd 3
-D p
hysi
cal m
odel
are
eas
y to
und
erst
and.
R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l mea
n is
2.5
8; re
lativ
ely
low
er th
an 3
(uns
ure)
. How
ever
, the
sco
res a
re h
ighe
st a
mon
g ot
her e
xter
nal d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J, fo
llow
ed b
y en
gine
ers a
nd p
lann
ers.
On
the
othe
r han
d, th
e lo
wes
t sco
res a
re a
mon
g ar
chite
cts.
Hig
her s
core
s are
als
o am
ong
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
and
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d an
d se
nior
s with
in g
over
nmen
t dep
artm
ents
.
b) M
embe
rs o
f the
pub
lic, i
n ge
nera
l, ar
e m
ore
attra
cted
to 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
as c
ompa
red
to d
ocum
ents
, map
s, 2-
D d
raw
ings
and
3-D
phy
sica
l mod
el.
Res
ult:
The
over
all m
ean
is 4
.28.
The
hig
hest
scor
e of
5 a
re a
mon
g ot
her i
nter
nal d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J and
ext
erna
l age
ncie
s, fo
llow
ed b
y en
gine
ers.
Gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies a
nd se
nior
s als
o sc
ored
hig
hest
, as w
ell a
s tho
se w
ho h
ave
tech
nica
l ba
ckgr
ound
com
pare
d to
the
oppo
site
. A fe
w a
rchi
tect
s, fr
om M
PAJ a
nd ‘o
ther
s’, t
hose
with
and
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und,
inte
rmed
iate
and
‘oth
ers’
scor
ed 2
(dis
agre
e). A
n ar
chite
ct fr
om o
ther
atta
chm
ent (
atta
chm
ent o
ther
than
MPA
J sta
ff,
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
y, a
nd p
rivat
e co
mpa
ny) h
as sc
ored
1 (s
trong
ly d
isag
ree)
.
127
c) T
he m
odel
with
its s
ite c
onte
xt c
an b
ette
r ass
ist t
he p
ublic
and
oth
er st
akeh
olde
rs in
und
erst
andi
ng th
e re
al is
sues
and
dec
isio
ns a
bout
the
deve
lopm
ent p
ropo
sal.
Res
ult:
The
over
all m
ean
is 4
.22.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fr
om a
mon
g th
e pu
blic
, fol
low
ed b
y pl
anne
rs. W
hile
arc
hite
cts’
scor
es a
re re
lativ
ely
high
, the
re w
ere
a fe
w w
ho sc
ored
1 (s
trong
ly d
isag
ree)
and
2 (d
isag
ree)
. Whi
le e
ngin
eers
scor
ed h
igh,
no
ne sc
ored
5 (s
trong
ly a
gree
) and
a fe
w sc
ored
1(s
trong
ly d
isag
ree)
. Exc
ept f
or th
ose
from
the
priv
ate
com
pani
es w
ho sc
ored
2.5
, oth
er a
ttach
men
ts a
lso
scor
ed h
igh;
hig
hest
are
am
ong
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies.
Thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d al
so sc
ored
hig
her t
han
the
oppo
site
. All
leve
ls o
f sen
iorit
y sc
ored
hig
h; th
e se
nior
s sco
red
high
est.
A se
nior
arc
hite
ct a
nd a
cou
ple
of e
ngin
eers
from
priv
ate
com
pani
es a
nd o
ther
s sco
red
2 (d
isag
ree)
d) T
he m
odel
will
enc
oura
ge p
ublic
par
ticip
atio
n by
gen
erat
ing
inte
rest
in th
e pl
anni
ng d
evel
opm
ent o
f the
ir ur
ban
cont
ext.
Res
ult:
The
over
all m
ean
is 4
.20.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fr
om e
xter
nal a
genc
ies,
follo
wed
by
engi
neer
s, la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s and
oth
er in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J. Th
e go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s als
o sc
ored
hig
hest
, fol
low
ed b
y M
PAJ s
taff
. Tho
se
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
also
scor
ed h
ighe
r tha
n th
ose
with
out.
The
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l sco
red
high
est,
follo
wed
by
seni
ors a
nd d
irect
ors.
A fe
w a
rchi
tect
s fro
m o
ther
than
MPA
J and
gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies s
core
d 3
(not
sure
). O
nly
one
arch
itect
sc
ored
2 (d
isag
ree)
.
128
e) T
he m
odel
can
incr
ease
par
ticip
atio
n am
ong
the
publ
ic b
y pr
ovid
ing
a co
mm
on p
latfo
rm fo
r dis
cuss
ion
and
com
men
ts a
bout
the
plan
ning
dev
elop
men
t of t
he su
rrou
ndin
g ar
eas.
R
esul
t : Th
e ov
eral
l mea
n is
4.2
0. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
am
ong
exte
rnal
age
ncie
s, fo
llow
ed b
y pl
anne
rs a
nd o
ther
inte
rnal
dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ.
Gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies s
core
d hi
ghes
t, w
hile
the
low
est w
ere
priv
ate
com
pani
es. T
hose
with
te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d al
so sc
ored
hig
her t
han
the
oppo
site
. Alth
ough
the
scor
es a
mon
g di
ffer
ent l
evel
s of s
enio
rity
are
sim
ilar,
the
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l sco
red
high
est.
An
arch
itect
from
oth
er th
an M
PAJ a
nd g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s sco
red
2 (d
isag
ree)
.
f) T
he m
odel
can
ass
ist i
n ac
com
mod
atin
g pu
blic
inpu
t ear
ly in
the
plan
ning
dev
elop
men
t sta
ge.
Res
ult :
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.33.
Am
ong
the
high
est s
core
s are
from
ext
erna
l age
ncie
s, fo
llow
ed b
y la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s and
pla
nner
s. Th
e go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s als
o sc
ored
hig
hest
. Tho
se w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d sc
ored
hig
her t
han
the
oppo
site
. Th
e di
rect
or le
vel a
lso
scor
ed h
ighe
st; t
he sc
ore
decr
ease
d w
ith le
ss se
nior
ity a
mon
g st
aff.
A re
spon
dent
am
ong
the
publ
ic w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d sc
ored
2 (d
isag
ree)
. Des
crip
tion
a)
A m
ajor
ity o
f re
spon
dent
s sl
ight
ly d
isag
reed
tha
t th
e co
mm
unic
atio
n fo
r de
velo
pmen
t pr
opos
als
such
as
docu
men
ts, m
aps,
2-D
dra
win
gs a
nd 3
-D p
hysi
cal
mod
el a
re e
asy
to u
nder
stan
d. T
he
arch
itect
s sc
ored
low
est;
high
ly d
isag
reed
. Lan
dsca
pe a
rchi
tect
s, M
PAJ
staf
f, no
n-te
chni
cal r
espo
nden
ts a
nd th
ose
from
the
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l dis
agre
ed s
light
ly, m
ore
than
thos
e fr
om g
over
nmen
t
agen
cies
, oth
er s
take
hold
ers,
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d an
d se
nior
off
icer
s. O
n th
e ot
her h
and,
whi
le p
ublic
and
priv
ate
com
pani
es w
ere
unsu
re, e
ngin
eers
agr
eed.
Tak
ing
into
con
side
ratio
n
that
the
disa
gree
men
t lev
el d
ecre
ased
with
the
incr
ease
in re
spon
dent
s’ te
chni
cal i
nvol
vem
ent;
we
can
conc
lude
that
the
leve
l of a
gree
men
t dep
ends
on
the
leve
l of d
etai
ls, w
hich
the
resp
onde
nts d
eal
with
in th
e do
cum
ents
. For
exa
mpl
e, th
e en
gine
ers,
who
han
dle
mor
e de
taile
d te
chni
cal i
nfor
mat
ion,
agr
eed
that
com
mun
icat
ion
mat
eria
ls a
re d
iffic
ult t
o un
ders
tand
. In
cont
rast
to o
ther
resp
onde
nts’
patte
rns,
the
publ
ic w
ere
unsu
re.
b)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at m
embe
rs o
f the
pub
lic, i
n ge
nera
l, ar
e m
ore
attra
cted
to 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
as c
ompa
red
to d
ocum
ents
, map
s, 2-
D d
raw
ings
and
3-D
phy
sica
l mod
els.
Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el
wer
e th
ose
amon
g ot
her i
nter
nal d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J and
ext
erna
l age
ncie
s, te
chni
cal r
espo
nden
ts a
nd se
nior
off
icer
s. O
n th
e ot
her h
and,
a fe
w a
rchi
tect
s fro
m o
ther
than
loca
l aut
horit
y at
tach
men
ts
stro
ngly
dis
agre
ed, a
s w
ell a
s th
e ar
chite
cts
from
MPA
J, te
chni
cal a
nd n
on te
chni
cal,
from
inte
rmed
iate
and
‘ot
hers
’. V
ery
few
pub
lic a
nd a
rchi
tect
s fr
om n
on-g
over
nmen
t and
priv
ate
agen
cies
disa
gree
d.
c)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
with
its
site
con
text
cou
ld b
ette
r as
sist
the
publ
ic a
nd o
ther
sta
keho
lder
s in
und
erst
andi
ng th
e re
al is
sues
and
dec
isio
ns a
bout
a d
evel
opm
ent p
ropo
sal.
Hig
hest
agre
emen
t lev
els
wer
e fo
und
amon
g th
e pu
blic
, fol
low
ed b
y pl
anne
rs, g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s, no
n-te
chni
cal r
espo
nden
ts a
nd s
enio
r off
icer
s. Th
ere
wer
e a
few
sen
ior a
rchi
tect
s an
d en
gine
ers
from
the
priv
ate
com
pani
es a
nd o
ther
s who
dis
agre
ed.
129
d)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
wou
ld e
ncou
rage
pub
lic p
artic
ipat
ion
by g
ener
atin
g in
tere
st in
the
plan
ning
dev
elop
men
t of
thei
r ur
ban
cont
ext.
Hig
hest
agr
eem
ent l
evel
s w
ere
amon
g ex
tern
al
agen
cies
, gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies
and
tech
nica
l res
pond
ents
. Whi
le th
e di
ffer
ence
is s
mal
l, th
e in
term
edia
te le
vel s
core
d hi
ghes
t and
the
scor
e de
crea
sed
with
sen
iorit
y. T
here
was
an
arch
itect
fro
m
othe
r tha
n M
PAJ a
nd g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s who
dis
agre
ed.
e)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
cou
ld in
crea
se p
artic
ipat
ion
amon
g th
e pu
blic
by
prov
idin
g a
com
mon
pla
tform
for d
iscu
ssio
n an
d co
mm
ents
abo
ut th
e pl
anni
ng d
evel
opm
ent o
f the
sur
roun
ding
area
s. H
ighe
st a
gree
men
t lev
els
wer
e fo
und
amon
g ex
tern
al a
genc
ies,
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd in
term
edia
te le
vel.
Ther
e w
as a
n ar
chite
ct fr
om o
ther
than
MPA
J
and
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies w
ho d
isag
reed
.
f)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
cou
ld a
ssis
t in
acco
mm
odat
ing
publ
ic in
put e
arly
in th
e pl
anni
ng d
evel
opm
ent s
tage
. Hig
hest
agr
eem
ent l
evel
s w
ere
foun
d am
ong
exte
rnal
age
ncie
s, go
vern
men
t
agen
cies
, tec
hnic
al re
spon
dent
s and
dire
ctor
s. Th
ere
was
a re
spon
dent
am
ong
the
publ
ic w
ith a
non
-tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
who
dis
agre
ed.
Find
ing
The
qual
itativ
e su
rvey
sug
gest
s th
at in
crea
sing
pub
lic p
artic
ipat
ion
is a
pot
entia
l adv
anta
ge a
s 3-
D G
IS c
ompo
nent
s ar
e m
ore
attra
ctiv
e to
the
publ
ic a
nd s
take
hold
ers
in c
ompa
rison
to th
e 2-
D m
aps
and
plan
s tha
t are
gen
eral
ly u
sed
in d
evel
opm
ent p
lann
ing
pres
enta
tions
. As o
utlin
ed in
Fig
ure
6-1,
they
can
als
o be
tter i
nfor
m th
e pu
blic
and
stak
ehol
ders
of d
evel
opm
ent p
lann
ing
prop
osal
s by
assi
stin
g th
em in
unde
rsta
ndin
g th
e im
plic
atio
ns f
or th
eir
neig
hbou
rhoo
d an
d su
rrou
ndin
g ar
eas.
They
can
als
o ac
com
mod
ate
early
inpu
t fro
m th
e pu
blic
and
sta
keho
lder
s to
pre
vent
unn
eces
sary
obj
ectio
ns a
t th
e la
ter
deve
lopm
ent s
tage
.
The
quan
titat
ive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts
that
com
mun
icat
ion
for
deve
lopm
ent p
ropo
sals
suc
h as
doc
umen
ts, m
aps,
2-D
dra
win
gs a
nd 3
-D p
hysi
cal m
odel
s ar
e sl
ight
ly e
asy
to u
nder
stan
d (w
hile
3.0
0 is
uns
ure,
over
all m
ean
is 2
.58)
. How
ever
, doc
umen
ts b
ecom
e m
ore
diff
icul
t to
unde
rsta
nd a
s pl
anni
ng in
form
atio
n ge
ts m
ore
com
plex
and
det
aile
d. 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ions
and
GIS
mod
els
with
site
con
text
are
abl
e to
assi
st th
e pu
blic
and
oth
er s
take
hold
ers
in u
nder
stan
ding
the
issu
es a
nd d
ecis
ions
rela
ting
to th
e de
velo
pmen
t pla
nnin
g. T
he m
odel
can
als
o en
cour
age
publ
ic p
artic
ipat
ion
by g
ener
atin
g in
tere
st a
mon
g th
e
publ
ic in
the
plan
ning
of
thei
r ur
ban
envi
ronm
ent.
This
is p
ossi
ble
as m
embe
rs o
f th
e pu
blic
, in
gene
ral,
are
mor
e at
tract
ed to
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n as
com
pare
d to
2-D
doc
umen
ts, m
aps,
draw
ings
and
3-D
phys
ical
mod
els.
The
mod
el c
an a
lso
incr
ease
pub
lic p
artic
ipat
ion
by p
rovi
ding
a c
omm
on p
latfo
rm f
or d
iscu
ssio
n an
d co
mm
ent
abou
t de
velo
pmen
t pl
anni
ng, i
nvol
ving
sur
roun
ding
are
as. F
or p
ublic
parti
cipa
tion,
it c
an se
rve
to a
ccom
mod
ate
publ
ic in
put e
arly
in th
e de
velo
pmen
t pla
nnin
g st
age.
Attr
activ
e to
ol
Ass
ist i
n un
ders
tand
ing
the
deve
lopm
ent
plan
ning
pro
posa
ls
Enab
le e
arly
pub
lic in
put
Publ
ic P
artic
ipat
ion
Figu
re 6
-1: P
ublic
par
ticip
atio
n
130
6.3
Dec
isio
n m
akin
g
6.3.
1 G
ood
deci
sion
s
('Goo
d de
cisi
ons'
fram
ed b
y th
is p
roje
ct c
onta
in im
porta
nt fa
ctor
s, w
hich
wer
e ra
nked
in th
e su
rvey
as s
how
n in
Tab
le 6
-2).
Tab
le 6
-2: M
eans
and
ran
king
of f
acto
rs fo
r go
od d
ecis
ions
Fa
ctor
s No.
i
ii iii
iv
v
vi
vii
viii
ix
x xi
xi
i M
ean
10.0
492
9.21
67
9.30
00
9.93
22
10.6
066
10.3
500
9.29
51
9.10
00
9.80
33
9.70
49
9.61
67
10.1
148
Ran
king
4
11
9 5
1 2
10
12
6 7
8 3
The
mos
t im
porta
nt fa
ctor
in
goo
d de
cisi
ons
Provide living
comfort
Provide neighbour
hood security
Using
planning tools
Save lives
Well accepted
by all the stakeholders and public
Satisfy local
residents
Satisfy the public
Reduce
explanation to the
stakeholders
Reduce complaints/ objections
Reduce traffic
problems
Reduce
accidents
Satisfy the
stakeholders (clients in the general sense)
Ran
king
1
2 3
4 5
6 7
8 9
10
11
12
Res
ult:
The
12 fa
ctor
s (hi
ghlig
hted
in th
e su
rvey
), ar
e ra
nked
acc
ordi
ng to
the
mea
n sc
ore.
The
ove
rall
rank
ing;
from
hig
hest
to lo
wes
t are
show
n in
the
tabl
e ab
ove.
The
top
3 ar
e: “
to p
rovi
de li
ving
com
fort,
“to
pro
vide
nei
ghbo
urho
od se
curit
y”
and
“usi
ng p
lann
ing
tool
s”. T
he la
st fa
ctor
is “
to sa
tisfy
the
stak
ehol
ders
” w
ho a
re g
ener
ally
the
clie
nts.
Tab
le 6
-3: G
ood
deci
sion
s O
vera
ll ag
reem
ent l
evel
Re
spon
dent
’s R
ole
Resp
onde
nt’s
Atta
chm
ent
Resp
onde
nt’s
Tec
hnic
al B
ackg
roun
d Re
spon
dent
’s L
evel
of E
xper
tise
and
Resp
onsi
bilit
y
The
mos
t im
porta
nt fa
ctor
in a
goo
d de
cisi
on
Res
ult:
From
the
scor
es o
f 1-1
2 fr
om lo
wes
t to
high
est,
the
resp
onde
nts s
core
d 6-
12; t
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
10,
11,
and
12.
Res
pond
ents
who
scor
ed 1
0, 1
1 an
d 12
are
from
ext
erna
l age
ncie
s, fo
llow
ed b
y ar
chite
cts a
nd e
ngin
eers
. Am
ong
the
high
est s
core
s are
als
o th
ose
from
gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies,
and
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und.
Whi
le sc
ores
am
ong
seni
ors a
nd in
term
edia
te le
vel a
re b
oth
high
, sen
iors
scor
ed h
ighe
r.
131
Des
crip
tion
a)
From
the
ran
king
of
fact
ors
that
are
con
side
red
impo
rtant
in
good
dec
isio
ns a
s su
gges
ted
from
qua
litat
ive
surv
ey,
the
thre
e hi
ghes
t ar
e “p
rovi
ding
liv
ing
com
fort”
, fo
llow
ed b
y “p
rovi
ding
neig
hbou
rhoo
d se
curit
y” a
nd “
usin
g pl
anni
ng to
ols”
. Tho
se w
ho h
ighl
y ch
ose
“usi
ng p
lann
ing
tool
s” a
re fo
und
amon
g ex
tern
al a
genc
ies,
follo
wed
by
arch
itect
s an
d en
gine
ers,
as w
ell a
s go
vern
men
t
agen
cies
and
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d an
d fr
om se
nior
leve
l.
6.3.
2 Pl
anni
ng to
ols
Cur
rent
pre
sent
atio
n m
ater
ials
use
d in
the
deve
lopm
ent p
lann
ing
mee
tings
; flo
w c
hart
s, ph
otog
raph
s, pl
ans,
2-D
dra
win
gs, a
nd 3
-D p
hysi
cal m
odel
s. T
able
6-4
: Pla
nnin
g to
ols
Ove
rall
agre
emen
t lev
el
Resp
onde
nt’s
Rol
e Re
spon
dent
’s A
ttach
men
t Re
spon
dent
’s T
echn
ical
Bac
kgro
und
Resp
onde
nt’s
Lev
el o
f Exp
ertis
e an
d Re
spon
sibi
lity
a) In
com
plet
e an
d un
clea
r pla
nnin
g in
form
atio
n pr
ovid
ed b
y th
e de
velo
per i
s one
of t
he m
ain
reas
ons f
or d
elay
in th
e de
velo
pmen
t app
rova
l pro
cess
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.1
6. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
foun
d am
ong
othe
r int
erna
l dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ,
follo
wed
by
exte
rnal
age
ncie
s and
the
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts.
MPA
J sta
ff a
lso
scor
ed h
ighe
st, f
ollo
wed
by
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies a
nd o
ther
s. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g th
ose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
as c
ompa
red
to th
e op
posi
te. W
hile
dire
ctor
s sco
red
high
est,
ther
e is
a d
ispa
rity
of 0
.5 b
etw
een
othe
r lev
els.
A fe
w p
lann
ers f
rom
seni
or a
nd in
term
edia
te le
vels
, MPA
J and
go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s sco
red
2 (d
isag
ree)
.
b) T
he c
urre
nt p
rese
ntat
ion
mat
eria
ls re
quire
d fo
r dev
elop
men
t pla
nnin
g pr
opos
al su
bmis
sion
are
satis
fact
ory
in e
xpla
inin
g th
e de
velo
pmen
t pro
posa
l. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
2.6
2; sl
ight
ly lo
wer
than
3 (u
nsur
e). T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
of 3
(uns
ure)
are
foun
d am
ong
plan
ners
, lan
dsca
pe a
rchi
tect
s, ex
tern
al a
genc
ies a
nd a
rchi
tect
s. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g M
PAJ s
taff
, tec
hnic
al
resp
onde
nts a
nd d
irect
ors.
132
c) R
ende
red
draw
ings
and
3-D
phy
sica
l mod
els u
sed
by th
e de
velo
per c
an b
e m
isle
adin
g.
Res
ult :
The
over
all s
core
is 3
.89.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fo
und
amon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, fo
llow
ed b
y ex
tern
al a
genc
ies,
the
arch
itect
s and
oth
er in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fr
om g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s and
MPA
J sta
ff.
Thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd d
irect
ors,
scor
ed h
ighe
r
d) T
he m
odel
and
its v
isua
lisat
ion
capa
bilit
y ca
n se
rve
to v
erify
whe
ther
the
info
rmat
ion
prov
ided
by
the
deve
lope
r is c
orre
ct.
Res
ult :
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.25.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fo
und
amon
g ar
chite
cts,
exte
rnal
age
ncie
s and
pla
nner
s. T
he g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s sco
red
high
est,
as w
ell a
s tec
hnic
al re
spon
dent
s and
dire
ctor
s. A
few
seni
or p
lann
ers a
nd e
ngin
eers
from
M
PAJ a
nd g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s sco
red
3 (u
nsur
e).
e) T
he m
odel
with
a m
ore
accu
rate
site
con
text
, has
the
pote
ntia
l to
mak
e pl
anni
ng d
evel
opm
ent p
ropo
sal m
eetin
gs m
ore
trans
pare
nt.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.38.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fo
und
amon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, ar
chite
cts a
nd o
ther
inte
rnal
dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
MPA
J sta
ff, t
hose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
inte
rmed
iate
le
vel.
133
f) T
he m
odel
can
enh
ance
the
curr
ent p
rese
ntat
ion
requ
irem
ents
by
prov
idin
g a
clea
rer p
ictu
re o
f the
pla
nnin
g de
velo
pmen
t pro
posa
l. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.4
3. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
am
ong
othe
r int
erna
l dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ,
arch
itect
s and
pla
nner
s. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g M
PAJ s
taff
, tho
se w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d an
d di
rect
ors.
A se
nior
pla
nner
from
go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s sco
red
4 (d
isag
ree)
.
g) T
he m
odel
and
its v
isua
lisat
ion
capa
bilit
y ca
n pe
rfor
m a
s a to
ol to
ass
ist d
ecis
ion
mak
ers t
o en
sure
and
enf
orce
that
dev
elop
ers c
ompl
y w
ith p
lann
ing
polic
ies a
nd g
uide
lines
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.3
0. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
from
am
ong
othe
r int
erna
l dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ,
plan
ners
and
arc
hite
cts.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
MPA
J sta
ff, t
hose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s. A
few
re
spon
dent
s am
ong
seni
or w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd fr
om e
xter
nal g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s sco
red
2 (d
isag
ree)
.
h) T
he m
odel
and
its v
isua
lisat
ion
capa
bilit
y ca
n pr
ovid
e st
rong
just
ifica
tion
whi
ch is
an
impo
rtant
ele
men
t for
goo
d de
cisi
on m
akin
g.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.36.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fo
und
amon
g en
gine
ers,
follo
wed
by
arch
itect
s and
from
ext
erna
l age
ncie
s. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g M
PAJ s
taff
, tho
se w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d an
d di
rect
ors.
Whi
le e
very
la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
and
thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d sc
ored
4 (a
gree
); a
seni
or p
lann
er fr
om g
over
nmen
t age
ncy
scor
ed 3
(not
sure
).
134
i) Th
e m
odel
can
pro
vide
a b
ase
to d
evel
op in
form
ed d
ecis
ion-
mak
ing
know
ledg
e th
at c
an b
e ap
plie
d to
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f con
sist
ent p
lann
ing
polic
ies.
R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.4
2. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
foun
d am
ong
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts,
follo
wed
by
arch
itect
s and
ext
erna
l age
ncie
s. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g M
PAJ
staf
f, th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
from
inte
rmed
iate
le
vel.
All
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts s
core
d 4
(agr
ee),
and
a fe
w p
lann
ers f
rom
gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies s
core
d 3
(not
sure
). Des
crip
tion
a)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at in
com
plet
e an
d un
clea
r pla
nnin
g in
form
atio
n pr
ovid
ed b
y th
e de
velo
per i
s on
e of
the
mai
n re
ason
s fo
r del
ay in
the
deve
lopm
ent a
ppro
val p
roce
ss. H
ighe
st a
gree
men
t lev
els
wer
e fo
und
amon
g in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J an
d ex
tern
al a
genc
ies,
staf
f fr
om M
PAJ,
thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d an
d di
rect
ors.
A c
oupl
e of
pla
nner
s fr
om r
espe
ctiv
ely
seni
or a
nd
inte
rmed
iate
leve
ls in
MPA
J and
gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies d
isag
reed
.
b)
A m
ajor
ity d
isag
reed
that
cur
rent
pre
sent
atio
n m
ater
ials
requ
ired
for d
evel
opm
ent p
lann
ing
prop
osal
sub
mis
sion
are
not
sat
isfa
ctor
y in
exp
lain
ing
deve
lopm
ent p
ropo
sal.
How
ever
, the
dis
agre
emen
t
leve
l w
as l
ow a
nd s
ever
al r
espo
nden
ts w
ere
unsu
re. W
hile
lan
dsca
pe a
rchi
tect
s w
ere
unsu
re,
plan
ners
fol
low
ed b
y th
ose
from
ext
erna
l ag
enci
es a
nd a
rchi
tect
s sl
ight
ly d
isag
reed
. MPA
J st
aff,
tech
nica
l res
pond
ents
and
dire
ctor
s als
o sl
ight
ly d
isag
reed
.
c)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at r
ende
red
draw
ings
and
3-D
phy
sica
l m
odel
s us
ed b
y de
velo
pers
cou
ld b
e m
isle
adin
g. H
ighe
st l
evel
s in
agr
eem
ent
wer
e fo
und
amon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, te
chni
cal
resp
onde
nts a
nd d
irect
ors.
d)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
and
its
visu
alis
atio
n ca
pabi
lity
coul
d se
rve
to v
erify
whe
ther
info
rmat
ion
prov
ided
by
deve
lope
rs is
cor
rect
. Hig
hest
agr
eem
ent l
evel
s w
ere
foun
d am
ong
arch
itect
s,
exte
rnal
age
ncie
s, pl
anne
rs, g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s. T
here
wer
e a
few
sen
ior p
lann
ers
and
engi
neer
s fr
om M
PAJ
and
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies
who
wer
e
unsu
re.
e)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
, with
a m
ore
accu
rate
site
con
text
, has
the
pote
ntia
l to
mak
e pl
anni
ng d
evel
opm
ent p
ropo
sal m
eetin
gs m
ore
trans
pare
nt. H
ighe
st a
gree
men
t lev
els
wer
e fo
und
amon
g
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts,
staf
f fro
m M
PAJ,
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d an
d fr
om in
term
edia
te le
vel.
f)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
cou
ld e
nhan
ce th
e cu
rren
t pre
sent
atio
n re
quire
men
ts b
y pr
ovid
ing
a cl
eare
r pi
ctur
e of
the
plan
ning
dev
elop
men
t pro
posa
l. H
ighe
st a
gree
men
t lev
els
wer
e fo
und
amon
g in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J, ar
chite
cts a
nd p
lann
ers,
MPA
J sta
ff, t
hose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
seni
ors.
Ther
e w
as a
seni
or p
lann
er fr
om g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s who
dis
agre
ed.
135
g)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at t
he m
odel
and
its
vis
ualis
atio
n ca
pabi
lity
coul
d pe
rfor
m a
s a
tool
to
assi
st d
ecis
ion
mak
ers
in e
nsur
ing
and
enfo
rcin
g de
velo
pers
to
com
ply
with
pla
nnin
g po
licie
s an
d
guid
elin
es. H
ighe
st a
gree
men
t lev
els
wer
e fr
om in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J, M
PAJ
staf
f, th
ose
with
out
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s. Th
ere
was
a s
enio
r te
chni
cal o
ffic
er f
rom
ext
erna
l
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
y w
ho d
isag
reed
.
h)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
and
its
visu
alis
atio
n ca
pabi
lity
coul
d pr
ovid
e st
rong
just
ifica
tion
whi
ch is
an
impo
rtant
ele
men
t for
goo
d de
cisi
on m
akin
g. H
ighe
st in
agr
eem
ent l
evel
wer
e fo
und
amon
g en
gine
ers,
MPA
J sta
ff, t
hose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s. W
hile
all
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts a
gree
d, th
ere
was
a se
nior
pla
nner
from
MPA
J who
was
uns
ure.
i) A
maj
ority
agr
eed
that
the
mod
el c
ould
pro
vide
a b
ase
to d
evel
op in
form
ed d
ecis
ion
mak
ing,
whi
ch c
ould
be
appl
ied
to d
evel
op c
onsi
sten
t pla
nnin
g po
licie
s. H
ighe
st in
agr
eem
ent l
evel
wer
e fo
und
amon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, M
PAJ s
taff
, and
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d. W
hile
all
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts a
gree
d, th
ere
wer
e a fe
w p
lann
ers f
rom
gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies w
ho w
ere
unsu
re.
Find
ing
Th
e qu
alita
tive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts
that
in
impr
ovin
g de
cisi
on m
akin
g, 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
and
GIS
can
ass
ist
in s
ever
al w
ays,
as o
utlin
ed i
n Fi
gure
6-2
. B
y im
prov
ing
on c
urre
nt t
ext
and
pict
ure
base
d
pres
enta
tions
; th
ey c
an p
rovi
de c
lear
er in
form
atio
n ab
out d
evel
opm
ent p
lann
ing
prop
osal
s. Th
is c
an b
e fu
rther
enh
ance
d by
the
mod
els’
inte
grat
ion
with
site
info
rmat
ion,
whi
ch is
gen
eral
ly p
rese
nted
sepa
rate
ly fr
om th
e de
sign
pro
posa
ls. T
his
com
preh
ensi
ve in
form
atio
n w
ill a
ssis
t the
dec
isio
n m
aker
s to
ver
ify m
ater
ials
pro
vide
d by
the
deve
lope
rs.
It w
ill a
lso
help
mak
e de
velo
pmen
t pla
nnin
g pr
opos
als
mor
e tra
nspa
rent
, w
hich
is
sign
ifica
nt a
s it
will
cle
arly
sho
w p
lann
ing
obje
ctiv
es,
allo
win
g le
ss r
oom
for
hid
den
inte
ntio
ns.
A c
lear
er d
evel
opm
ent
plan
ning
pro
posa
l pr
oces
s in
whi
ch t
he p
lann
ing
para
met
ers a
re w
ell d
efin
ed w
ould
faci
litat
e de
cisi
on m
aker
s to
enfo
rce
rele
vant
pol
icie
s and
gui
delin
es. T
his w
ill h
elp
to d
evel
op c
onsi
sten
cy in
dec
isio
n m
akin
g
Impr
ove
pres
enta
tion
mat
eria
ls
Cle
arer
pla
nnin
g in
form
atio
n
Cle
arer
site
con
text
info
rmat
ion
Ver
ify d
evel
oper
s’ in
form
atio
n
Dec
isio
n M
akin
g
Tran
spar
ent p
ropo
sal
Cle
arer
pla
nnin
g ob
ject
ives
Enfo
rce
polic
ies a
nd g
uide
lines
Avo
id h
idde
n at
tent
ions
Dev
elop
con
sist
ency
Figu
re 6
-2: D
ecis
ion
mak
ing
136
The
quan
titat
ive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts t
hat i
ncom
plet
e an
d un
clea
r pla
nnin
g in
form
atio
n pr
ovid
ed b
y th
e de
velo
per i
s one
of t
he m
ain
reas
ons f
or d
elay
s in
the
deve
lopm
ent a
ppro
val p
roce
ss. C
urre
nt p
rese
ntat
ion
mat
eria
ls re
quire
d fo
r dev
elop
men
t pla
nnin
g pr
opos
al su
bmis
sion
are
slig
htly
satis
fact
ory
(whi
le 3
whi
ch is
uns
ure,
ove
rall
scor
e is
2.6
2) in
exp
lain
ing
the
deve
lopm
ent p
ropo
sal.
Ren
dere
d dr
awin
gs a
nd 3
-D
phys
ical
mod
els
used
by
the
deve
lope
r can
be
mis
lead
ing.
Fro
m th
e tw
elve
fact
ors
that
are
con
side
red
mos
t im
porta
nt in
goo
d de
cisi
ons
arriv
ed fr
om th
e ea
rlier
sur
vey,
“us
ing
plan
ning
tool
s” is
rank
ed a
s
the
third
hig
hest
.
In e
nhan
cing
the
curr
ent p
rese
ntat
ion
requ
irem
ents
, the
mod
el c
an s
erve
as
a pl
anni
ng to
ol to
pre
sent
a c
lear
er p
ictu
re o
f the
dev
elop
men
t pla
nnin
g pr
opos
al. B
y pr
ovid
ing
a m
ore
accu
rate
site
con
text
, the
mod
el h
as th
e po
tent
ial t
o im
prov
e de
velo
pmen
t pla
nnin
g pr
oces
ses.
Firs
tly, b
y m
akin
g th
e pr
oces
ses
mor
e tra
nspa
rent
. Sec
ondl
y, b
y ve
rifyi
ng w
heth
er th
e in
form
atio
n pr
ovid
ed b
y a
deve
lope
r is
corr
ect.
Third
ly, b
y pe
rfor
min
g as
a to
ol to
ass
ist d
ecis
ion
mak
ers t
o en
sure
that
dev
elop
ers c
ompl
y w
ith p
lann
ing
polic
ies a
nd g
uide
lines
. Fou
rthly
, by
prov
idin
g st
rong
just
ifica
tion
thro
ugh
pres
enta
tion
of e
vide
nce,
whi
ch is
an
impo
rtant
ele
men
t for
goo
d de
cisi
on m
akin
g. F
ifthl
y, b
y se
rvin
g as
a b
ase
to d
evel
op in
form
ed d
ecis
ion
mak
ing
know
ledg
e th
at c
an b
e ap
plie
d to
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f con
sist
ent p
lann
ing
polic
ies.
6.4
Dec
isio
n m
aker
s In
clud
ing
polit
icia
n, in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts a
nd e
xter
nal a
genc
ies
Tab
le 6
-5: D
ecis
ion
mak
ers
Ove
rall
agre
emen
t lev
el
Resp
onde
nt’s
Rol
e Re
spon
dent
’s A
ttach
men
t Re
spon
dent
’s T
echn
ical
Bac
kgro
und
Resp
onde
nt’s
Lev
el o
f Exp
ertis
e an
d Re
spon
sibi
lity
a) D
iffer
ent d
ecis
ion
mak
ers h
ave
diff
eren
t fra
mew
orks
whe
n lo
okin
g at
dev
elop
men
t pro
posa
ls.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.31.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
mon
g ar
chite
cts,
othe
r int
erna
l dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ,
and
plan
ners
. Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
MPA
J sta
ff, r
espo
nden
ts w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d an
d se
nior
s. W
hile
som
e di
rect
ors s
core
d lo
w: 4
(dis
agre
e), a
few
from
inte
rmed
iate
leve
ls sc
ored
3 a
nd 4
. Sco
res f
rom
gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies a
re re
lativ
ely
low
er.
137
b) D
iffer
ent d
ecis
ion
mak
ers u
se d
iffer
ent s
ets o
f too
l for
ass
essi
ng p
lann
ing
deve
lopm
ent p
ropo
sals
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.1
1. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
foun
d am
ong
arch
itect
s, fo
llow
ed b
y ex
tern
al a
genc
ies a
nd o
ther
inte
rnal
dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
MPA
J sta
ff, t
hose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und,
and
fr
om in
term
edia
te le
vels
.
c) T
he m
odel
can
ass
ist d
ecis
ion
mak
ers t
o un
ders
tand
/ im
agin
e th
e sp
atia
l qua
lity
of th
e pr
opos
ed d
evel
opm
ent a
nd si
te c
onte
xt.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.48.
Non
e of
the
resp
onde
nts s
core
d be
low
4 (a
gree
). Th
e hi
ghes
t sco
res a
re fo
und
amon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, ar
chite
cts,
inte
rnal
dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ,
MPA
J sta
ff, th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s.
d) T
he m
odel
with
its v
isua
lisat
ion
capa
bilit
y ca
n pr
ovid
e a
com
mon
pla
tform
to b
ridge
the
gap
betw
een
diff
eren
t dec
isio
n m
aker
s in
und
erst
andi
ng a
nd c
omm
unic
atin
g ab
out t
he p
lann
ing
deve
lopm
ent p
ropo
sal.
R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.3
3. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
from
oth
er in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J, ar
chite
cts a
nd e
xter
nal a
genc
ies.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
from
gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies,
thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d an
d di
rect
ors.
138
e) T
he m
odel
and
its v
isua
lisat
ion
capa
bilit
y ca
n as
sist
dev
elop
men
ts a
t the
bor
ders
bet
wee
n di
ffer
ent l
ocal
pla
nnin
g au
thor
ities
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.4
0. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
thos
e am
ong
exte
rnal
age
ncie
s, ar
chite
cts a
nd o
ther
inte
rnal
dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ,
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d an
d se
nior
s. Th
e lo
wes
t sco
re o
f 3 (u
nsur
e) is
fr
om a
seni
or p
lann
er fr
om M
PAJ.
Des
crip
tion
a)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at d
iffer
ent d
ecis
ion
mak
ers
have
diff
eren
t fra
mew
orks
whe
n lo
okin
g at
dev
elop
men
t pro
posa
ls. H
ighe
st a
gree
men
t lev
els
wer
e fo
und
amon
g ar
chite
cts,
MPA
J st
aff,
tech
nica
l
resp
onde
nts a
nd se
nior
s. W
hile
ther
e w
ere
som
e di
rect
ors f
rom
gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies w
ho w
ere
unsu
re, t
here
was
an
inte
rmed
iate
pla
nner
who
dis
agre
ed, a
nd a
noth
er o
ne w
as u
nsur
e.
b)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at d
iffer
ent d
ecis
ion
mak
ers
use
diff
eren
t set
of t
ools
for a
sses
sing
pla
nnin
g de
velo
pmen
t pro
posa
ls. H
ighe
st a
gree
men
t lev
els
wer
e fo
und
amon
g ar
chite
cts,
MPA
J st
aff,
thos
e
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und,
and
from
inte
rmed
iate
leve
ls.
c)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
with
the
site
con
text
cou
ld a
ssis
t dec
isio
n m
aker
s to
und
erst
and/
imag
ine
the
spat
ial q
ualit
y of
the
prop
osed
dev
elop
men
t. H
ighe
st a
gree
men
t lev
els
wer
e am
ong
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts,
MPA
J sta
ff, t
hose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und,
and
dire
ctor
s.
d)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
with
its
visu
alis
atio
n ca
pabi
lity
coul
d pr
ovid
e a
com
mon
pla
tform
to b
ridge
the
gap
betw
een
diff
eren
t dec
isio
n m
aker
s in
und
erst
andi
ng a
nd c
omm
unic
atin
g ab
out
the
deve
lopm
ent p
lann
ing
prop
osal
. Hig
hest
agr
eem
ent l
evel
s wer
e fo
und
amon
g ot
her i
nter
nal d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J, go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s.
e)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
and
its
visu
alis
atio
n ca
pabi
lity
coul
d as
sist
dev
elop
men
ts a
t the
bor
ders
bet
wee
n di
ffer
ent l
ocal
pla
nnin
g au
thor
ities
. Hig
hest
agr
eem
ent l
evel
s w
ere
from
am
ong
exte
rnal
age
ncie
s, go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
seni
ors.
Ther
e w
as a
seni
or M
PAJ p
lann
er w
ho w
as u
nsur
e.
139
Find
ing
Th
e qu
alita
tive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts
that
ther
e ar
e se
vera
l mea
ns b
y w
hich
dec
isio
n m
aker
s ca
n be
nefit
usi
ng 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
and
GIS
, as
outli
ned
in F
igur
e 6-
3. W
hile
pla
nner
s co
mm
only
thin
k of
GIS
as
a
tool
, the
vis
ualis
atio
n te
chni
ques
in 3
-D e
lem
ents
hav
e th
e po
tent
ial t
o de
velo
p in
tere
st a
mon
g ar
chite
cts a
nd o
ther
dec
isio
n m
aker
s to
also
use
GIS
.
On
the
othe
r han
d, p
lann
ers
and
othe
r dec
isio
n m
aker
s, be
side
s ar
chite
cts,
lack
the
know
ledg
e to
und
erst
and
spat
ial q
ualit
ies.
As
they
hav
e no
t bee
n ed
ucat
ed to
do
so, t
hey
usua
lly fi
nd th
e ta
sk d
iffic
ult,
as
they
hav
e to
read
text
bas
ed m
ater
ials
as w
ell a
s re
ferr
ing
to p
lans
and
map
s. In
ass
istin
g th
em, 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
and
GIS
do
not o
nly
allo
w th
em to
vis
ualis
e sp
aces
, but
allo
w th
em to
repo
sitio
n th
emse
lves
virtu
ally
aro
und
the
prop
osed
bui
ldin
g. U
sing
sim
ulat
ion
tech
niqu
es, p
lann
ers w
ould
be
able
to v
isua
lise
wal
king
and
man
oeuv
ring
arou
nd th
e sp
ace.
The
quan
titat
ive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts
that
dec
isio
n m
aker
s, in
clud
ing
polit
icia
ns, i
nter
nal d
epar
tmen
ts a
nd e
xter
nal a
genc
ies,
have
diff
eren
t opi
nion
s an
d fr
amew
orks
whe
n lo
okin
g at
dev
elop
men
t pro
posa
ls.
They
als
o us
e a
diff
eren
t set
of t
ools
for a
sses
sing
pla
nnin
g de
velo
pmen
t pro
posa
ls. T
o br
idge
the
gap
betw
een
diff
eren
t dec
isio
n m
aker
s, in
und
erst
andi
ng a
nd c
omm
unic
atin
g ab
out d
evel
opm
ent p
lann
ing,
the
mod
el,
with
its
vis
ualis
atio
n ca
pabi
lity,
can
pro
vide
a c
omm
on p
latfo
rm.
The
com
mon
pla
tform
can
als
o as
sist
dev
elop
men
ts a
t th
e bo
rder
are
as b
etw
een
diff
eren
t lo
cal
plan
ning
aut
horit
ies.
By
sim
ulat
ing
spat
ial c
hara
cter
istic
s and
inte
grat
ing
site
info
rmat
ion,
it c
an a
ssis
t dec
isio
n m
aker
s to
expe
rienc
e an
d be
tter u
nder
stan
d an
y pr
opos
ed d
evel
opm
ent.
Und
erst
and
spat
ial q
ualit
y
Brid
ge c
omm
unic
atio
n ga
p
Ass
ist b
orde
r dev
elop
men
t and
add
ress
issu
es
Dec
isio
n M
aker
s
Dev
elop
inte
rest
in G
IS
Figu
re 6
-3: D
ecis
ion
mak
ers
140
6.5
Plan
ning
and
ass
essm
ent
Thre
e po
tent
ial a
reas
that
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n an
d G
IS c
an a
ssis
t in
urba
n pl
anni
ng a
nd a
sses
smen
ts h
ighl
ight
ed fr
om th
e in
terv
iew
s are
out
lined
in F
igur
e 6-
4.
A
FD
TCP
offic
er (P
2) fo
und
that
pla
nner
s in
LPA
s ra
rely
giv
e vi
sual
asp
ects
muc
h im
porta
nce
in th
eir p
lann
ing
asse
ssm
ents
and
urb
an d
esig
n. A
n ex
ampl
e lie
s in
a d
ecis
ion
to b
uild
a fo
ur-s
tore
y bu
ildin
g
in fr
ont o
f a m
osqu
e. C
ompu
ter s
imul
atio
n, u
sing
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n w
ould
hav
e cl
early
sho
wn
the
impa
ct o
f the
new
bui
ldin
g w
hich
wou
ld b
lock
the
mos
que.
The
app
licat
ion
was
mad
e by
the
com
mitt
ee o
f
the
mos
que
who
wer
e no
t aw
are
of th
e vi
sual
impa
ct, w
hich
they
now
regr
et a
s vis
itors
ofte
n fin
d it
diff
icul
t to
loca
te th
e m
osqu
e.
In d
evel
opm
ent p
lann
ing
mee
tings
, eve
n a
sim
ple
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n ca
n as
sist
und
erst
andi
ng a
mon
g m
eetin
g pa
rtici
pant
s, cl
aim
ed a
noth
er F
DTC
P of
ficer
(P3)
. A L
PA o
ffic
er (P
14) s
aid
that
she
cou
ld s
ee
the
pote
ntia
l of 3
-D m
odel
s in
dem
onst
ratin
g th
e bu
ildin
g he
ight
, whi
ch is
one
of t
he is
sues
that
pla
nner
s co
mm
only
dis
agre
e up
on. A
noth
er L
PA o
ffic
er (P
6) a
gree
d th
at 3
-D p
roje
ctio
ns c
an c
lear
ly s
how
wha
t 2-D
pla
ns c
anno
t; fo
r exa
mpl
e, th
e bu
ildin
g he
ight
obs
truct
ing
the
natu
ral l
ight
ing
to th
e ne
ighb
ourin
g bl
ocks
.
It ha
s be
en d
iffic
ult t
o va
lidat
e de
cisi
ons
usin
g 2-
D p
lans
as
they
allo
w m
ore
room
for
the
appl
ican
ts to
arg
ue, c
omm
ente
d a
LPA
off
icer
(P5
). H
e ad
ded
that
3-D
mod
els
and
visu
alis
atio
n ca
n fa
cilit
ate
deci
sion
mak
ing
by e
nabl
ing
visu
al im
pact
ass
essm
ent.
A f
ew o
ther
LPA
off
icer
s (P
1.P3
, P9,
P10
and
P14
) al
so a
gree
d th
at 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
has
a ro
le in
dec
isio
n m
akin
g. O
ne o
f th
em a
dded
that
it is
parti
cula
rly h
elpf
ul if
it a
llow
s th
em to
man
ipul
ate
data
par
amet
ers
and
view
the
impa
ct o
n su
rrou
ndin
g ar
eas,
for
exam
ple,
by
chan
ging
the
pod
ium
lev
els,
build
ing
heig
hts,
and
loca
tion
of a
tow
er.
Acc
ordi
ng to
a F
DTC
P of
ficer
(P2
), 3-
D v
isua
lisat
ion
can
assi
st p
lann
ers
who
ofte
n re
ly u
pon
intu
ition
and
exp
erie
nce
to p
rodu
ce s
cien
tific
and
tech
nica
l com
men
ts, a
nd c
an h
elp
to a
void
mis
take
s or
mis
sing
impo
rtant
info
rmat
ion.
It c
an a
lso
enab
le v
ario
us d
ecis
ion
mak
ers t
o vi
ew th
e ap
plic
atio
n in
the
cont
ext o
f the
sam
e po
licy
and
guid
elin
es. T
his w
ould
als
o su
ppor
t the
mos
t cru
cial
stag
e of
pla
nnin
g;
whi
ch is
to u
nder
stan
d th
e ge
o-ph
ysic
al a
spec
t of t
he si
te, h
e st
ress
ed.
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n ca
n ai
d no
t on
ly i
n de
velo
pmen
t co
ntro
l, bu
t al
so i
n ur
ban
desi
gn, g
eo-s
ocia
l, en
viro
nmen
tal
stud
ies,
land
scap
e de
sign
, wat
er r
un-o
ff c
apac
ity p
redi
ctio
n an
d m
any
mor
e as
pect
s of
plan
ning
, sai
d a
LPA
pla
nner
(P5)
. It c
an a
lso
assi
st p
lann
ing
and
deve
lopm
ent c
ontro
l at b
ound
ary
area
s be
twee
n di
ffer
ent L
PAs
and
vario
us a
genc
ies,
clai
med
a F
DTC
P of
ficer
(P4)
. 3-D
mod
els
have
the
abili
ty to
sho
w g
eo-p
hysi
cal p
roje
ctio
ns e
ven
at th
e pl
anni
ng a
ppro
val s
tage
, sai
d a
LPA
off
icer
(P1
4). R
efer
ring
to th
e co
nsul
tant
s’ r
epor
t, 3D
mod
els
can
prov
ide
LPA
s w
ith m
ore
info
rmat
ion,
suc
h as
wat
er-r
un-o
ff p
rodu
ced
by th
e co
nstru
ctio
n si
te. 3
-D m
odel
s can
als
o su
gges
t sui
tabl
e la
yout
pla
ns fo
llow
ing
phys
ical
dev
elop
men
t ind
icat
ors,
such
as
earth
wor
ks a
nd d
rain
age
syst
ems,
he a
dded
. As
a to
ol,
Vis
ual a
sses
smen
t
Slop
e an
d hi
llsid
e de
velo
pmen
t
Inte
rpre
tatio
n &
intu
ition
Plan
ning
Ass
essm
ent
Figu
re 6
-4: P
lann
ing
asse
ssm
ent
141
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n no
t onl
y he
lps
plan
ners
to u
nder
stan
d w
hat e
xist
s, bu
t als
o to
pre
dict
the
futu
re d
evel
opm
ent a
nd it
s im
pact
on
the
neig
hbou
rs, s
tress
ed a
noth
er L
PA o
ffic
er (
P5).
Ano
ther
pla
nner
(P6
)
agre
ed th
at 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
has m
uch
pote
ntia
l in
deve
lopm
ent p
lann
ing
proc
esse
s and
pre
dict
ed th
at L
PAs a
nd th
e Lo
cal H
ousi
ng M
inis
try w
ill a
dopt
them
in th
ree
to fo
ur y
ears
tim
e.
The
quan
titat
ive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts
that
the
mod
el is
eff
ectiv
e fo
r stu
dyin
g ur
ban
envi
ronm
ents
, for
exa
mpl
e, tr
affic
impa
ct a
sses
smen
t, su
n an
d sh
adow
cas
ting,
gre
en s
pace
s an
d ve
rtica
l gar
dens
. In
addi
tion,
the
mod
el is
als
o he
lpfu
l for
pre
dict
ing
futu
re g
row
th a
nd u
rban
dev
elop
men
t with
refe
renc
e to
rest
rictio
ns a
nd c
hang
es to
cur
rent
gui
delin
es.
6.5.
1
Intu
ition
and
inte
rpre
tatio
n
Tab
le 6
-6: I
ntui
tion
and
inte
rpre
tatio
n O
vera
ll ag
reem
ent l
evel
Re
spon
dent
’s R
ole
Resp
onde
nt’s
Atta
chm
ent
Resp
onde
nt’s
Tec
hnic
al B
ackg
roun
d Re
spon
dent
’s L
evel
of E
xper
tise
and
Resp
onsi
bilit
y
a) In
tuiti
ve d
ecis
ion
mak
ing
is g
ood.
R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
3.5
3; sl
ight
ly h
ighe
r tha
n 3
(not
sure
). Th
e hi
ghes
t sco
res a
re fo
und
amon
g st
akeh
olde
rs, e
ngin
eers
and
ext
erna
l age
ncie
s. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
seni
ors.
All
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts s
core
d 4
(agr
ee).
b) D
ecis
ion
mak
ers o
ften
depe
nd o
n in
tuiti
ve d
ecis
ion
mak
ing.
R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
3.4
1; sl
ight
ly h
ighe
r tha
n 3
(not
sure
). Th
e hi
ghes
t sco
res a
re fo
und
amon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, ar
chite
cts a
nd p
lann
ers.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d,
and
from
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l.
142
c) D
ecis
ion
mak
ers a
re o
ften
influ
ence
d by
soci
al re
ason
s lik
e em
path
y.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 2
.90;
slig
htly
low
er th
an 3
(not
sure
). Th
e lo
wes
t sco
res a
re a
mon
g ot
her s
take
hold
ers a
nd p
lann
ers.
Scor
es a
re a
lso
low
am
ong
MPA
J sta
ff a
nd g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s; th
e hi
ghes
t fou
nd a
mon
g M
PAJ s
taff
is 3
(uns
ure)
. O
n th
e ot
her h
and,
the
high
est s
core
s are
foun
d am
ong
engi
neer
s (3.
60),
othe
r int
erna
l dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ (
3.50
), an
d ar
chite
cts (
3.14
). Th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
also
scor
ed h
ighe
r; 2.
94, t
han
thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d. W
hile
di
rect
ors s
core
d hi
ghes
t, th
e lo
wes
t is a
mon
g se
nior
leve
l.
d) T
he m
odel
can
ass
ist i
n re
duci
ng g
rey
area
s, th
us re
duci
ng fl
exib
ility
and
inte
rpre
tatio
ns in
dec
isio
n m
akin
g.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.02;
slig
htly
hig
her t
han
4 (a
gree
). Th
e hi
ghes
t sco
res a
re fo
und
amon
g en
gine
ers,
othe
r sta
keho
lder
s and
oth
er in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J. Th
e lo
wes
t sco
res a
re fo
und
amon
g ar
chite
cts a
nd la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s. A
ll re
spon
dent
s fro
m n
on g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s and
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
scor
ed 4
(agr
ee).
143
e) T
he m
odel
supp
orts
a sc
ient
ific
appr
oach
to d
ecis
ion
mak
ing
that
aim
s to
impr
ove
the
plan
ning
pro
cess
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
3.8
9 sl
ight
ly lo
wer
than
4 (a
gree
). Th
e hi
ghes
t sco
res a
re fo
und
amon
g en
gine
ers,
othe
r sta
keho
lder
s and
oth
er in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J. M
PAJ s
taff
scor
ed sl
ight
ly h
ighe
r sco
re th
an g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s, as
wel
l as
thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d an
d di
rect
ors.
All
resp
onde
nts f
rom
non
-gov
ernm
ent d
epar
tmen
ts sc
ored
4 (a
gree
).
f) T
he m
odel
can
hel
p to
exp
edite
the
deve
lopm
ent a
pplic
atio
n pr
oces
s.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.36.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fo
und
amon
g pl
anne
rs, e
ngin
eers
, and
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts w
ho sh
ared
the
sam
e sc
ore
with
oth
er in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s. N
one
of th
e re
spon
dent
s sco
red
less
than
4 (a
gree
), ex
cept
for a
few
am
ong
plan
ners
, MPA
J sta
ff, t
echn
ical
and
seni
or re
spon
dent
s. A
seni
or p
lann
er fr
om M
PAJ s
core
d 3
(not
sure
). Des
crip
tion
a)
A m
ajor
ity s
light
ly a
gree
d th
at in
tuiti
ve d
ecis
ion
mak
ing
is g
ood.
Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el w
ere
foun
d am
ong
othe
r st
akeh
olde
rs, g
over
nmen
t ag
enci
es, t
hose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
seni
ors.
All
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts a
gree
d.
b)
A m
ajor
ity s
light
ly a
gree
d th
at d
ecis
ion
mak
ers
ofte
n de
pend
on
intu
itive
dec
isio
n m
akin
g. H
ighe
st a
gree
men
t le
vels
wer
e fo
und
amon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, go
vern
men
t ag
enci
es,
thos
e w
ith
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l.
c)
A m
ajor
ity s
light
ly d
isag
reed
that
dec
isio
n m
aker
s ar
e of
ten
influ
ence
d by
soc
ial r
easo
ns li
ke e
mpa
thy.
The
mos
t dis
agre
emen
t was
foun
d am
ong
othe
r sta
keho
lder
s an
d pl
anne
rs, a
s w
ell a
s th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und.
Whi
le g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s al
so s
light
ly d
isag
reed
, MPA
J st
aff w
ere
unsu
re. O
n th
e ot
her h
and,
eng
inee
rs, i
nter
nal d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J an
d ar
chite
cts
slig
htly
agr
eed.
Dire
ctor
s als
o ag
reed
in c
ontra
st to
bot
h in
term
edia
te a
nd se
nior
leve
ls.
d)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
cou
ld a
ssis
t in
redu
cing
gre
y ar
eas,
thus
redu
cing
flex
ibili
ty a
nd in
terp
reta
tions
in d
ecis
ion
mak
ing.
Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el w
as fo
und
amon
g en
gine
ers,
and
the
low
est a
mon
g ar
chite
cts.
The
high
est s
core
s w
ere
also
foun
d am
ong
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
tech
nica
l res
pond
ents
and
dire
ctor
s. A
ll re
spon
dent
s fr
om n
on-g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s an
d w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al
back
grou
nd a
gree
d.
e)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
sup
ports
a s
cien
tific
app
roac
h to
dec
isio
n m
akin
g th
at a
ims
to im
prov
e th
e pl
anni
ng p
roce
ss. H
ighe
st in
the
leve
l of a
gree
men
t wer
e fo
und
amon
g en
gine
ers,
MPA
J
staf
f, th
ose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s. A
ll re
spon
dent
s fro
m n
on-g
over
nmen
t atta
chm
ent a
gree
d.
144
f)
Maj
ority
agr
eed
that
the
mod
el c
ould
hel
p to
exp
edite
the
deve
lopm
ent a
pplic
atio
n pr
oces
s. H
ighe
st in
agr
eem
ent l
evel
wer
e pl
anne
rs, g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s. N
one
from
oth
er le
vels
dis
agre
ed, e
xcep
t for
a se
nior
MPA
J pla
nner
who
was
uns
ure.
Find
ing
A
s ou
tline
d in
Fig
ure
6-5,
the
qual
itativ
e su
rvey
sug
gest
s th
at in
dev
elop
men
ts in
volv
ing
com
plic
ated
land
dev
elop
men
t and
am
bigu
ous z
ones
that
are
not
eas
ily re
pres
ente
d in
2-D
, dec
isio
n m
aker
s ha
ve to
inte
rpre
t the
resu
lts a
nd re
ly o
n th
eir i
ntui
tion.
As
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n an
d G
IS a
llow
s gr
eate
r lev
el o
f vis
ualis
atio
n, it
ena
bles
eas
ier u
nder
stan
ding
of r
esul
ts, a
nd a
sses
smen
t, w
hile
inte
rpre
tatio
n an
d in
tuiti
on
are
redu
ced.
Use
of
thes
e to
ols
shou
ld f
acili
tate
ana
lysi
s an
d av
oid
dela
ys in
the
deve
lopm
ent p
lann
ing
proc
ess,
thus
exp
editi
ng p
lann
ing
appr
oval
s. Th
e qu
alita
tive
surv
ey a
lso
sugg
ests
that
by
adop
ting
thes
e ap
proa
ches
, ten
denc
y to
soci
al re
ason
s in
deci
sion
mak
ing
such
as
empa
thy
may
be
avoi
ded.
It c
an a
lso
help
to e
xped
ite, a
nd a
void
del
ays i
n th
e de
velo
pmen
t app
licat
ion
proc
ess.
This
can
be
achi
eved
by re
duci
ng a
mbi
guity
, thu
s re
duci
ng fl
exib
ility
and
inte
rpre
tatio
n in
dec
isio
n-m
akin
g. T
he re
duct
ion
in a
mbi
guity
is in
the
visu
al d
ata
pres
ente
d. If
it is
acc
urat
e an
d co
mpl
ete,
then
pla
nner
s’ d
ecis
ions
are
mad
e ea
sier
as t
hey
can
see
mor
e cl
early
if a
pro
posa
l com
plie
s with
regu
latio
ns, s
uch
as p
lot-r
atio
s, he
ight
lim
its, w
hich
are
ofte
n flu
id, a
nd b
ased
on
proj
ectio
ns o
f fut
ure
need
s.
The
quan
titat
ive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts
that
the
mod
el c
an h
elp
to d
evel
op a
mor
e sc
ient
ific,
qua
litat
ive
and
read
ily v
isua
lised
app
roac
hes
for a
sses
smen
t in
the
plan
ning
pro
cess
es to
impr
ove
deci
sion
mak
ing.
How
ever
, in
cont
rast
to th
e qu
alita
tive
surv
ey, i
t sug
gest
s th
at in
tuiti
on is
a g
ood
elem
ent w
hen
exer
cise
d by
dec
isio
n m
aker
s, an
d th
ey o
ften
depe
nd o
n in
tuiti
ve d
ecis
ion
mak
ing.
Sho
uld
intu
ition
and
empa
thy
be to
tally
avo
ided
, is
a qu
estio
n th
at re
quire
s fu
rther
inve
stig
atio
n be
yond
this
rese
arch
. Qua
litat
ive
and
quan
titat
ive
surv
eys
pose
con
tradi
ctin
g vi
ews
rega
rdin
g th
is m
atte
r. H
owev
er, t
here
is a
n
argu
men
t for
allo
win
g pl
anne
rs to
exe
rcis
e so
me
disc
retio
n in
thei
r dec
isio
n-m
akin
g, p
artic
ular
ly if
they
are
exp
erie
nced
. Per
haps
, rel
ianc
e on
any
pla
nnin
g to
ol c
ould
be
unw
ise.
Intu
ition
& In
terp
reta
tion
Red
uce
inte
rpre
tatio
n &
intu
ition
Red
uce
grey
are
as
Supp
ort s
cien
tific
ass
essm
ent
Expe
dite
ana
lysi
s & a
ppro
val
Figu
re 6
-5: I
ntui
tion
and
inte
rpre
tatio
n
145
6.5.
2
Vis
ual a
sses
smen
t
Tab
le 6
-7: V
isua
l ass
essm
ent
Ove
rall
agre
emen
t lev
el
Resp
onde
nt’s
Rol
e Re
spon
dent
’s A
ttach
men
t Re
spon
dent
’s T
echn
ical
Bac
kgro
und
Resp
onde
nt’s
Lev
el o
f Exp
ertis
e an
d Re
spon
sibi
lity
a) V
isua
l too
ls fo
r pla
nnin
g as
sess
men
t hel
p in
cre
atin
g hu
man
exp
erie
nce
such
as h
appi
ness
and
satis
fact
ion,
as w
ell a
s ang
er a
nd d
isap
poin
tmen
t. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.1
5. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
am
ong
engi
neer
s, ot
her s
take
hold
ers a
nd a
rchi
tect
s. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, an
d th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und.
The
scor
es a
mon
g th
e di
ffer
ent l
evel
s of
seni
ority
are
alm
ost e
qual
, with
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l slig
htly
hig
her.
A fe
w p
lann
ers f
rom
dire
ctor
leve
l in
MPA
J sco
red
3 (n
ot su
re).
b) V
isua
l cap
abili
ty o
f the
mod
el a
llow
s dec
isio
n m
aker
s to
look
at t
he p
lann
ing
deve
lopm
ent f
rom
diff
eren
t ang
les,
for e
x. fr
om th
e hi
ll, th
e bu
s and
the
stre
et.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.46.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fo
und
amon
g ex
tern
al a
genc
ies,
engi
neer
s and
arc
hite
cts.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
MPA
J sta
ff, re
spon
dent
s with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und,
and
dire
ctor
s. A
seni
or M
PAJ p
lann
er
scor
ed 3
(not
sure
).
146
c) T
he m
odel
can
hel
p de
cisi
on m
aker
s to
visu
alis
e al
tern
ativ
e sc
enar
ios a
nd e
nhan
ce a
naly
ses s
uch
as “
wha
t if”
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.4
4. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
foun
d am
ong
arch
itect
s, ot
her i
nter
nal d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J and
pla
nner
s. Th
e sc
ores
bet
wee
n M
PAJ s
taff
and
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies a
re n
ear,
with
the
late
r rel
ativ
ely
high
er. S
core
s are
al
so h
ighe
r am
ong
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d an
d di
rect
ors.
A se
nior
MPA
J pla
nner
scor
ed 3
(not
sure
).
d) T
he m
odel
can
show
the
impa
ct o
f the
pro
pose
d de
velo
pmen
t suc
h as
den
sity
, with
in a
larg
er si
te c
onte
xt a
nd su
rrou
ndin
g ar
eas.
R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.5
0. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
foun
d am
ong
engi
neer
s, ot
her s
take
hold
ers,
othe
r int
erna
l age
ncie
s in
MPA
J and
oth
er a
genc
ies t
hat s
hare
the
sam
e sc
ore.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd d
irect
ors.
A se
nior
MPA
J pla
nner
scor
ed 3
(not
sure
).
e) V
isua
l ass
essm
ent c
an h
elp
the
deci
sion
mak
ers t
o av
oid
over
look
ing
impo
rtant
ele
men
ts a
nd re
duce
err
ors.
Res
ult :
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.13.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fo
und
amon
g ot
her i
nter
nal d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J, ar
chite
cts a
nd o
ther
stak
ehol
ders
. Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
MPA
J sta
ff, g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
out t
echn
ical
ba
ckgr
ound
, and
dire
ctor
s. A
seni
or e
ngin
eer f
rom
gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies s
core
d 2
(dis
agre
e).
147
Des
crip
tion
a)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at v
isua
l too
ls f
or p
lann
ing
asse
ssm
ent h
elps
in c
reat
ing
expe
rienc
e su
ch a
s ha
ppin
ess
and
satis
fact
ion,
as
wel
l as
ange
r an
d di
sapp
oint
men
t. H
ighe
st in
agr
eem
ent l
evel
was
foun
d am
ong
engi
neer
s, go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s an
d th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und.
Whi
le th
e sc
ores
of d
iffer
ent l
evel
s w
ere
alm
ost e
qual
, the
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l was
slig
htly
hig
her.
Ther
e w
ere
a
few
pla
nner
s fro
m d
irect
or le
vel i
n M
PAJ w
ho w
ere
unsu
re.
b)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at v
isua
l cap
abili
ty o
f the
mod
el a
llow
s de
cisi
on m
aker
s to
look
at t
he p
lann
ing
deve
lopm
ent f
rom
diff
eren
t ang
les,
for e
xam
ple,
from
the
hill,
the
bus
and
the
stre
et. H
ighe
st in
agre
emen
t lev
el w
ere
from
ext
erna
l age
ncie
s, go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, te
chni
cal r
espo
nden
ts a
nd d
irect
ors.
Ther
e w
as a
seni
or M
PAJ p
lann
er w
ho w
as u
nsur
e.
c)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
cou
ld h
elp
deci
sion
mak
ers
to v
isua
lise
alte
rnat
ive
scen
ario
s an
d en
hanc
e an
alys
es s
uch
as “
wha
t if”
. Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el w
ere
foun
d am
ong
arch
itect
s,
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
tech
nica
l res
pond
ents
and
dire
ctor
s. Th
ere
was
a se
nior
MPA
J pla
nner
who
was
uns
ure.
d)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
cou
ld s
how
the
impa
ct o
f pro
pose
d de
velo
pmen
t suc
h as
den
sity
, with
in a
larg
er s
ite c
onte
xt a
nd s
urro
undi
ng a
reas
. Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el w
ere
foun
d am
ong
engi
neer
s, go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s. Th
ere
was
a se
nior
MPA
J pla
nner
who
was
uns
ure.
e)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at v
isua
l ass
essm
ent c
ould
hel
p th
e de
cisi
on m
aker
s to
avo
id o
verlo
okin
g im
porta
nt e
lem
ents
and
red
uce
erro
rs. H
ighe
st in
agr
eem
ent l
evel
wer
e fo
und
amon
g ot
her
inte
rnal
depa
rtmen
ts in
MPA
J, go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s. Th
ere
was
a se
nior
eng
inee
r fro
m g
over
nmen
t age
ncy
who
dis
agre
ed.
Find
ing
A
s ou
tline
d in
Fig
ure
6-6,
the
qual
itativ
e su
rvey
sug
gest
s th
at v
isua
l cap
abili
ty o
f 3-D
GIS
ena
bles
dec
isio
n m
aker
s to
ass
ess
a pr
opos
ed d
evel
opm
ent i
n re
latio
n to
the
plan
ning
requ
irem
ents
from
mul
tiple
angl
es,
com
pare
d to
the
2-D
and
3-D
gra
phic
rep
rese
ntat
ions
suc
h as
ele
vatio
ns a
nd p
ersp
ectiv
es.
Util
isin
g th
is v
isua
l ca
pabi
lity
with
alte
rnat
ive
scen
ario
s su
ch a
s w
hat-i
fs c
an s
ugge
st o
ther
des
ign
poss
ibili
ties
to d
evel
oper
s. Th
is v
isua
l com
pone
nt o
f 3D
GIS
is a
lso
cruc
ial t
o sh
ow th
e im
pact
of t
he d
evel
opm
ent t
o th
e ne
ighb
ourin
g bu
ildin
gs a
nd s
urro
undi
ng a
reas
. Int
egra
ting
GIS
with
vis
ualis
atio
n, a
Vis
ual a
sses
smen
t
Ass
ess f
rom
mul
tiple
ang
les
Alte
rnat
ive
scen
ario
s
Larg
er si
te c
onte
xt
Avo
id m
ista
kes
A se
nse
of p
lace
Figu
re 6
-6: V
isua
l ass
essm
ent
148
site
is m
ore
clea
rly re
pres
ente
d to
faci
litat
e th
e as
sess
men
t pro
cess
. A c
ompr
ehen
sive
repr
esen
tatio
n cl
early
def
ines
the
deve
lopm
ent o
bjec
tives
whi
le m
akin
g su
re th
at th
ere
is n
o m
issi
ng in
form
atio
n th
at
coul
d le
ad to
mis
take
s in
the
asse
ssm
ent.
Bes
ides
add
ress
ing
requ
irem
ents
in a
sses
smen
t, pl
anne
rs a
re a
lso
conc
erne
d w
ith p
rom
otin
g an
am
bien
ce a
nd a
sen
se o
f pl
ace
in n
ew d
evel
opm
ents
, esp
ecia
lly p
ublic
pla
ces.
The
lack
of
livel
ines
s in
Putr
ajay
a ha
s bee
n an
issu
e th
at c
augh
t the
atte
ntio
n of
the
past
Prim
e M
inis
ter,
who
initi
ated
the
new
gov
erni
ng c
ity m
ore
than
ten
year
s ago
, sai
d a
LPA
off
icer
(P6)
. The
mai
n bo
ulev
ard,
the
idea
of w
hich
cam
e fr
om th
e C
ham
ps E
lysé
es in
Fra
nce,
is c
urre
ntly
a d
ead
area
, par
ticul
arly
at n
ight
. Whi
le 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
has
the
pote
ntia
l in
crea
ting
a se
nse
of p
lace
, dep
endi
ng o
n so
me
judg
emen
t in
futu
re
plan
ning
, 3-D
sim
ulat
ion
coul
d ha
ve a
ssis
ted
plan
ners
ach
ieve
the
desi
red
ambi
ence
for t
he b
oule
vard
.
How
ever
, as
in th
e ca
se o
f spa
tial q
ualit
y di
scus
sed
earli
er, t
his
task
is d
iffic
ult u
sing
2-D
met
hods
. Th
e vi
sual
cap
abili
ty o
f 3-D
GIS
mod
els
on th
e ot
her h
and,
can
bet
ter a
ssis
t dec
isio
n m
aker
s in
thei
r
asse
ssm
ent t
o pr
omot
e su
ch p
lace
s by
sim
ulat
ing
the
ambi
ence
mor
e ac
cura
tely
. For
exa
mpl
e, th
ey c
an d
epic
t the
sens
e of
pla
ce m
ore
accu
rate
ly in
acc
orda
nce
to th
e pr
ovis
ion
of d
esig
n. O
n th
e ot
her h
and,
3-D
GIS
mod
els
can
also
dev
elop
scen
ario
s tha
t will
impr
ove
the
ambi
ence
of p
lace
s pro
pose
d by
pro
ject
dev
elop
ers u
sing
pre
-ren
dere
d pe
rspe
ctiv
es a
nd im
ages
, by
proj
ectin
g m
ultip
le v
iew
s fro
m d
iffer
ent
angl
es o
f the
spac
e.
The
quan
titat
ive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts
that
the
mod
el c
an s
erve
as
a vi
sual
too
l fo
r ur
ban
desi
gn a
nd p
lann
ing.
For
pla
nnin
g as
sess
men
t, its
vis
ual
capa
bilit
y al
low
s de
cisi
on m
aker
s to
loo
k at
pla
nnin
g
deve
lopm
ent
from
diff
eren
t an
gles
, for
exa
mpl
e, f
rom
the
hill
, the
bus
and
the
stre
et.
It ca
n al
so h
elp
deci
sion
mak
ers
to v
isua
lise
alte
rnat
ive
scen
ario
s an
d en
hanc
e an
alys
es s
uch
as “
wha
t if”
. B
y
inco
rpor
atin
g th
e su
rrou
ndin
g ar
eas,
it al
low
s de
cisi
on m
aker
s to
sho
w th
e im
pact
of p
ropo
sed
deve
lopm
ent,
such
as
dens
ity o
ver a
larg
er s
ite c
onte
xt. I
ts v
isua
l cap
acity
can
als
o he
lp d
ecis
ion
mak
ers a
void
over
look
ing
impo
rtant
ele
men
ts a
nd th
us, a
void
err
ors m
ore
gene
rally
.
6.5.
3
Urb
an st
udy
and
pred
ictio
n
Tab
le 6
-8: U
rban
stud
y an
d pr
edic
tion
Ove
rall
agre
emen
t lev
el
Resp
onde
nt’s
Rol
e Re
spon
dent
’s A
ttach
men
t Re
spon
dent
’s T
echn
ical
Bac
kgro
und
Resp
onde
nt’s
Lev
el o
f Exp
ertis
e an
d Re
spon
sibi
lity
a) T
he m
odel
is e
ffec
tive
for s
tudy
ing
urba
n en
viro
nmen
ts, f
or e
xam
ple,
traf
fic im
pact
ass
essm
ent,
sun/
shad
ow c
astin
g, g
reen
spa
ces a
nd v
ertic
al g
arde
n.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.33.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fo
und
amon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, ex
tern
al a
genc
ies a
nd p
lann
ers.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd in
term
edia
te le
vel.
149
b) T
he m
odel
is h
elpf
ul fo
r pre
dict
ing
futu
re g
row
th a
nd d
evel
opm
ent w
ith re
fere
nce
to re
stric
tions
and
cha
nges
to c
urre
nt g
uide
lines
. For
exa
mpl
e, b
y vi
sual
isat
ion
and
man
ipul
atin
g th
e da
ta p
aram
eter
s (bu
ildin
g he
ight
s, lo
catio
n, d
ensi
ty,
podi
um le
vels
, and
wat
er ru
n-of
f).
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.46.
The
high
est s
core
s are
foun
d am
ong
engi
neer
s, ex
tern
al a
genc
ies a
nd p
lann
ers.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies a
nd th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und.
The
scor
e am
ong
the
dire
ctor
s and
in
term
edia
te a
re a
lmos
t equ
ally
hig
her t
han
seni
ors.
A se
nior
pla
nner
from
MPA
J sco
red
3 (n
ot su
re).
Des
crip
tion
a)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
is e
ffec
tive
for s
tudy
ing
urba
n en
viro
nmen
ts, f
or e
x. tr
affic
impa
ct a
sses
smen
t, su
n/ sh
adow
cas
ting,
gre
en sp
aces
and
ver
tical
gar
dens
. Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el
w
as fo
und
amon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
from
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l.
b)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
is h
elpf
ul fo
r pre
dict
ing
futu
re g
row
th a
nd d
evel
opm
ent w
ith re
fere
nce
to re
stric
tions
and
cha
nges
to c
urre
nt g
uide
lines
. Thi
s can
be
achi
eved
by
man
ipul
atin
g da
ta
para
met
ers (
for e
xam
ple,
bui
ldin
g he
ight
s, lo
catio
n, d
ensi
ty, p
odiu
m le
vels
, and
wat
er ru
n-of
f). H
ighe
st in
agr
eem
ent l
evel
was
foun
d am
ong
engi
neer
s, go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, te
chni
cal r
espo
nden
ts,
dire
ctor
s and
from
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l. Th
ere
was
a se
nior
pla
nner
from
MPA
J who
was
uns
ure.
Find
ing
Acc
ordi
ng to
a L
PA o
ffic
er (
P9),
plan
ning
issu
es in
clud
ing
hous
ing
setb
acks
, fac
torie
s zo
ning
, tem
ples
, hill
side
dev
elop
men
t and
squ
atte
rs a
re a
mon
g th
e m
ain
plan
ning
issu
es in
Sel
ango
r. D
ealin
g w
ith
hous
es o
f wor
ship
is a
lso
a ho
t iss
ue, e
spec
ially
whe
re su
ch b
uild
ings
are
requ
ired
to b
e de
mol
ishe
d to
mak
e w
ay fo
r new
dev
elop
men
t. In
det
erm
inin
g th
eir h
erita
ge v
alue
s, LP
As h
ave
prob
lem
s ide
ntify
ing
thei
r age
. Thi
s ca
n be
cru
cial
whe
n so
me
build
ings
are
cla
imed
to h
ave
been
ove
r one
hun
dred
yea
rs o
ld, w
hen
it ca
n be
pro
ved
that
they
wer
e no
t. A
lthou
gh a
ge is
the
only
poi
nt o
f con
tent
ion
here
, oth
er
valu
es w
hich
the
LPA
s ev
alua
te a
re c
ultu
ral a
nd c
omm
unity
sig
nific
ance
, usa
ge a
nd a
rchi
tect
ural
mer
its. H
owev
er, i
t is
hard
to
argu
e th
at te
chni
cal s
oftw
are
and
quan
titat
ive
data
alo
ne w
ill b
e ab
le to
prov
ide
a cl
ear r
ulin
g on
ele
men
ts su
ch a
s arc
hite
ctur
al m
erits
. Thi
s is w
here
the
judg
emen
t and
edu
catio
n of
dec
isio
n-m
aker
s is r
equi
red.
Ano
ther
hot
issu
e is
rega
rdin
g sq
uatte
rs, s
tress
ed a
noth
er L
PA o
ffic
er (P
10).
She
repo
rted
that
whi
le th
e sq
uatte
rs h
ave
been
relo
cate
d fr
om lo
w-r
ise
to h
igh-
rise
build
ings
, the
issu
e ha
s no
t bee
n re
solv
ed
with
out s
olvi
ng fu
ndam
enta
l pro
blem
s, su
ch a
s sm
all b
uilt-
up a
rea
for e
ach
unit.
Sub
sidi
sed
low
cos
t hou
sing
, suc
h as
flat
s, ha
ve b
een
desi
gned
with
redu
ced
faci
litie
s. W
hile
priv
ate
deve
lope
rs a
re m
ajor
cont
ribut
ors i
n lo
w-c
ost h
ousi
ng in
Mal
aysi
a, th
ey a
re a
lso
mai
nly
inte
rest
ed in
mak
ing
prof
its. A
s a re
sult,
low
cos
t fla
t dev
elop
men
ts a
re c
row
ded
to sa
ve sp
ace
for b
uild
ing
mor
e pr
ofita
ble
terr
aced
hou
ses.
Each
uni
t siz
e is
onl
y 60
.4 s
quar
e m
etre
s pe
r uni
t and
ther
e is
lack
of f
acili
ties
such
as
scho
ols
and
open
are
as fo
r rec
reat
ion.
Thi
s is
an
exam
ple
of p
ocke
t dev
elop
men
t to
reso
lve
squa
tter p
robl
ems
whe
re
resi
dent
s are
forc
ed to
shar
e th
e ov
ercr
owde
d ex
istin
g fa
cilit
ies.
150
Alth
ough
the
gove
rnm
ent h
as a
nnou
nced
that
Sel
ango
r has
ach
ieve
d a
zero
-squ
atte
r sta
tus,
in re
ality
this
is n
ot tr
ue, s
he c
laim
ed. H
owev
er, t
he C
ompl
aint
Uni
t is
curr
ently
und
er th
e C
orpo
rate
Dep
artm
ent
whi
ch re
ports
dire
ctly
to th
e St
ate
Dep
artm
ent.
She
com
men
ded
that
ther
e is
goo
d pr
ogre
ss in
alle
viat
ing
this
issu
e w
hen
it is
cur
rent
ly c
lose
ly m
onito
red
by th
e St
ate
Gov
ernm
ent w
hich
is m
ore
capa
ble
in
term
s of
reso
urce
s an
d ex
perti
se in
com
paris
on w
ith L
PAs.
In fi
ghtin
g sq
uatte
rs, L
PAs
need
pub
lic in
form
atio
n ab
out t
heir
exis
tenc
e ne
ar th
eir r
esid
ence
, she
repo
rted.
She
bel
ieve
d th
at 3
-D G
IS w
ould
be
very
hel
pful
in a
ddre
ssin
g sq
uatte
r iss
ues b
y id
entif
ying
thei
r loc
atio
ns, t
heir
mov
emen
ts to
new
settl
emen
ts, a
s wel
l as s
uita
bilit
y of
thes
e ne
w se
ttlem
ents
.
Ano
ther
maj
or p
lann
ing
issu
e in
Sel
ango
r is
rega
rdin
g hi
llsid
e de
velo
pmen
t, re
porte
d a
FDTC
P of
ficer
(P4)
. He
stre
ssed
that
ther
e is
an
urge
nt n
eed
to c
ondu
ct a
naly
sis
on h
ighl
ands
, ter
rain
s, w
etla
nds
and
flood
pro
ne a
reas
in te
rms
of id
entif
ying
thei
r fra
gilit
y, p
oten
tial a
nd s
uita
bilit
y fo
r dev
elop
men
t. Th
ere
are
so m
any
poss
ibili
ties
that
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n ca
n he
lp w
ith h
illsi
de p
lann
ing,
sai
d a
LPA
off
icer
(P1)
. Thi
s ca
n be
don
e by
sho
win
g la
ndsl
ide
area
s in
3-D
, whe
re p
atte
rns
of s
lide
pron
e ar
eas
can
be e
stab
lishe
d. W
hat i
s ur
gent
ly r
equi
red
is to
look
at t
he d
evel
opm
ent i
mpa
ct o
f a
deve
lopm
ent o
n its
surr
ound
ing
area
s, pa
rticu
larly
wet
land
s, he
add
ed. H
e ca
lled
the
expe
rts to
dev
elop
a S
patia
l Dec
isio
n Su
ppor
t Sys
tem
usi
ng v
isua
lisat
ion
to a
ddre
ss w
etla
nd d
evel
opm
ent i
n hi
s m
unic
ipal
vic
inity
. 3-D
visu
alis
atio
n in
pla
nnin
g is
not
yet
pra
ctis
ed in
the
LPA
s in
Mal
aysi
a.
City
mod
ellin
g, if
con
nect
ed to
city
info
rmat
ion,
wou
ld b
e th
e si
mpl
est w
ay fo
r com
mun
icat
ing
info
rmat
ion,
cla
imed
a F
DTC
P pl
anne
r (P2
). In
his
opi
nion
, the
re is
so m
uch
that
LPA
s hav
e to
cat
ch u
p w
ith
3-D
ass
essm
ent.
Ther
e is
har
dly
any
aspe
ct o
f vis
ualis
atio
n th
at is
com
ing
from
LPA
s or
FD
TCP.
In
guid
ing
LPA
s, FD
TCP
has
little
exp
erie
nce
in u
sing
mod
ellin
g so
ftwar
e su
ch a
s Sk
etch
Up®
to p
roje
ct
3-D
mod
els,
he a
dmitt
ed. H
e ho
ped
that
in th
e fu
ture
, 3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n w
ill b
e in
corp
orat
ed in
the
Loca
l Pla
ns c
ombi
ning
cur
rent
tech
nolo
gy.
Ano
ther
FD
TCP
offic
er (
P4)
rela
ted
how
they
hav
e us
ed G
IS f
or s
tudy
ing
open
spa
ces
to s
how
the
criti
cal i
ssue
s in
rel
atio
n to
ope
n sp
aces
. He
real
ised
that
the
deci
sion
mak
ers
cann
ot u
nder
stan
d th
e
colo
ured
fig
ure-
grou
nd o
n th
e m
aps.
How
ever
, onc
e th
ese
map
s ar
e la
yere
d w
ith im
ages
fro
m G
oogl
e Ea
rth®
, dec
isio
n m
aker
s ar
e ab
le to
vis
ualis
e no
t onl
y th
e de
velo
pmen
t, bu
t als
o th
e im
pact
on
the
surr
ound
ing
area
s. In
add
ition
to G
oogl
e Ea
rth®
, FD
TCP
also
use
sat
ellit
e im
ages
in m
akin
g en
quiri
es to
the
rele
vant
age
ncie
s. U
sing
thes
e to
ols,
FDTC
P ha
ve b
een
succ
essf
ul in
enf
orci
ng th
eir p
lann
ing
agen
das,
for e
xam
ple,
in m
akin
g it
man
dato
ry fo
r ope
n sp
aces
to c
onfo
rm to
FD
TCP’
s sp
ecifi
catio
ns a
nd to
com
pel t
he re
leva
nt a
genc
ies
to s
end
thei
r rep
ort t
o FD
TCP
ever
y si
x m
onth
s. Th
e sa
me
met
hod
has
been
use
d fo
r mon
itorin
g ot
her c
ritic
al d
evel
opm
ents
, inc
ludi
ng h
ouse
s of
wor
ship
. Vis
ualis
atio
n is
als
o a
very
eff
ectiv
e m
edia
to c
onvi
nce
the
top
offic
ials
, inc
ludi
ng p
olic
y m
aker
s, ab
out a
par
ticul
ar
prop
osal
. Fo
r exa
mpl
e, F
DTC
P ha
s suc
ceed
ed in
gaz
ettin
g re
serv
e la
nd b
y ga
inin
g th
e at
tent
ion
of th
e Pr
ime
Min
iste
r usi
ng a
land
-use
map
laye
red
onto
Goo
gle
Earth
®.
Ano
ther
FD
TCP
offic
er (P
2) e
nvis
ione
d ho
w h
e co
uld
use
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n as
a v
iew
ing
tool
in h
is n
ewly
pro
pose
d gu
idel
ines
, inv
olvi
ng h
oard
ings
and
bill
boar
ds’ l
ocat
ions
and
size
s. Th
e to
ol e
nabl
es h
im
to v
irtua
lly v
iew
the
prop
osed
bill
boar
ds fr
om d
iffer
ent a
ngle
s, sc
ales
and
loca
tions
suc
h as
; fro
m th
e gr
ound
, bus
es, c
ars,
high
way
s, bu
ildin
gs. I
t can
als
o de
term
ine
whe
ther
the
billb
oard
s ob
stru
ct v
iew
s or
cast
sha
dow
s ar
ound
them
; a fr
eque
nt p
robl
em in
volv
ing
the
incr
easi
ngly
bill
boar
ds w
hich
are
larg
er th
an n
orm
ally
per
mitt
ed. H
e be
lieve
d th
at th
ere
is n
o ot
her w
ay o
f con
duct
ing
this
stu
dy e
xcep
t usi
ng 3
-
D v
isua
lisat
ion.
Stre
ssin
g th
e im
porta
nce
of v
isua
lisat
ion,
ano
ther
LPA
off
icer
(P1)
sai
d th
at it
wou
ld b
e in
tere
stin
g to
vie
w th
e im
pact
of
plan
ning
and
pot
entia
l dis
aste
rs in
3-D
, for
exa
mpl
e, h
ow th
e su
rrou
ndin
g ar
eas
wou
ld b
e af
fect
ed if
a b
uild
ing
colla
pses
. He
adde
d th
at n
ot e
ven
the
high
est r
anki
ng p
lann
er in
FD
TCP
can
unde
rsta
nd p
lann
ing
issu
es w
ithou
t som
e ki
nd o
f 3-D
pro
ject
ion.
All
of th
e in
terv
iew
ed p
lann
ers
agre
ed th
at M
alay
sian
pla
nnin
g sy
stem
sho
uld
mov
e to
war
ds n
ew to
ols
to im
prov
e cu
rren
t pla
nnin
g pr
actic
es. A
FD
TCP
plan
ner (
P2) t
houg
ht th
at 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion,
usi
ng
resp
onsi
ve s
patia
l dat
a as
an
inte
ract
ive
urba
n pl
anni
ng m
odel
has
a h
uge
role
in a
ssis
ting
man
y as
pect
s of
thei
r sp
atia
l pla
nnin
g ac
tiviti
es fo
r the
Nat
iona
l Phy
sica
l Pla
nnin
g C
ounc
il, p
artic
ular
ly f
or th
e
Mul
ti-C
riter
ia r
esea
rch
met
hod
whi
ch th
ey a
re d
evel
opin
g. H
owev
er, h
e di
d no
t thi
nk a
ny L
PA in
Mal
aysi
a ha
s th
e cu
rren
t cap
abili
ty to
pro
duce
3-D
(di
gita
l) m
odel
s, ex
cept
for
the
Kua
la L
umpu
r C
ity
Cou
ncil.
151
Ano
ther
FD
TCP
offic
er (P
4) s
hare
d th
is v
iew
that
3-D
mod
ellin
g ne
eds
stro
ng in
fras
truct
ure
such
as
pow
erfu
l mac
hine
s; b
ut th
ese
wou
ld b
e ex
pens
ive
to p
urch
ase
and
mai
ntai
n. H
e al
so c
laim
ed th
at th
e
Mal
aysi
an t
rend
is
an “
impr
essi
ve-o
ne-ti
me”
lau
nchi
ng;
little
fol
low
-up
and
mai
nten
ance
afte
r a
syst
em h
as b
een
initi
ated
. Nev
erth
eles
s, he
bel
ieve
d th
at 3
-D m
odel
ling
can
star
t w
ith d
evel
opin
g th
e
build
ing
foot
prin
t. A
ll LP
As c
ould
use
3-D
mod
els i
n th
eir g
oal t
o pr
oces
s pla
nnin
g ap
plic
atio
n by
75%
aut
omat
ical
ly a
nd 2
5% m
anua
lly. H
e al
so b
elie
ved
that
whi
le tr
aini
ng m
ust b
e do
ne in
-hou
se, t
he 3
-D
visu
alis
atio
n sy
stem
mus
t be
user
-frie
ndly
, ope
n-sy
stem
, and
not
con
fined
to p
artic
ular
softw
are.
6.5.
4
Slop
e an
d hi
llsid
e de
velo
pmen
t
Tab
le 6
-9: S
lope
and
hill
side
dev
elop
men
t O
vera
ll ag
reem
ent l
evel
Re
spon
dent
’s R
ole
Resp
onde
nt’s
Atta
chm
ent
Resp
onde
nt’s
Tec
hnic
al B
ackg
roun
d Re
spon
dent
’s L
evel
of E
xper
tise
and
Resp
onsi
bilit
y
a) T
he c
apab
ility
of t
he m
odel
to v
isua
lise
the
terr
ain
in re
latio
n to
the
diff
eren
t cla
ssifi
catio
ns o
f zon
es (1
-4) w
ill a
ssis
t dec
isio
n m
aker
s to
anal
yse
suita
bilit
y of
urb
an la
nd fo
r dev
elop
men
t. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.4
8. W
hile
non
e sc
ored
less
than
4 in
all
the
ques
tions
, the
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fo
und
amon
g en
gine
ers,
plan
ners
, oth
er in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J and
ext
erna
l age
ncie
s tha
t sha
re th
e sa
me
scor
e. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
al
so fo
und
amon
g go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und,
and
from
dire
ctor
leve
l.
b) B
y cr
eatin
g pa
ttern
s of l
ands
lide
pron
e ar
eas,
the
mod
el c
an a
ssis
t the
aut
horit
y to
iden
tify
and
mon
itor d
evel
opm
ent f
or h
igh
risk
deve
lopm
ent a
reas
, for
exa
mpl
e, o
n hi
llsid
e.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.48.
Whi
le n
one
scor
ed le
ss th
an 4
in a
ll th
e qu
estio
ns, t
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
foun
d am
ong
engi
neer
s, ar
chite
cts,
othe
r int
erna
l dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ a
nd e
xter
nal a
genc
ies w
hich
shar
e th
e sa
me
scor
e. H
ighe
st sc
ore
is
also
foun
d am
ong
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd d
irect
ors.
152
c) T
he m
odel
can
ass
ist i
n pr
oduc
ing
tech
nica
l ana
lysi
s for
ex.
on
geo-
phys
ical
asp
ects
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.4
3. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
foun
d am
ong
engi
neer
s, la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, ot
her i
nter
nal d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J and
ext
erna
l age
ncie
s with
equ
al sc
ores
. The
scor
es a
mon
g di
ffer
ent a
ttach
men
ts a
re a
lso
sim
ilar,
with
go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s slig
htly
hig
her.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd fr
om se
nior
leve
l. Des
crip
tion
a)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e ca
pabi
lity
of th
e m
odel
to v
isua
lise
the
terr
ain
in re
latio
n to
the
diff
eren
t cla
ssifi
catio
ns o
f zon
es (1
-4) w
ould
ass
ist d
ecis
ion
mak
ers
to a
naly
se s
uita
bilit
y of
urb
an la
nd fo
r
deve
lopm
ent.
Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el w
as fo
und
amon
g en
gine
ers,
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
tech
nica
l res
pond
ents
and
dire
ctor
s.
b)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at b
y cr
eatin
g pa
ttern
s of
land
slid
e pr
one
area
s, th
e m
odel
cou
ld a
ssis
t aut
horit
ies
to id
entif
y an
d m
onito
r dev
elop
men
t for
hig
h ris
k de
velo
pmen
t are
as, f
or e
xam
ple,
on
hills
ide.
Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el w
as fo
und
amon
g en
gine
ers,
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
tech
nica
l res
pond
ents
and
dire
ctor
s.
c)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
cou
ld a
ssis
t in
prod
ucin
g te
chni
cal a
naly
sis,
for e
xam
ple,
on
geo-
phys
ical
asp
ects
. Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el w
as fo
und
amon
g en
gine
ers,
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d an
d se
nior
s.
Find
ing
Fi
gure
6-7
: Slo
pe a
nd h
illsi
de d
evel
opm
ent
Slop
e an
d hi
llsid
e de
velo
pmen
t
Land
suita
bilit
y &
ana
lysi
s
Scie
ntifi
c an
d te
chni
cal c
omm
ents
Impa
ct o
f the
slop
e cl
assi
ficat
ions
; 1-4
Patte
rns o
f lan
dslid
e pr
one
area
s
153
The
qual
itativ
e su
rvey
sug
gest
s th
at p
lann
ing
appl
icat
ions
for h
illsi
de d
evel
opm
ent s
houl
d in
tegr
ate
guid
elin
es, i
nclu
ding
bui
ldin
g on
slo
pes,
grad
ient
s, bu
ildin
g or
ient
atio
n an
d so
il co
mpo
sitio
n. H
owev
er,
the
spat
ial q
ualit
y of
the
land
dev
elop
men
t is
not c
lear
ly s
how
n us
ing
2-D
repr
esen
tatio
ns. F
or e
xam
ple,
pho
togr
aphs
of t
he e
xist
ing
area
and
pla
ns w
ith re
nder
ings
to in
dica
te th
e la
nd a
rea
for “
cut a
nd fi
ll”
bare
ly s
ugge
st th
e ac
tual
land
form
, afte
r th
e de
velo
pmen
t pro
cess
or
the
impl
icat
ions
to th
e su
rrou
ndin
g ar
eas.
On
the
othe
r ha
nd, a
s ou
tline
d in
Fig
ure
6-7,
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n an
d G
IS c
an c
ontri
bute
to
addr
ess
hous
ing
grow
th o
n sl
opin
g gr
ound
and
hill
side
s, w
hich
are
am
ong
the
mos
t crit
ical
dev
elop
men
ts in
Mal
aysi
a. H
owev
er, d
ecis
ion
mak
ers
gene
rally
ref
er to
2-D
map
s an
d zo
ning
pla
ns, w
hich
indi
cate
the
clas
sific
atio
ns o
f the
slop
es a
ccor
ding
to th
e go
vern
ing
body
(IK
RA
M).
Usi
ng th
ese
med
ia, t
he im
pact
of t
hese
diff
eren
t cla
ssifi
catio
ns is
not
cle
arly
show
n.
Follo
win
g th
e vi
sual
pot
entia
ls o
f 3-
D G
IS to
vis
ualis
e la
ndfo
rm, t
he s
truct
ure
of a
slo
pe o
r te
rrai
n ca
n be
vis
ually
iden
tifie
d in
rel
atio
n to
the
diff
eren
t cla
ssifi
catio
ns. T
his
will
fac
ilita
te a
sses
smen
t to
sugg
est l
and
suita
bilit
y co
ncer
ning
the
type
s of d
evel
opm
ent a
nd st
ruct
ural
des
ign.
For
slop
e an
d hi
llsid
e an
alys
is u
tilis
ing
visu
alis
atio
n an
d G
IS, p
atte
rns o
f lan
dslid
e pr
one
area
s can
be
esta
blis
hed,
to a
id in
deve
lopm
ent p
lann
ing
cont
rol.
Cle
arer
info
rmat
ion
abou
t the
slo
pes
and
hills
ides
doe
s no
t onl
y en
hanc
e th
e as
sess
men
t pro
cess
, but
als
o he
lps
deci
sion
mak
ers
to p
rodu
ce a
mor
e co
mpr
ehen
sive
rep
ort
cont
aini
ng m
ore
scie
ntifi
c an
d te
chni
cal c
omm
ents
.
The
quan
titat
ive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts
that
the
mod
el c
an a
ssis
t in
prod
ucin
g te
chni
cal a
naly
sis
on g
eo-p
hysi
cal a
spec
ts o
f dev
elop
men
t pro
posa
ls. F
or e
xam
ple,
by
crea
ting
patte
rns
of la
ndsl
ide
pron
e ar
eas,
the
mod
el c
an a
ssis
t au
thor
ities
to
iden
tify
and
mon
itor
deve
lopm
ent
for
high
-ris
k de
velo
pmen
t ar
eas
such
as
the
hills
ide.
The
cap
abili
ty o
f th
e m
odel
to
visu
alis
e th
e te
rrai
n in
rel
atio
n to
the
diff
eren
t
clas
sific
atio
ns o
f zon
es (1
-4) c
an a
lso
faci
litat
e de
cisi
on m
aker
s to
anal
yse
suita
bilit
y of
urb
an la
nd fo
r dev
elop
men
t.
6.5.
5
City
Vis
ion
Tab
le 6
-10:
City
vis
ion
Ove
rall
agre
emen
t lev
el
Resp
onde
nt’s
Rol
e Re
spon
dent
’s A
ttach
men
t Re
spon
dent
’s T
echn
ical
Bac
kgro
und
Resp
onde
nt’s
Lev
el o
f Exp
ertis
e an
d Re
spon
sibi
lity
f) V
isua
l cap
abili
ty o
f the
mod
el c
an h
elp
auth
oriti
es to
pro
mot
e th
e ci
ty a
gend
a, fo
r exa
mpl
e, e
co-to
uris
m.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.33.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fo
und
amon
g ar
chite
cts,
othe
r sta
keho
lder
s and
oth
er in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g M
PAJ s
taff
in c
ompa
rison
to g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s, as
wel
l as
thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd in
term
edia
te le
vel.
A p
lann
er a
nd a
n ar
chite
ct a
mon
g se
nior
and
dire
ctor
leve
l fro
m g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s sco
red
3 (n
ot su
re).
154
g) V
isua
l cap
abili
ty o
f the
mod
el c
an a
ssis
t in
crea
ting
an im
age
and
visi
on fo
r the
city
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.5
0. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
foun
d am
ong
othe
r int
erna
l dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ,
arch
itect
s and
oth
er st
akeh
olde
rs. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g M
PAJ s
taff
, tho
se w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd fr
om
dire
ctor
leve
l. A
seni
or e
ngin
eer f
rom
gov
ernm
ent a
genc
y sc
ored
3 (n
ot su
re).
Des
crip
tion
a)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at v
isua
l cap
abili
ty o
f th
e m
odel
cou
ld h
elp
the
auth
oriti
es to
pro
mot
e ci
ty a
gend
a, f
or e
xam
ple;
eco
-tour
ism
. Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el w
as f
ound
am
ong
arch
itect
s, M
PAJ
staf
f, th
ose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
and
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l. Th
ere
was
a p
lann
er a
nd a
n ar
chite
ct a
mon
g se
nior
and
dire
ctor
leve
l fro
m g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s tha
t wer
e un
sure
.
b)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at v
isua
l cap
abili
ty o
f th
e m
odel
cou
ld a
ssis
t in
crea
ting
an im
age
and
visi
on f
or th
e ci
ty. H
ighe
st in
agr
eem
ent l
evel
was
fou
nd a
mon
g ot
her
inte
rnal
dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ,
MPA
J sta
ff, t
hose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
and
dire
ctor
s. Th
ere
was
a se
nior
eng
inee
r fro
m g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s who
was
uns
ure.
Find
ing
Th
e qu
alita
tive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts
that
in p
lann
ing
asse
ssm
ent,
plan
ners
are
als
o co
ncer
ned
with
ens
urin
g th
at p
ropo
sed
deve
lopm
ents
are
alig
ned
with
pla
nnin
g ag
enda
s ai
med
to re
ach
the
city
’s v
isio
n w
hich
has b
een
prop
osed
by
a te
am o
f urb
an d
esig
ners
, pla
nnin
g au
thor
ities
and
aca
dem
icia
ns. I
nspi
ring
stat
emen
ts a
nd p
roje
cted
imag
es in
the
Plan
ning
Stru
ctur
es a
nd L
ocal
Pla
ns a
re th
e ba
sis f
or p
rom
otin
g ci
ty
visi
on. H
owev
er, 2
-D re
pres
enta
tions
are
not
ver
y ef
fect
ive
in e
ngag
ing
deci
sion
mak
ers
to re
late
pro
pose
d de
velo
pmen
ts w
ith s
uch
visi
ons.
For e
xam
ple,
in d
efin
ing
a gr
een
spac
e as
the
city
’s fo
cal p
oint
,
its v
isib
ility
from
a p
ropo
sed
build
ing
can
be m
isle
adin
gly
portr
ayed
usi
ng 2
-D p
lans
and
dra
win
gs. I
n co
ntra
st, 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
enab
les
deci
sion
mak
ers
to v
erify
the
visi
bilit
y fr
om d
iffer
ent p
ositi
ons
of
City
Vis
ion
Prom
ote
city
vis
ion
Proj
ect f
utur
e de
velo
pmen
t
Figu
re 6
-8: C
ity v
isio
n
155
the
prop
osed
bui
ldin
g. A
imin
g fo
r city
vis
ion
(Fig
ure
6-8)
, 3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n us
ing
a so
und
GIS
dat
abas
e ca
n de
velo
p th
e de
velo
pmen
t pla
nnin
g pa
ttern
for t
he c
ity b
y tra
cing
the
grow
th fr
om th
e pa
st.
This
will
hel
p to
pro
ject
the
futu
re c
ity p
atte
rn in
par
alle
l with
the
visi
on.
The
quan
titat
ive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts
that
for u
rban
des
ign,
the
mod
el’s
vis
ual c
apab
ility
has
the
pote
ntia
l to
assi
st p
lann
ing
auth
oriti
es in
cre
atin
g an
imag
e an
d vi
sion
for t
he c
ity b
y pr
omot
ing
the
city
age
nda.
To e
nhan
ce th
e sp
atia
l qua
lity
of a
pla
ce, t
he m
odel
can
als
o he
lp b
y si
mul
atin
g sp
atia
l exp
erie
nce
befo
re it
is c
onst
ruct
ed.
6.5.
6 A
com
mon
tool
: 3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n an
d G
IS
Tab
le 6
-11:
A c
omm
on to
ol- 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
and
GIS
O
vera
ll ag
reem
ent l
evel
Re
spon
dent
’s R
ole
Resp
onde
nt’s
Atta
chm
ent
Resp
onde
nt’s
Tec
hnic
al B
ackg
roun
d Re
spon
dent
’s L
evel
of E
xper
tise
and
Resp
onsi
bilit
y
a) G
IS is
a p
lann
er’s
tool
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.3
4. T
he sc
ore
is h
ighe
st a
mon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, fo
llow
ed b
y en
gine
ers a
nd p
lann
ers.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd fr
om se
nior
leve
l. H
owev
er, q
uite
a n
umbe
r of r
espo
nden
ts a
mon
g ar
chite
cts,
exte
rnal
age
ncie
s and
oth
er st
akeh
olde
rs sc
ored
2 (d
isag
ree)
.
b) 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
is a
n ar
chite
ct’s
tool
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
3.9
8; a
lmos
t 4 (a
gree
). Th
e hi
ghes
t sco
res a
re fo
und
amon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, en
gine
ers
and
othe
r int
erna
l dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ.
Alth
ough
MPA
J sta
ff sc
ored
hig
her,
the
scor
es a
re a
lmos
t sim
ilar t
o th
ose
from
go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s. Th
e sc
ores
are
als
o si
mila
r to
thos
e w
ith a
nd w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d. B
etw
een
the
leve
ls, s
enio
rs sc
ored
hig
hest
.
156
c) T
he c
urre
nt G
IS sy
stem
app
lied
by M
alay
sian
pla
nnin
g au
thor
ities
is a
ttrac
tive
to th
e de
cisi
on m
aker
s and
stak
ehol
ders
incl
udin
g th
e pu
blic
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.0
3. T
he sc
ore
is sl
ight
ly h
ighe
r tha
n 4
(agr
ee).
The
high
est s
core
s are
foun
d am
ong
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts,
arch
itect
s and
pla
nner
s. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
tech
nica
l ba
ckgr
ound
, and
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l. Lo
wes
t sco
res a
re a
mon
g ot
her s
take
hold
ers
(3.0
0), e
xter
nal a
genc
ies (
3.60
), th
ose
with
out t
echn
ical
bac
kgro
und
(3.4
0) a
nd th
ose
atta
ched
to o
ther
than
the
gove
rnm
ent (
3.50
). A
MPA
J pla
nner
from
the
dire
ctor
leve
l sco
red
1 (s
trong
ly d
isag
ree)
.
d) G
IS is
cur
rent
ly u
sed
in p
lann
ing
proc
esse
s for
dat
a in
form
atio
n an
d fo
r pro
duci
ng m
aps.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.30.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
mon
g th
e pl
anne
rs, a
rchi
tect
s and
oth
er in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, re
spon
dent
s with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und,
and
in
term
edia
te le
vel.
Low
scor
es o
f 4 (d
isag
ree)
are
foun
d am
ong
othe
r sta
keho
lder
s who
are
als
o fr
om g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
from
dire
ctor
leve
l. A
few
resp
onde
nts
from
am
ong
tech
nica
l dire
ctor
s fro
m e
xter
nal
agen
cies
scor
ed 2
(dis
agre
e).
157
e) 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
has t
he p
oten
tial t
o m
ake
GIS
sys
tem
s bec
ome
mor
e us
er-f
riend
ly fo
r dec
isio
n m
aker
s and
stak
ehol
ders
incl
udin
g th
e pu
blic
. R
esul
t : Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.5
2. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
foun
d am
ong
othe
r int
erna
l dep
artm
ents
in M
PAJ,
arch
itect
s and
eng
inee
rs. H
ighe
st sc
ores
are
als
o fo
und
amon
g go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, re
spon
dent
s with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und,
and
dire
ctor
le
vel.
A re
spon
dent
from
am
ong
thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd e
xter
nal g
over
nmen
t age
ncie
s sco
red
3 (n
ot su
re).
f) G
IS a
nd 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
can
be in
tegr
ated
as a
com
mon
tool
for d
ecis
ion
mak
ers a
nd st
akeh
olde
rs in
clud
ing
the
publ
ic.
Res
ult:
The
over
all s
core
is 4
.48.
The
hig
hest
scor
es a
re fo
und
amon
g en
gine
ers,
plan
ners
and
oth
er a
genc
ies.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
thos
e w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd d
irect
or le
vel.
A fe
w re
spon
dent
s fo
und
amon
g se
nior
pla
nner
s fro
m M
PAJ s
core
d 3
(not
sure
).
g) T
he m
odel
’s a
bilit
y to
mer
ge G
IS d
ata
into
vis
ualis
atio
n ca
n be
the
basi
s for
dat
a in
tegr
atio
n be
twee
n di
ffere
nt d
epar
tmen
ts a
nd a
genc
ies,
loca
l, st
ate
and
natio
nal l
evel
. R
esul
t: Th
e ov
eral
l sco
re is
4.3
3. T
he h
ighe
st sc
ores
are
foun
d am
ong
arch
itect
s, en
gine
ers a
nd e
xter
nal a
genc
ies.
Hig
hest
scor
es a
re a
lso
foun
d am
ong
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
resp
onde
nts w
ith te
chni
cal b
ackg
roun
d, a
nd d
irect
or le
vel.
Des
crip
tion
a)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at G
IS is
a p
lann
er’s
tool
. Alth
ough
few
incl
udin
g ar
chite
cts
disa
gree
d, h
ighe
st in
agr
eem
ent l
evel
was
foun
d am
ong
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts,
plan
ners
, gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies,
thos
e
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
seni
ors.
b)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
is a
n ar
chite
ct’s
tool
. Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el w
as a
mon
g la
ndsc
ape
arch
itect
s, M
PAJ
staf
f, go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, th
ose
with
tech
nica
l bac
kgro
und
and
seni
ors.
158
c)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e cu
rren
t GIS
sys
tem
app
lied
by M
alay
sian
pla
nnin
g au
thor
ities
was
attr
activ
e to
the
deci
sion
mak
ers
and
stak
ehol
ders
incl
udin
g th
e pu
blic
. Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el w
as
foun
d am
ong
land
scap
e ar
chite
cts,
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
tech
nica
l res
pond
ents
and
inte
rmed
iate
leve
l. Th
ere
was
a M
PAJ p
lann
er fr
om d
irect
or le
vel w
ho st
rong
ly d
isag
reed
.
d)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at G
IS i
s cu
rren
tly u
sed
in p
lann
ing
proc
esse
s fo
r da
ta in
form
atio
n an
d fo
r pr
oduc
ing
map
s. H
ighe
st i
n ag
reem
ent
leve
l w
as f
ound
am
ong
plan
ners
, gov
ernm
ent a
genc
ies,
tech
nica
l re
spon
dent
s an
d in
term
edia
te l
evel
. A v
ery
low
num
ber
of t
hose
who
dis
agre
ed a
re f
rom
gov
ernm
ent
agen
cies
with
tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d an
d am
ong
dire
ctor
s. A
res
pond
ent
amon
g
tech
nica
l dire
ctor
s fro
m e
xter
nal a
genc
ies d
isag
reed
.
e)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
has
the
pote
ntia
l to
mak
e G
IS s
yste
ms
beco
me
mor
e us
er-f
riend
ly fo
r dec
isio
n m
aker
s an
d st
akeh
olde
rs in
clud
ing
the
publ
ic. H
ighe
st in
agr
eem
ent l
evel
was
foun
d am
ong
othe
r in
tern
al d
epar
tmen
ts in
MPA
J, go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, te
chni
cal r
espo
nden
ts a
nd d
irect
ors.
Ther
e w
as a
res
pond
ent f
rom
thos
e w
ithou
t tec
hnic
al b
ackg
roun
d an
d fr
om e
xter
nal
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
y w
ho w
as u
nsur
e.
f)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at G
IS a
nd 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
coul
d be
inte
grat
ed a
s a
com
mon
tool
for
dec
isio
n m
aker
s an
d st
akeh
olde
rs in
clud
ing
the
publ
ic. H
ighe
st in
agr
eem
ent l
evel
was
fou
nd a
mon
g
engi
neer
s, go
vern
men
t age
ncie
s, te
chni
cal r
espo
nden
ts a
nd d
irect
ors.
A re
spon
dent
am
ong
seni
or p
lann
ers a
t MPA
J was
uns
ure.
g)
A m
ajor
ity a
gree
d th
at th
e m
odel
’s a
bilit
y to
mer
ge G
IS d
ata
into
vis
ualis
atio
n co
uld
be th
e ba
sis
for
data
inte
grat
ion
betw
een
diff
eren
t dep
artm
ents
and
age
ncie
s, lo
cal,
stat
e an
d na
tiona
l lev
el.
Hig
hest
in a
gree
men
t lev
el w
as fr
om a
mon
g ar
chite
cts,
gove
rnm
ent a
genc
ies,
tech
nica
l res
pond
ents
and
dire
ctor
s.
Find
ing
As o
utlin
ed in
Fig
ure
6-9,
the
qual
itativ
e su
rvey
sug
gest
s as a
com
mon
tool
, 3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n an
d G
IS h
ave
the
pote
ntia
l to
enha
nce
info
rmat
ion
man
agem
ent,
as it
can
serv
e as
a b
asis
for d
ata
inte
grat
ion
at
diff
eren
t lev
els;
loca
l, st
ate
and
fede
ral.
On
the
othe
r han
d, a
s an
ass
essm
ent t
ool,
its c
omm
on a
ttrib
utes
can
ena
ble
deci
sion
mak
ers,
stak
ehol
ders
and
the
publ
ic to
add
ress
dev
elop
men
t pla
nnin
g pr
opos
als
and
urba
n co
ncer
ns a
roun
d th
em, u
sing
the
sam
e pl
atfo
rm.
The
quan
titat
ive
surv
ey s
ugge
sts
that
GIS
sys
tem
is c
urre
ntly
use
d in
the
Mal
aysi
an p
lann
ing
auth
oriti
es f
or d
ata
info
rmat
ion
and
for
prod
ucin
g m
aps.
The
maj
ority
of
resp
onde
nts
cons
ider
ed G
IS a
s a
plan
ner’
s to
ol w
hile
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n is
an
arch
itect
’s to
ol. W
hile
som
e re
spon
dent
s am
ong
the
deci
sion
mak
ers
and
stak
ehol
ders
find
GIS
attr
activ
e, w
hen
com
bine
d, 3
-D v
isua
lisat
ion
can
furth
er e
nhan
ce
the
syst
em a
nd m
ake
it m
ore
user
-frie
ndly
. GIS
and
3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n ca
n be
inte
grat
ed a
s a c
omm
on to
ol fo
r dec
isio
n m
aker
s and
all
stak
ehol
ders
incl
udin
g th
e pu
blic
. The
mod
el’s
abi
lity
to m
erge
GIS
dat
a
into
vis
ualis
atio
n ca
n al
so b
e th
e ba
sis f
or d
ata
inte
grat
ion
betw
een
diff
eren
t dep
artm
ents
and
age
ncie
s, at
diff
eren
t lev
els i
nclu
ding
loca
l, st
ate
and
natio
nal.
A C
omm
on T
ool
Bas
is fo
r dat
a in
tegr
atio
n
Com
mon
ass
essm
ent t
ool
Figu
re 6
-9: A
com
mon
tool
159
6.6 Summary
In this chapter, the validity of the effectiveness of 3-D visualisation and GIS
models in the development planning process has been established to suggest its
potential as a common platform in planning processes. This is by providing
clearer information about development planning proposals; overcoming the lack
of planning information; and verifying materials provided by developers. These
will also help in providing a clearer development planning proposal, facilitating
decision makers in enforcing relevant policies and guidelines, developing
consistency in decision making.
In the context of Malaysian urbanism, it combined findings from the open-ended
and in-depth interviews with findings from Likert-Scale questionnaires. There are
four main parts involving public participation, decision making, decision maker,
and planning and assessment. For planning and assessment, the effectiveness of
the 3-D GIS models were further measured in relation to intuition and
interpretation, visual capability, urban study and prediction, slope and hillside
development, and as a common tool.
The surveys have shown that the public in general, are more attracted to 3-D
visualisation than 2-D documents, which helps in accommodating public input,
early in development planning stage to increase public participation. They have
also recommended that merging GIS data into visualisation can be the basis for
data integration between different departments and levels in planning. On the
other hand, the surveys have suggested possible outcomes of 3-D GIS's analytical
and visual capabilities for planning assessment, including for conducting site
analysis; bridging the gap between different decision makers; and enhancing the
spatial quality of a place.
While the surveys have established in broad agreement from the various
stakeholders that 3-D visualisation and GIS will be effective for assisting
development planning process in local planning authorities, the case studies in
160
chapter 7 will indicate the correlation between stakeholders’ high expectations,
and what can be proven at this stage. Perhaps, reliance on any planning tool could
possibly be unwise. While qualitative and quantitative surveys pose contradicting
views regarding the role of intuition in planning, there is an argument for
allowing planners to exercise some discretion in their decision-making,
particularly if they are experienced. Whether intuition and empathy should be
totally avoided using technological tools, is a question that requires further study.
161
CHAPTER 7
DEMONSTRATION: Process and Application
7.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the two case studies; Virtual Melawati and Virtual Werribee
introduced in chapter two will demonstrate how they use 3-D visualisation and
GIS for planning processes in the actual context of planning authorities in
Selangor in Malaysia, and Victoria in Australia. In these demonstrations, firstly,
the urban issues and challenges will be introduced, followed by the process of
developing the 3-D visualisation and GIS models. Lastly, the utilisation of 3-D
visualisation and GIS in addressing the urbanism earlier described will be
illustrated to explore the potentials of the tool. The proposition that 3-D
visualisation and GIS will be effective for assisting development planning process
in local planning authorities, established in chapter 6 will be indicated in the case
studies. Brief descriptions of the two case studies and proposal are provided
below:
Virtual Melawati is an environment for developing expertise in the application
of 3-D interactive visualisation and GIS to address problems of the built
environment and to test the model as a decision support tool in the context of
local planning authorities in Malaysia. The visual approach enables the
integration of complex spatial GIS information of an urban precinct and planned
development into decision-making process. While it relies on data from the local
planning authority to test the model as a decision support tool, the techniques of
data acquisition, data reconstruction from physical to digital, urban analysis and
visualisation will be examined.
Virtual Werribee develops skills and explores the application of 3-D
visualisation to provide better development planning for Werribee. It facilitates a
Victorian local planning authority in the process of developing and revising the
local structure plan. Using 3-D models and visualisation, the model serves the
162
local planning authority with a tool which aims to translate the local authority’s
data into easily understood information, in order to improve consultation
involving discussion and verification, among decision makers and the planning
developers, as well as enhancing understanding among other stakeholders. The
process involves data acquisition, data reconstruction and visualisation methods
to communicate development planning proposals; which are categorised as new,
re-development and hypothetical.
Virtual Ampang Jaya proposes interactive 3-D GIS visualisation to address the
needs for modelling urban growth and spatio-temporal transformation. It focuses
on acquiring and analysing spatial information through digital means to construct
interactive visualisation and subsequently to evaluate the virtual model for urban
analysis. In this process, complicated information will be translated into
responsive spatial information that will be easily understood. Similar to Virtual
Melawati and Virtual Werribee, Virtual Ampang Jaya will outline how a 3-D GIS
visualisation model can be developed in the context of a local planning authority.
Lessons learned from the case studies will provide additional insight on how to
effectively develop such model.
163
7.2 Virtual Melawati: 3-D Visualisation and GIS as a Decision Support Tool for Urban Planning
7.2.1 Introduction
This project aims at gaining an insight on how a Malaysian urbanised town;
Melawati, can benefit from the use of 3-D interactive visualisation and
Geographic Information System (GIS) as decision-making tools in the
development planning processes. It involves developing a 3-D GIS model called
Virtual Melawati to assist The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) to
address the problems of the built environment in Melawati. Three issues which
have been confronting Melawati will be investigated; image and visibility from a
major highway; traffic and parking systems surrounding the business and
commercial hubs; and the streetscape of shop-offices.
In constructing the model, the process of data acquisition and reconstruction from
physical to digital is investigated in the context of a Malaysian local authority.
Translating and reframing the current physical data in a visual environment,
Virtual Melawati is an experimental test bed for resolving critical urban issues
and improving urban planning in Melawati. Through spatial analysis using 3-D
interactive visualisation, Virtual Melawati Jaya is set to perform as a tool to
understand complex planning information and enable decision makers to arrive at
better decisions to enhance living qualities and manage the built environment
(Emem & Batuk 2004). As an analytical tool, the model will demonstrate and
provide assessment on the critical elements of Melawati’s built environment.
7.2.2 Issues and challenges
Melawati is facing many urban issues due to its rapid urban growth. Experiencing
the similar rapid development in Ampang Jaya earlier described, Melawati Town
Centre (MTC) has outgrown its present town plan, resulting in major planning
issues. An interview with the top planning officers of MPAJ has been carried out
to investigate the main critical issues in Ampang Jaya. Three major issues have
been identified; image and visibility of entrance signage from the major highway,
164
traffic and parking system, and the visual streetscape of double frontage shop-
offices. The use of 3-D visualisation to study the issues and suggest different
scenarios is demonstrated below.
7.2.2.1 Image and Visibility
The Middle Ring Road Two Highway (MRR2) is the gateway that connects
Melawati to other major urban districts in Kuala Lumpur (Figure 7-1). This
accessibility factor alone has boosted its economic development, as it has
increasingly become popular among local citizens and foreign investors. As a
major entrance of the highway, the view of the gateway is primarily important to
create an impressive image of Melawati and Ampang Jaya more generally from
the highway. However, there are many complaints regarding the existing
placement of entrance signage to Melawati. While the frontage of the signage can
be viewed from a distance, motorists often miss it as its side faces the MRR2, and
furthermore, is blocked by a large tree.
Figure 7-1: Entrance to Melawati from MRR2 highway
165
The proposed rendered image to increase Melawati’s legibility from MRR2
provided by the external appointed consultant, attempts to give the entrance
impact by relocating the signage and facing it towards MRR2, as well as
providing further beautification and landscaping (Figure 7-2). Compared to the
singular view of the rendered perspective, 3-D visualisation supports spatial
analysis and decision making, by presenting multiple viewpoints involving
different alternatives for the signage’s placement, design, as well as colour, size,
landscape, trees, street furniture, and many more elements (Figure 7-3).
7.2.2.2 Traffic and Parking
When MPAJ was set up in 1992, a one-way traffic road system in MTC was
designed to replace the two-way system, aimed at reorganising the business areas
while resolving the problems caused by the sprawling stalls of small traders. The
Figure 7-2: Rendered image of the proposed upgrading of entrance
Figure 7-3: 3-D GIS showing multiple viewpoints of the existing signage from MRR2 highway
166
new system channels the traffic around the business and commercial hubs, such as
the food bazaar and community centre, as a consequence of MPAJ starting to
impose parking fees. At intervals, pockets of parking spaces are provided,
coupled with parking ticket booths. Traffic routes have become winding
circuitous as traffic is forced around these hubs to encourage business
development. Massive traffic congestion occurs when long queue of vehicles
form around the parking booths, as people obstruct the traffic flow while trying to
pay for their parking tickets (Figure 7-4, left).
Figure 7-4: (left) Traffic congestion along the one-way-traffic route. (right) An idle parking booth beside new parking machines
Figure 7-5: 2-D view of traffic route marked in red and yellow lines in ArcMap.
167
Just two years after installation, the authority has found the system ineffective and
unable to cope with the increasing volume of traffic that is further induced by new
developments in MTC. To facilitate parking payment, the authority has installed
payment machines along the parking spaces to replace the parking booths (Figure
7-4, right). However, the one-way traffic route has not been revised to
accommodate the new parking system. To make matters worse, illegal businesses
have begun to fill the vacant booths, adding to the already chaotic traffic
condition.
GIS visualisation enables the traffic engineers to predict the pattern of traffic
flows in context of the current surrounding buildings (Figure 7-5), as well as the
planned future buildings using 2-D ArcMap. Using its 3-D component in
ArcScene, the traffic information is further translated into an easily understood
form as it merges with spatial 3-D visualisation. As a common tool, it provides
the spatial platform to merge building information from the Building Department
with the road and traffic information from the Engineering Department, to be
further discussed among relevant agencies such as the Road and Works
Department, the Traffic Department, The Police Force and the stakeholders, that
include the shop owners and the affected public (Figure 7-6).
Figure 7-6: 3-D view of traffic and parking system in ArcScene
168
7.2.2.3 Double Frontage and Streetscape
Double frontage shop-offices at MTC were designed to promote the continuous
flow of pedestrian shoppers and to encourage shop owners to maintain both shop
frontages, as they maximise sales profit. However, the surrounding facility was
not appropriately considered with regard to the double frontage design. For
example, the back road is too narrow, the footpath is lacking, and refuse chambers
were not provided, resulting in refuse bins being left on the footpath (Figure 7-7).
As a result of these, one frontage of the block is well received while the other
suffers from lack of accessibility, as the lane has become a dead area with a lack
of lighting and security. Furthermore, a number of shop owners still treat the less
received side of the building as the rear and use it for activities such as cooking
and cleaning.
In promoting and controlling the visual streetscape, 3-D visualisation can assist
by presenting the double frontage design in context of existing surrounding
facilities. By modelling the existing scenario (Figure 7-8), many problems in the
use of urban space can be highlighted simultaneously within the same context and
visualisation, as compared to relying on written reports and 2-D images. In the 3-
D analysis, views from the different angles of the modelled scenarios can help to
establish the necessary measures that need to be undertaken to improve the
current condition of the streetscape (Figure 7-9 and 7-10).
Figure 7-7: Existing less received side of the double frontage shop offices.
169
Figure 7-8: A modelled scene.
Figure 7-9: Multiple viewpoints of the double frontage shop offices
Figure 7-10: Aerial view of the double frontage shop offices
170
7.2.3 3-D modelling and visualisation process
7.2.3.1 Data acquisition
Data acquisition is based on accessing government records from MPAJ. Similar
to the majority of Malaysian Local Authorities which use GIS’s MapInfo®,
MPAJ provides the GIS dataset in MapInfo® data format (.TAB) that contains
restricted data on land use and building lot parameters and covers the
approximately 20 kilometre wide jurisdiction of MPAJ. This correlates with the
standard data availability in most local planning authorities in Malaysia, with the
few exceptions of Kuala Lumpur, Seberang Prai, Alor Gajah and Melaka
Planning Councils, as well as the Federal and State Town and Country Planning
Departments, that are vigorously developing and upgrading their GIS database
with sound infrastructure and financial support.
The satellite image provided by MPAJ is poor in resolution, considering that the
Malaysian Survey and Mapping Department (JUPEM) is capable of providing
QuickBird® satellite images, which are the highest resolution sensors
commercially available in Malaysia, and can offer images of up to 0.6 meter
resolution. Although detailed current topographic maps, cadastral maps, road
system and other information about the city are readily available from MPAJ,
other data layers from relevant departments are insufficient. Past information
from MPAJ’s archive is scarce, as MPAJ is a reasonably new municipality. Aerial
photographs of Melawati are not available, although the need is paramount as
Melawati’s hillside experiences major recurring landslides. Additional
information, including the draft of the amended local plan and other planning
documents has been used to support the model development. Initiated by our
project, the Building Department in MPAJ has commissioned the lengthy
procedure of photographing all building blocks in MTC and its immediate
surroundings to provide texture detail for the 3-D model. However, the
photographs contain too much “noise” such as cars, people and trees and require
extensive editing to be made more effective as these noise can hide certain
information that is important.
171
7.2.3.2 Data processing
The project utilises ArcGIS® desktop software version 9.3, including its
components: ArcCatalog, ArcMap and its visualisation tool; ArcScene.
SketchUp® is the preferred modelling software for Melawati, for its integrated
functionality and compatibility with ArcGIS®, although it’s rendering and
detailing capability is slightly compromised when compared with more powerful
CAD software. Data processing starts with converting vector data using the
Universal Translator Tool in MapInfo® to Shape-data format, before the data can
be further explored in ArcGIS® (Figure 7-11). Raster data is readily readable in
ArcGIS®’s ArcCatalog (Figure 7-12), but requires a geo-referencing tool
extension in ArcMap to adjust the raster data, by shifting and stretching it to
match with the vector data (Figure 7-13). In this time-consuming process, control
point commands are used to adjust the orientation and scale of the raster data,
while the opacity of the vector data is reduced to assist in the overlaying process,
which requires much reiteration to achieve a useable result. When both vectors
are in overlayed accurately, users can choose to view the selected data highlighted
in blue, by clicking on the appropriate layer on the left side of the screen, as
demonstrated in Figure 7-14, below.
Figure 7-11: Raster data conversion in MapInfo
172
Figure 7-12: Raster data in ArcCatalog
Figure 7-13: Raster data overlaid with vector data in ArcMap
173
7.2.3.3 Data reconstruction
A 3-D GIS block model may be automatically generated in ArcScene by
extruding building footprints with the height data of each building stored in the
GIS building height layer. However, in the case of insufficient data layers, we
have developed entire building blocks using SketchUp®. Since the data only
contains the land plot, each building footprint needs to be carefully digitised from
the satellite image and its height determined from the shadow cast. Figure 7-15
(left) demonstrates the process of modelling a block in SketchUp®; from a
polygon that has been exported using the Shape-file® importer in ArcScene.
Elevation photographs are meticulously edited in Adobe Photoshop® (Figure 7-
16, right) before they are draped over the building blocks to create a photorealistic
image of a row of shop-offices (Figure 7-17, left). The textured blocks are then
exported back into ArcScene for visualising the entire buildings within a realistic
site context of the satellite image. Switching between layers from the basic and
the textured block enables us to visualise the massing component of the building
in relation to the realistic view (Figure 7-18, right).
Figure 7-14: Matching raster and vector data with reduced transparency in ArcMap
174
7.2.4 Potentials of Virtual Melawati
There are several roles that the Virtual Melawati can play in the spatial analysis of
the urban form and structure. Conducting traffic analysis involves field surveys
and reports using charts, 2-D maps and drawings and can be quite difficult,
particularly when having to consider the various urban elements of Melawati.
Virtual Melawati has the capability to translate complicated city information into
easily understood spatial information by modelling the urban elements in context
of the surroundings, such as the entrance signage, the road and parking systems,
and the double-frontage shop offices. In supporting urban analysis, it provides
these scenarios with multiple viewpoints from different angles. This has been
demonstrated using 3-D visualisation in studying two issues of Melawati; image
and visibility, and double frontage and streetscape. As a predictive tool, it can
assist in visualising the future urban patterns that include land use, neighbourhood
and regional visioning, transportation planning, landscaping, and site planning, by
establishing and calibrating the current patterns. Virtual Melawati incorporates
Figure 7-17: (left) Draped building block in SketchUp® Figure 7-18: (right) Building blocks visualized in ArcScene
Figure 7-15: (left) Building footprint exported from ArcScene into SketchUp® Figure 7-16: (right) Photo editing in Adobe Photoshop®
175
the physical components as well as climatic and human factors of the street
environment in exploring the real site issues and problems, including visual
quality. This approach enables Melawati to assist in Visual Impact Assessment
(VIA) as a significant process to monitor and evaluate visual quality of urban
streetscape (Rafi & Rani 2008).
7.2.5 Summary
The outcome of the study is expected to accelerate the uptake of digital and
multimedia methods in local government, facilitate current planning and
consultation processes between councils and stakeholders, and improve the
dissemination and management of spatial information about urban environments.
Reframed in a virtual setting, the interactive model has the potential to attract
public participation and to develop better understanding among the public about
their city. As the web is becoming a common platform for the wider audience, it
can provide the interface for Virtual Melawati to disseminate up-to-date planning
information as well as to communicate current issues and future plans while
generating feedback from the general public.
In dealing with rapid urban growth, Virtual Melawati is a pilot project in adopting
the best practices in the field of environmental visualisation. It tests the model as
a decision support tool that integrates CAD with limited application of GIS
software, while exploring the current available data, commonly maintained by the
Malaysian planning authorities. The effectiveness of Virtual Melawati for urban
and planning analysis is heavily challenged by many factors, primarily data
availability and accuracy, which includes lack of data layers and a substandard
satellite image. As a result of these, several automated tools designed to facilitate
the process cannot be explored, for example, the extrusion technique in ArcScene.
Lack of resolution in the satellite image has made it ineffective to conduct 3-D
analysis of the buildings in context of its surroundings, as the pixelated ground
image from perspective views hardly represents a virtually realistic environment.
Another issue that challenges this project is the disciplinary boundary that
demands expertise from firstly, the modelling capability that is often related to
176
architects, and secondly, the GIS software application that is most often used by
planners. A third expertise, which involves geo-referencing, the forte of the land
surveyors, may overcome our deficiency as a higher resolution image can be
“stitched” and geo-referenced from the Google Maps. While the future of 3-D
visualisation and GIS is more positive with the integration of these skills, the
current developments of GIS among the planning authorities in Malaysia have
received positive support from the Federal and State Town Planning Departments
of Malaysia.
177
7.3 Virtual Werribee
7.3.1 Introduction
Virtual Werribee is a project to develop the application skills of 3-D modelling as
a planning support tool between Deakin University and the Wyndham City
Council. The objective is to assist the council in pursuing their planning agendas,
including preparing and revising their local structure plan. It provides the council
with an improved planning tool to support decision making and planning
consultation among the involved parties. This would be among this council’s first
experience in exploring a 3-D model which is capable of animating scenes,
performing multiple spatial queries, shadow analysis, and providing various
scenario-based analyses.
By reconstructing the council’s data into easily understood information, the
visualisation model’s purpose is as a verification and discussion tool to facilitate
decision making and provide better understanding among decision makers and
stakeholders in the development proposals. In addition, the integration of the
wider site context with the model could further improve this understanding. In
comparison to conventional planning materials such as 2-D plans, drawings and
3-D physical model, the digital model is intended to equip the community with
better understanding to participate in the planning activities organised by the
council to pursue its planning agenda, such as increasing urban density and
building heights.
In updating its local planning strategies to bring better planning for Werribee, the
Wyndham City Council has taken into account the State Government Strategic
Plan in regards to Victoria’s planning policies described in chapter two. They are
State’s key policy statement for metropolitan areas, known as Living Suburbs
(Wyndham City Council 1999a, p. 1). In this context, eight general strategies
have been defined for Werribee. They are; rapid population growth, location of
growth, major industrial and employment areas, transport, infrastructure, rural
areas, environment, and urban design and image (Wyndham City Council n.d., p.
4). These issues have been addressed in the working draft of the Werribee City
178
Centre Vision, which has included several development proposals, categorised in
this research as new, re-development and hypothetical.
7.3.2 3-D modelling and visualisation process
At the initial discussion stage, proposal of Virtual Werribee concentrated on the
city centre and the main street; Watton Street. During the initial meeting, the
research scope, samples of similar works, and expectations were presented to the
council officer. It included developing a 3-D base model for Werribee, including
land contours, river, railway line and three proposals; the River Bank Mall, the
Piazza and the Pedestrian Bridge.
While the aim is to disseminate development planning to the stakeholders, the
means of communicating the materials have been explored in this research. The
result is a presentation comprising three components; an interactive SketchUp®
model which the viewer can ‘walk around’; a series of rendered images of the
entire city and the proposed developments; and a 3-D simulation movie
integrating Google Earth®. The development of the Virtual Werribee has taken
approximately sixty hours within a period of eight months, starting from the
initial meeting.
The set level of detail includes smooth (not stepped) terrain contours of up to one
metre, and smooth roads. The building blocks were draped with facade pictures,
and included other recognisable elements such as levels and openings. While the
initial schedule was to build a block model, some buildings required further
details. Aimed at being effective for communicating council’s intentions as well
as providing a resource, clear distinctions of areas which required detail and
massing were identified. When the block model was completed, the officer
decided to discontinue with the plan to drape all the building blocks with facade
images. Instead, some building blocks, which demanded more attention, were
applied with texture details. The officer considered that the block model would be
sufficient for studying and demonstrating their planning intentions, as
stakeholders were generally more interested to know, for example, whether the
new development would obstruct their views.
179
7.3.2.1 Data acquisition
The initial documents for data processing involved a digital copy of satellite
images and aerial perspectives of the entire city. The hardcopy materials included
a master plan, development planning proposal reports and drawings of two
proposals prepared by the appointed project developers. These were followed by
digital drawings in CAD and PDF formats, as well as GIS data property in
GeoMedia®. The additional photographs of a physical massing model assisted the
research team, involving myself and a research assistant, in working with the
complex multi level and height of the River Bank Mall involving existing and
new building blocks on a sloping site.
We found that the level of detail and accuracy in the materials we received from
the council were satisfactory for reconstructing 2-D into a 3-D model. The high-
resolution aerial images provided us with precise building footprints for our
laborious digitising process of developing the building blocks. The CAD terrain
drawing also enabled us to develop a contoured base model. The location of trees
in the CAD drawings also enabled us to position the assigned gum trees onto the
model. To maintain a workable file size for faster uploading, we have chosen to
use intersected images of trees rather than a full 3-D tree model.
7.3.2.2 Data reconstruction
The SketchUp® model contained land boundaries, terrain contours, roads, curbs,
street furniture, trees, rivers, parking areas, existing buildings and different
options of the proposed developments. These attributes were placed in different
property layers in different colours and titles. Within the interactive mode of
SketchUp® version 7, multiple views of the proposed developments could be
generated by switching between different layers. These included layers of the
existing and new buildings to allow the viewers to experience the virtual
transformation from the existing to new and subsequently to the hypothetical
development. The aerial image of Werribee from Google Earth® has been merged
at the background to provide a more realistic representation of the cityscape and
visually suggest how the new development would fit within the whole site context
(Figure 7-19).
180
While the views from the interactive model would be sufficient for understanding
the spatial design, the series of rendered images provided clearer snapshots of the
model. These images were made accessible as they could be easily viewed, scaled
or transferred into reports. Printed images could also be sketched upon,
particularly to accommodate those who have no access to computers. In a two-
minute video, the simulation movie of Werribee combined the readily available 3-
D Melbourne in Google Earth®. The animated flying scene demonstrated the
proximity between the Melbourne city centre and Werribee as an option to the
numeral distance provided.
As the modelling progressed along with consultations between the council and the
project developers, many design changes were made to the model. In
communicating these changes, we emailed saved images of the affected design to
the council officer for further clarification and confirmation. He would then scan
these images and write notes on them before emailing them back to us for further
modifications. For bigger files, we utilised the Dropbox® software.
7.3.2.3 3-D GIS
Attempting stronger coupling (Batty 1994) by embedding the 3-D model within
the GIS system, this research started by using ArcGIS® version 9.2. Data layers
from the council were transferred into ArcMap and viewed in ArcScene, along
with the building blocks that were earlier extruded in SketchUp® from the
Figure 7-19: The process of overlaying SketchUp layers (left) in Google Earth® (right)
181
digitised building footprints. The council officer thought that the data layers in
ArcMap could better connect to decision makers such as planners and engineers,
while architects would be more familiar with the modelling software. In
accommodating the whole planning team, he believed that ArcScene would be
more friendly and engaging. However, taking into consideration the available
facilities at the council, the decision was made to entirely work with SketchUp®
although it lacks the analytic capability of GIS software. Integrating site image as
background, the 3-D models using ArcGIS® (Figure 7-20) with SketchUp®
(Figure 7-21) are compared.
Figure 7-20: 3-D GIS - Existing 3-D massing blocks with contour layer viewed in ArcScene
Figure 7-21: 3-D SketchUp® model with existing and new blocks portrayed using different colours
182
7.3.2.4 Interest
As the whole model began to take shape, the officer became more convinced of
the potentials in the model for planning as described in Table 7-1 (detailed
progress of Virtual Werribee is presented in Appendix 4). As a result of this, the
research scope expanded, with ten more proposals covering almost the whole area
of Werribee. He was also more engaged in the discussion than previously, when
we were dealing with technical reports and 2-D drawings in different forms. It
was also observed that his engagement level increased as the model developed,
presumably because he could better relate to the more developed model,
compared to earlier in the process. At this stage, he was contributing to the model
development by refining and adding materials while experiencing manoeuvring
around the virtual model.
Table 7-1: Interest of the council officer in developing Virtual Werribee Liaison with council Observation on officer’s interest
1st Meeting The officer was excited as this will be their first
attempt to work on a virtual exhibition of Werribee.
2nd Discussion The officer was impressed with 3-D GIS
demonstration using ArcGIS® and SketchUp®.
5th Progress
presentation &
discussion
At the massing model stage: the officer was pleased
to visualise the entire city in 3-D for the first time. As
the model progressed, his interest grew, adding more
requirements and developments.
7th Continuous
consultation
through email and
Dropbox®
The officer became more confident and engaged in
the discussion than previously. (Discussion tool)
8th Progress
presentation &
discussion.
Some inconsistencies and discrepancies in the
consultant’s drawings were discovered and
highlighted in 3-D to the officer for further
consultation with the project developer. Options
using 3-D were also presented. (Verification tool)
9th Progress The officer was very pleased to visualise the entire
183
presentation &
discussion
city within a more realistic background integrating
Google Earth’s aerial image. Switching between
layers enabled the officer to view the impact of
proposed development in different scenarios,
including existing and future.
10th Extensive
discussion
Recognising the benefits of the model, the officer
decided to extend the project.
11th Progress
presentation &
discussion
The officer became progressively engaged with the
model.
12th Finalising the
project
The officer found that the combination of
SketchUp® model with Google Earth’s 3-D model to
be engaging, attractive and friendly.
13th Final product
submission
Research completed.
7.3.3 Potentials of Virtual Werribee
7.3.3.1 Development; New, Re-development and Hypothetical
In facilitating the council in revising Werribee’s local plan, the potentials of the
Werribee 3-D model and its visualisation techniques as a verification and
discussion tool were explored and compared to the conventional methods such as
2-D plans and drawings. This was demonstrated in several proposals outlined for
the revised local plan; categorised as new, re-development and hypothetical.
Table 7-2 demonstrates the seven new development projects; Table 7-3 displays
seven projects involving re-development; and lastly, hypothetical developments
are presented in Table 7-4.
The first category of development is new, and contains seven proposed projects
involving a piazza which would connect the town centre to the Wyndham park; a
pedestrian bridge at the Wyndham Park, a multi-storey commercial building at
90a Watton Street; a four-storey retail and parking building at the old site of
Ballan House at Synnot Street; River Bend Mall and office blocks; and the multi-
storey train station car park.
184
The second category is re-development of existing buildings and structures of
Werribee involving five sites. They include adding new levels of the River Bank
Mall, and connecting it to the proposed Piazza. The new stretch of River Bank
mall will interconnect to the rest of the city by the Piazza and the Pedestrian
Bridge, which will serve as the foci. The rest are turning the existing Bridge Hotel
at the intersection of Synnot Street and Werribee Street into multi-storey
buildings and a tower; a multi-storey car park with retail at the Mitsubishi car
yard site; 2-storey townhouses in replace of single-storey bungalows at a
residential area; multi-storey activity centre at Cottrell Street; and multi-storey
office blocks at No.1 Watton Street.
The third category is hypothetical development of Werribee City, which includes
density increase of the city centre involving Watton Street; extension of Watton
Street which would replace existing low-storey commercial buildings with high-
storey commercial buildings and a new road system; and development of Vic land
along the railway line involving high-rise apartments and retail blocks.
While the new category represents council's proposed developments involving
sites with no existing development, re-development category involves
revitalisation of existing structures and buildings. This ranges from increasing
levels and density of buildings, to beautification of structures and park.
Hypothetical development, on the other hand, is council's future projections to
increase density of the overall Werribee. Combining these three categories of
developments in one single virtual model, the versatility and use of 3-D
visualisation has been demonstrated in ways that were not previously available
using 2-D visualisation. This includes interactive viewing and multi viewpoints of
scenarios using layer command options.
185
Tab
le 7
-2: N
ew d
evel
opm
ent
Piaz
za
Aer
ial v
iew
of t
he P
iazz
a
Plan
vie
w
Vie
w fr
om ri
ver s
ide
Vie
w fr
om W
atto
n St
reet
Pede
stria
n B
ridge
Vie
w fr
om W
yndh
am P
ark,
un
dern
eath
the
brid
ge
Vie
w fr
om th
e riv
er
Vie
w fr
om W
atto
n St
reet
Wyn
dham
Pa
rk
Bird
eye
view
of t
he w
alki
ng p
ath
Nor
th e
nd v
iew
tow
ards
par
king
Th
e ot
her s
ide
view
of r
estin
g ar
ea
Res
ting
area
nea
r par
king
186
90a
Wat
ton
Stre
et
Vie
w fr
om th
e Pi
azza
Vie
w fr
om th
e ra
mp
Vie
w fr
om W
atto
n St
reet
Bal
lan
Hou
se si
te
Ex
istin
g em
pty
lot
Prop
osed
4-s
tore
y re
tail
and
park
ing
with
acc
ess r
oad
Clo
ser v
iew
from
cor
ner o
f the
stre
et
Riv
er B
end
Mal
l
Exis
ting
empt
y lo
t Pr
opos
ed M
all a
nd o
ffic
e bl
ocks
V
iew
from
the
brid
ge a
cros
s riv
er
187
Trai
n St
atio
n C
ar
Park
Thre
e bl
ocks
of c
over
ed p
arki
ng a
rea
Vie
w fr
om th
e co
vere
d pa
rkin
g to
war
ds
The
Trai
n St
atio
n Tr
ain
Stat
ion
betw
een
cove
red
park
ing
area
and
R
iver
Ben
d M
all
188
Tab
le 7
-3: R
e-de
velo
pmen
t R
iver
Ban
k M
all
The
exis
ting
sing
le st
orey
shop
bui
ldin
gs
St
age
1; p
ropo
sed
mul
ti st
orey
off
ice
and
reta
il,
Piaz
za a
nd P
edes
trian
Brid
ge.
Stag
e; p
ropo
sed
Riv
er B
ank
Mal
l
The
oran
ge la
yers
mar
k th
e ex
tens
ion
of th
e ex
istin
g
com
mer
cial
blo
cks i
n gr
ey.
Vie
w fr
om th
e w
ide
timbe
r dec
king
. A
cces
s to
the
river
side
mal
l fro
m th
e
Wyn
dham
Par
k
Brid
ge
Hot
el S
ite
Exis
iting
Brid
ge H
otel
from
Syn
not S
treet
Pr
opos
ed 4
-sto
rey
build
ing
& 8
-sto
rey
tow
er fr
om th
e
corn
er o
f Syn
not s
t and
Wer
ribee
Stre
et
Vie
w fr
om th
e co
rner
of S
ynno
t Stre
et a
nd
Wed
ge S
treet
189
Mits
ubis
hi
Site
Exis
ting
site
and
bui
ldin
g
Prop
osed
mul
ti st
orey
car
park
with
reta
il at
gro
und
leve
l
Incr
easi
ng
dens
ity;
sing
le
stor
ey
hous
ing
to
2-st
orey
to
wnh
ouse
s
Ex
istin
g si
te a
nd b
uild
ings
Popo
sed
2-st
orey
tow
nhou
se
Cot
trell
Stre
et
Ex
istin
g si
te a
nd b
uild
ing
Prop
osed
act
ivity
cen
tre
190
1 W
atto
n St
reet
Exis
ting
site
and
bui
ldin
g
Popo
sed
two
and
thre
e st
orey
off
ice
bloc
ks
Fr
ont p
ersp
ectiv
e vi
ew
Tab
le 7
-4: H
ypot
hetic
al d
evel
opm
ent
Ove
rall
Wer
ribee
C
ity
Ex
istin
g de
nsity
and
hei
gh
Proj
ectio
n of
den
sity
and
hei
ght
191
City
Cen
tre /
Wat
ton
Stre
et
dens
ity in
crea
se
Exis
ting
shop
s at W
atto
n St
reet
Pr
ojec
ted
dens
ity a
nd h
eigh
t inv
olvi
ng p
ropo
sed
Riv
er B
ank
Mal
l at W
atto
n St
reet
Wat
ton
Stre
et
exte
nsio
n
Exis
ting
low
stor
ey c
omm
erci
al b
uild
ings
and
exi
stin
g ro
ad s
yste
m a
nd in
ters
ectio
n
Hig
h st
orey
s of c
omm
erci
al b
uild
ings
with
new
road
syst
em a
nd in
ters
ectio
n
Vic
land
alo
ng ra
il-
track
Ex
istin
g de
velo
pmen
t of V
ic la
nd a
long
rail-
track
Hig
h ris
e ap
artm
ents
and
reta
il bl
ocks
192
7.3.3.2 Discussion and verification tool
3-D Werribee provided the council with a discussion tool for the process of
revising Werribee’s local plan. The interactive model provided a platform for
communicating ideas between the council, project developers and the
stakeholders. During the process, inconsistencies and errors were discovered in
the developer’s drawings. An example is demonstrated in one design proposal
involving a proposed platform and staircase connecting the new River Bank Mall,
the Piazza and Wyndham Park. While the 2-D drawings (Figure 7-22), prepared
by the developer did not indicate insufficient head room clearance between the
timber deck and staircase, this error has been clearly detected using the
interactivity method of 3-D visualisation, as shown in Figure 7-23. Otherwise, this
particular error could not have been easily picked up by checking of conventional
town planning documentation. Using the same 3-D visualisation method, these
problems were highlighted to the council officer, as well as for presenting design
options for further negotiation between the officer and the developer.
Figure 7-22: 2-D project developer's drawings
193
7.3.3.3 Decision making tool
The 3-D model has the potential to serve as a tool to understand complex planning
information and motivate decision makers to arrive at better decisions to enhance
living qualities and manage the built environment (Emem & Batuk, 2004). This
potential has been explored in 3-D Werribee as a discussion and verification tool
for decision making as demonstrated in Table 7-5. The interactive layer property
options showed the visual impact of proposed hypothetical development to the
surrounding areas, as shown in Figure 7-24 and Figure 7-25. Combining Google
Earth’s aerial image as the background provided a more realistic site context.
Another benefit of the model was transparency control in visualising proposed
development in relation to existing buildings. This was carried out by overlapping
a proposed development over the existing grey buildings while reducing the
opacity of new development layer, showed in a different colour. In comparison to
the council’s 2-D documents, these capabilities could assist the stakeholders in
decision making, for example, in making better judgements about whether such a
development would benefit the community or otherwise.
1.0 meter clearance
Figure 7-23: Close-up of design error presented to the council officer for further negotiation with the project developer
194
Figure 7-24: Existing development
Figure 7-25: Hypothetical development
195
Tab
le 7
-5: 3
-D in
tera
ctiv
e vi
sual
isat
ion
for
deci
sion
mak
ing,
dis
cuss
ion
and
veri
ficat
ion
Dis
cuss
ion
tool
; co
mm
ents
from
co
unci
l for
am
endm
ents
C
omm
ents
from
the
coun
cil o
ffic
er o
n pr
inte
d 3-
D im
ages
. Int
erac
tive
com
pone
nts o
f 3-D
vis
ualis
atio
n en
able
d th
e of
ficer
to se
lect
vie
wpo
ints
to b
ette
r com
mun
icat
e hi
s int
entio
ns.
Ver
ifica
tion
tool
; co
mm
ents
from
re
sear
cher
for
verif
icat
ion
A
dis
crep
ancy
iden
tifie
d fr
om m
odel
ling
the
cons
ulta
nt’s
dra
win
g.
Opt
ions
we
prop
osed
to th
e co
unci
l for
furth
er n
egot
iatio
ns w
ith th
e pr
ojec
t dev
elop
er.
Laye
r opt
ions
to
show
impa
ct o
f pr
opos
ed
deve
lopm
ent t
o th
e su
rrou
ndin
g
Exis
ting.
New
dev
elop
men
t
Sim
ulat
ion
mov
ie. S
eque
nce
of im
ages
indi
catin
g th
e tra
nsfo
rmat
ion
of W
errib
ee c
ity c
entre
with
the
incr
ease
of d
ensi
ty a
t Wat
ton
Stre
et.
196
Com
bini
ng
Goo
gle
Earth
’s
aeria
l im
age
as
back
grou
nd fo
r m
ore
real
istic
site
co
ntex
t
With
out a
eria
l im
age.
With
aer
ial i
mag
e O
paci
ty re
duct
ion
to sh
ow p
ropo
sed
deve
lopm
ent o
n ex
istin
g
2-D
dra
win
gs u
sing
diff
eren
t col
ours
and
text
des
crip
tions
di
stin
guis
h be
twee
n ex
istin
g an
d ne
w d
evel
opm
ent.
Ove
rlapp
ing
exis
ting
and
new
dev
elop
men
t. Th
e op
acity
of n
ew d
evel
opm
ent i
n
oran
ge is
redu
ced
to sh
ow th
e ex
istin
g gr
ey b
lock
s. Si
mul
atio
n m
ovie
G
loba
l pos
ition
ing
of M
elbo
urne
and
Wer
ribee
In
tegr
atin
g G
oogl
e Ea
rth’s
exi
stin
g 3-
D m
odel
of
Mel
bour
ne c
ity
3-D
Wer
ribee
197
A to
olki
t for
co
unci
l to
com
mun
icat
e pl
anni
ng a
gend
as
with
the
stak
ehol
ders
In
tera
ctiv
e 3-
D m
odel
in S
ketc
hUp®
St
ill im
ages
Si
mul
atio
n m
ovie
7.
3.3.
4 C
ompa
riso
n; E
xist
ing
3-D
inte
ract
ive
visu
alis
atio
n an
d co
unci
l’s d
ocum
ents
The
exis
ting
2-D
scal
ed m
aste
r pla
n of
Wer
ribee
city
cen
tre w
as d
raw
n on
an
enla
rged
aer
ial i
mag
e of
the
who
le c
ity. I
t con
tain
s a le
gend
with
var
ious
cod
ing
that
nee
ds to
be
care
fully
trac
ed to
the
draw
ing.
On
the
othe
r han
d, V
irtua
l Wer
ribee
pro
vide
s an
inte
ract
ive
mod
e of
pro
perty
laye
rs th
at c
an b
e se
lect
ed a
nd e
asily
trac
ked
to th
e m
odel
by
clic
king
the
sele
cted
laye
r. C
ounc
il’s
docu
men
ts, i
nclu
ding
3-D
phys
ical
mod
el a
nd d
raw
ings
, wer
e co
mpa
red
with
the
3-D
inte
ract
ive
repr
esen
tatio
ns o
f the
six
proj
ects
bel
ow, a
s sho
wn
in T
able
7-6
to 7
-11:
1. W
errib
ee m
aste
r pla
n
2-D
scal
ed m
aste
r pla
n of
Wer
ribee
city
cen
tre w
hich
was
dra
wn
on a
n en
larg
ed a
eria
l im
age
of th
e w
hole
city
. It c
onta
ins
a le
gend
with
var
ious
cod
ing
that
nee
ds to
be
care
fully
trac
ed to
the
draw
ing.
On
the
othe
r han
d, V
irtua
l Wer
ribee
pro
vide
s an
inte
ract
ive
mod
e of
pro
perty
laye
rs th
at c
an b
e se
lect
ed a
nd e
asily
trac
ked
to th
e m
odel
by
clic
king
the
sele
cted
laye
r.
Tab
le 7
-6: W
erri
bee
mas
ter
plan
Cou
ncil’
s doc
umen
ts
Prop
osed
3-D
inte
ract
ive
visu
alis
atio
n
Wer
ribee
m
aste
r pla
n
Mas
terp
lan
2-D
scal
ed m
aste
r pla
n of
Wer
ribee
city
cen
tre
Aer
ial v
iew
In
tera
ctiv
e m
odel
in w
hich
pro
perty
laye
rs
198
2. P
edes
trian
Brid
ge
2-D
pla
ns a
nd a
per
spec
tive
rend
erin
g of
the
pede
stria
n br
idge
is re
alis
tic, b
ut a
lso
stat
ic. O
n th
e ot
her h
and,
the
inte
ract
ive
3-D
mod
el p
rovi
des m
ultip
le v
iew
s, fo
r exa
mpl
e, a
llow
ing
the
brid
ge to
be
view
ed
from
diff
eren
t pos
ition
s, su
ch a
s fro
m th
e riv
er.
Tab
le 7
-7: P
edes
tria
n B
ridg
e
C
ounc
il’s d
ocum
ents
Pr
opos
ed 3
-D in
tera
ctiv
e vi
sual
isat
ion
Pede
stria
n B
ridge
(top)
2-D
CA
D d
raw
ing
(b
elow
) Ren
dere
d ha
rdco
py p
ersp
ectiv
e.
2-
D p
lans
and
a p
ersp
ectiv
e re
nder
ing
Inte
ract
ive
3-D
gen
erat
ed p
ersp
ectiv
es
In
tera
ctiv
e m
odel
pro
vide
s mul
tiple
vie
ws
199
3. R
iver
Ban
k M
all
Col
oure
d 2-
D d
raw
ings
cod
ed p
lans
incl
udin
g pl
ans,
sect
ions
and
ele
vatio
n dr
awin
gs; a
nd p
hysi
cal m
assi
ng m
odel
of t
he R
iver
Ban
k M
all u
se d
iffer
ent c
olou
rs to
dis
tingu
ish
betw
een
the
exis
ting
and
new
.
The
3-D
dig
ital r
epre
sent
atio
n co
mbi
nes
the
prop
ertie
s fr
om 2
-D d
raw
ings
and
3-D
phy
sica
l mod
el in
to o
ne s
ingl
e vi
rtual
mod
el. W
hile
exi
stin
g an
d ne
w d
evel
opm
ents
are
sim
ilarly
sho
wn
usin
g di
ffer
ent
colo
urs,
it ca
n be
tter d
emon
stra
te su
ch d
iffer
ence
s in
deve
lopm
ent s
trate
gies
.
Tab
le 7
-8: R
iver
Ban
k M
all
C
ounc
il’s d
ocum
ents
Pr
opos
ed 3
-D in
tera
ctiv
e vi
sual
isat
ion
Riv
er B
ank
Mal
l
(Lef
t) P
lan.
(Rig
ht) 3
-D p
hysi
cal m
odel
2-
D c
olou
r cod
ed d
raw
ings
and
a 3
-D p
hysi
cal m
odel
of t
he R
iver
Ban
k M
all.
3-D
inte
ract
ive
digi
tal m
odel
V
irtua
l mod
el c
ombi
ning
the
prop
ertie
s fro
m 2
-D d
raw
ings
and
3-D
phy
sica
l mod
el.
200
4. W
edge
Stre
et P
iazz
a
A s
et o
f dra
win
gs fo
r the
Wed
ge S
treet
Pia
zza
incl
udin
g va
rious
rend
ered
pla
ns, s
ectio
ns, a
nd s
ketc
hes
for
verif
icat
ions
and
am
endm
ents
and
3-D
Wer
ribee
, whi
ch in
tegr
ates
det
ails
from
diff
eren
t set
s of
draw
ings
into
one
(dig
ital m
odel
). W
hile
furth
er c
hang
es to
the
desi
gn w
ould
turn
the
draw
ings
obs
olet
e, c
hang
es a
nd d
etai
l can
con
tinuo
usly
be
inco
rpor
ated
into
the
3-D
mod
el w
ithou
t hav
ing
to b
uild
a
new
one
. The
mod
el w
ill p
erpe
tual
ly st
ay re
leva
nt.
Tab
le 7
-9: W
edge
Str
eet P
iazz
a
C
ounc
il’s d
ocum
ents
Pr
opos
ed 3
-D in
tera
ctiv
e vi
sual
isat
ion
Wed
ge S
treet
Pi
azza
A
com
posi
tion
of 2
-D m
ater
ials
dra
win
gs in
clud
ing
rend
ered
pla
ns, s
ectio
ns, a
nd sk
etch
es.
V
ario
us se
ts o
f ext
erna
l con
sulta
nts’
dra
win
gs
3-
D in
tera
ctiv
e di
gita
l mod
el
V
irtua
l mod
el in
tegr
atin
g di
ffer
ent s
ets o
f dra
win
gs
201
5. R
iver
Ben
d Pr
ecin
ct
An
impr
oved
2-D
pre
sent
atio
n of
the
Riv
er B
end
Prec
inct
, com
pris
ing
of st
ill im
ages
gen
erat
ed fr
om a
3-D
mod
el. E
ven
thou
gh it
is si
mila
r to
the
digi
tal m
odel
in it
s cap
abili
ty to
pro
ject
scen
es fo
r ass
istin
g
plan
ning
, it l
acks
site
con
text
of b
ackg
roun
d ae
rial i
mag
es. 2
-D tr
ees
wer
e ad
ded
late
r to
the
gene
rate
d dr
awin
gs to
add
real
ism. O
n th
e ot
her h
and,
by
inte
grat
ing
site
imag
es in
the
back
grou
nd, t
he v
irtua
l
mod
el o
ffer
ed a
mor
e re
alis
tic si
te c
onte
xt. T
he tr
ees a
re a
lso
in 3
-D fo
rms,
as a
3-D
par
t of t
he m
odel
.
Tab
le 7
-10:
Riv
er B
end
Prec
inct
C
ounc
il’s d
ocum
ents
Pr
opos
ed 3
-D in
tera
ctiv
e vi
sual
isat
ion
Riv
er B
end
Prec
inct
R
ende
red
imag
es o
f 3-D
mod
els p
rese
nted
in P
DF
form
at
3-D
inte
ract
ive
view
s; 3
-D m
odel
with
site
imag
e at
the
back
grou
nd
The
trees
are
par
t of t
he 3
-D m
odel
M
ore
real
istic
site
con
text
by
inte
grat
ing
site
imag
e as
the
back
grou
nd.
202
6. K
elly
Par
k
A s
et o
f im
ages
con
tain
ing
curr
ent a
nd a
ltere
d ae
rial i
mag
es o
f the
inte
rsec
tion
of C
herr
y St
reet
and
Wat
ton
Stre
et a
t Kel
ly P
ark
to s
how
the
diff
eren
t des
ign
optio
ns. U
sing
the
3-D
mod
el, e
ach
optio
n is
stor
ed in
diff
eren
t lay
ers
to a
llow
inte
ract
ive
view
ing
by s
elec
ting
the
rele
vant
laye
rs. T
he a
eria
l site
imag
e ca
n al
so b
e sw
itche
d on
and
off
to e
ither
foc
us o
n th
e de
sign
cha
nges
or
visu
alis
e th
e ov
eral
l
impa
ct w
ithin
a m
ore
real
istic
con
text
.
Tab
le 7
-11:
Kel
ly P
ark
C
ounc
il’s d
ocum
ents
Pr
opos
ed 3
-D in
tera
ctiv
e vi
sual
isat
ion
Kel
ly P
ark
C
urre
nt C
herr
y-W
atto
n St
reet
in
ters
ectio
n
Alte
red
(1)
Che
rry-
Wat
ton
Stre
et
inte
rsec
tion
A
ltere
d (2
) C
herr
y -W
atto
n St
reet
in
ters
ectio
n
C
urre
nt C
herr
y-W
atto
n St
reet
inte
rsec
tion
with
the
exis
ting
build
ings
in g
rey
and
proj
ecte
d de
velo
pmen
ts in
ora
nge.
(L
eft)A
ltere
d C
herr
y-W
atto
n St
reet
inte
rsec
tion:
ver
sion
1. (
Rig
ht) V
ersi
on 2
Des
ign
optio
ns fo
r Che
rry
Stre
et
and
Wat
ton
Stre
et in
ters
ectio
n at
Kel
ly P
ark.
Diff
eren
t des
ign
optio
ns w
ere
stor
ed in
diff
eren
t lay
ers f
or in
tera
ctiv
e vi
ewin
g.
203
7.3.4 Summary
Virtual Werribee demonstrated the actual process of developing a 3-D model for
planning applications in the context of a local planning authority in Australia. It
explored the use of interactive 3-D model to assist the Wyndham City Council in
preparing for the revised local structure plan by transforming existing
conventional planning materials into easily understood form. The process
involved data acquisition, data reconstruction and visualisation methods to
communicate development planning proposals (categorised as new, re-
development and hypothetical). Some amendments to the initial research
proposition were made during the process to suit planning requirements, involving
level of detail, GIS software and research scope. Although limited in analytic
capability to that generally found in GIS software, this model offered high
visualisation content to assist visual impact assessment (Rafi & Rani 2008)
through its interactive mode, along with a series of still images and a simulation
movie.
Among the potential uses of Virtual Werribee for decision making are as a
discussion and verification tool. As a discussion tool, the model’s interactive
capability enabled showing multiple views of planning scenarios. Such an
interactive model can also assist the council to be more actively involved with the
planning process. Up-to-date maps can be incorporated with the model as the
background images, to reduce unfamiliarity with a given site context of a planning
situation discussed (Shiffer 1993). These realistic background images of the site
context could further enhance the understanding of the proposed development.
"Architects working for developers have a reputation of submitting non-realistic
perspectives, omitting parts of schemes that are not fully designed and even
hiding areas of schemes behind carefully placed tress and other features"
(Sunesson et al. 2008, p. 256). Multimedia aspects of a digital planning system
make it a strong persuasion tool, opening the door to misuse (Shiffer 1993).
Project developers have often used 3-D models as tools to project their planning
204
intentions, sometimes convincing the council and stakeholders by pre-rendering
selected views. On the other hand, if the council was in control of a similar model,
they could use it to verify the information provided. The model could better
highlight design discrepancies compared to 2-D drawings. This would then be a
powerful tool for planners to verify developer’s planning proposal, thus
supporting the council by further empowering them in decision making. In this
matter, the key issue lies in the ownership and control of the model. This could be
a strong motivation for local councils to start developing their own 3-D virtual
models, incorporating developers’ models.
While a physical model takes a long time to build, it is quickly outdated, and
requires much storage space. While it does not require physical space, its digital
representation is less likely to be out-dated as new layers can continuously be
added to incorporate new design changes. Unlike conventional planning materials,
3-D model and visualisation technique can better engage planners, and
presumably other team members, as observed in this research. The council officer
at Werribee was convinced with the outcome and of the benefits of ArcGIS®,
which may be used in future for by other councils, along with other powerful
software. He was particularly impressed with the GIS layer selection integrating
3-D buildings and background site image. The level of the council officer’s
engagement also increased with the modelling process, and he contributed to the
modelling development as he experienced moving around the virtual model.
As compared to 2-D text based materials and 3-D physical models, Virtual
Werribee is anticipated to better communicate development planning agendas to
the stakeholders and the community. This form of communication can also be
used by other agencies and team players in participatory activities. As well as
noting clearly what the existing information the council has on Werribee, and how
3-D visualisation has provided a better understanding of the places, 3-D
visualisation has demonstrated its potential in testing of future scenarios and
proposals in the six key areas for Werribee's future development described in
chapter 2 (sustainable growth covering urban growth boundary, growth areas,
housing, activity centres, green wedges, and integrated transport). This is a critical
part of strategic planning of the municipality.
7.4 Virtual Ampang Jaya
7.4.1 Introduction
Virtual Ampang Jaya is a proposed interactive visualisation environment to
address the needs for modelling urban growth (Batty et al. 2000; Brail &
Klosterman 2001; Fragkias & Seto 2007) and spatio-temporal transformation. It
focuses on acquiring and analysing spatial information through digital means, to
construct an interactive virtual environment of the city, and subsequently to
evaluate the virtual model for urban analysis. While demonstrating the usefulness
of visualisation in understanding the city, Virtual Ampang Jaya is intended to
translate complicated information about the city such as maps, plans and written
information into responsive, easily understandable spatial information. This
would enable a more comprehensive understanding of Ampang Jaya to be
developed for better planning outcomes.
Virtual Ampang Jaya responds to the pressing need to develop expertise in the
application of digital media in the built environment, by offering a new way to
look at the past, present and future of Ampang Jaya (Figure 7-26 to Figure 7-28).
Virtual Ampang Jaya will set as an experimental test pad in the uptake of digital
and multimedia methods in local government to enhance current planning and
consultation processes by decision makers and communicate with the various
stakeholders including the public. Such environment should improve subsequent
digital models, facilitating research in an area of urban design and planning where
clear visual communication is of central importance.
The key aspect of Virtual Ampang Jaya is how it enables understanding complex
spatial information about urban planning and design, by evaluating the different
layers of Ampang Jaya; social, economic, built form and natural. This research
investigates the techniques of data acquisition, data reconstruction from physical
to digital, urban analysis and visualisation, in constructing a digital model of
Ampang Jaya. Framed in an interactive visual environment, Virtual Ampang Jaya
is intended to function as a digital tool for modelling urban growth and spatio-
temporal transformation of the city. As an analytical tool, the model should
206
demonstrate and evaluate the socio-economic, built and natural layers of Ampang
Jaya. By analysing the established patterns, the digital tool should also serve as a
predictive tool to forecast the future direction of Ampang Jaya. Various scenarios
can also be generated to study the impact with different sets of parameters.
Although highly realistic models are successful in communicating with the public,
Virtual Ampang Jaya focuses on the analytical and querying functions that current
GIS technologies can offer. This study also explores the appropriate hardware and
integration of softwares that are suitable for the residential projects as well as for
broader scale urban development.
Figure 7-26: The development of Ampang Jaya in the early 1900s
Figure 7-27: The development of Ampang Jaya in the 1960’s
207
7.4.2 Issues and challenges
Ampang Jaya has expanded greatly over the last few years. Its tremendous growth
is particularly centred on the new township, known as Ampang Point, which
started development in the early 1990s. In the past few years, the surrounding area
of Ampang Point has experienced a huge growth with the rapid development of
hospitals, hotels, housing and commercial centres. These developments have
stretched the surrounding road system to link with several elevated highways that
further connect Ampang Jaya to Kuala Lumpur city and other parts of Selangor.
These growth factors and accessibility have subsequently established Ampang
Point as a highly favoured town near Kuala Lumpur among residents and
expatriates due to its close proximity of within three kilometres to the foreign
embassies, which are mostly located in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. This has drawn
much foreign investment to Ampang Jaya to accommodate the local needs of
expatriates, particularly eateries and gathering places, but it has also created huge
social and economic challenges (Figure 7-29).
Figure 7-28: Ampang Jaya in the 2000s
208
This urbanisation has caused Ampang Jaya to rapidly grow beyond the limits of
its original urban plan. Ampang Jaya has now become a dense place with massive
traffic and parking problems, that has lost its previous character. These changes
have greatly affected the residents of Ampang Jaya. To prepare them in dealing
with the current issues and challenges following such quick growth, the
authorities are seeking more comprehensive and meaningful information
Figure 7-29: Little Korean town in Ampang Point
Figure 7-30: (left) Housing and hillside development in Ampang Jaya (right) Poor public access which is inaccessible by wheelchairs
209
concerning the area, as highlighted in the (Ampang Jaya Municipal Council
1998). On the other hand, the public are demanding more transparency in the
planning process, especially in the way that the authorities carry out their public
responsibilities. Apart from public pressure and the urge to gain back their
confidence, the local council, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), has
realised the need to reorganise the development in Ampang Jaya. There have been
calls from within government and public for better planning and control, targeting
residential development of particularly on hillsides (Figure 7-30 left), and better
control over the mushrooming of informal kiosks, as well as tackling traffic and
parking problems. Other issues include public access (Figure 7-30 right), rubbish
dumping, as well as aesthetics and city image. As a decision support tool and
prediction tool, 3-D modelling and visualisation can offer new mechanisms to
address these critical issues affecting Ampang Jaya.
7.4.3 3-D modelling and visualisation process
7.4.3.1 Data acquisition, reconstruction and GIS
Data acquisition on a higher scale would attempt photogrammetric technologies
or 3-D laser scanning from point cloud, such as airborne (LIDAR) Light
Detection and Ranging, to obtain GIS data and to determine height and building
details. For an economical but less accurate approach data acquisition could rely
on the current GIS datasets in MapInfo® and satellite images in Quick Bird® (of
up to 0.6 meter resolution) that are readily available from the local authority. The
past aerial photographs of Ampang Jaya dating from 1950 to the current date will
be assessed from the Malaysian Survey and Mapping Department known as
JUPEM. Old topographic maps, cadastral maps, street photographs and past
buildings, road system and other past information of the city will be sought from
the local authority’s and libraries’ archives. These aerial photographs will be
scanned and undergo photogrammetric processes to produce a geo-referenced
image or digital orthophoto. This orthophoto will mainly produce the contour and
210
Digital Terrain Model (DTM) that will provide the base map with real
topographic structure and heights (Figure 7-31).
7.4.3.2 3-D Modelling
Traditional geometric constructions used generally by the architects are generally
based on CAD packages such as AutoCAD®, 3-D Max® which can offer highly
precise geometries. The development from physical form to digital data for
Ampang Jaya using GIS database and software is contrary to the traditional
methods of geometric constructions used in city modelling. 3-D CAD models are
often loaded with geometrical details, are heavy, require good operating skills,
and are time consuming to create. They also do not necessarily guarantee a high
level of realism (defined as the mimicry of the physical environment in a virtual
setting), as compared to accuracy, defined as correctness of the information
utilised, modelled and depicted (Pietsch 2000b). On the other hand, modelling
methods such as texture mapping are inexpensive and can add realism to the
virtual models displaying details in colour, texture and material. Rapid modelling
usually utilise texture mapping, from oblique aerial, terrestrial images and
panoramic image capturing.
Aerial Photographs
3D GIS Detailed Model
2D GIS Datasets
Topographic map
Contour and height
DEM
Orthophoto
3D Base Model
Building Footprints
3D Extruded Model
3D Block Model
Street Photographs
Texture Mapping Photo Editing Urban
Elements
GIS Chronological Visualization
Data Input Data Reconstruction Output Analysis
4 Urban Layers
Figure 7-31: Process Framework for 3-D GIS Modelling
211
In the last decade, GIS and Remote Sensing packages such as ArcGIS® and
ERDAS® have been extended to generate 3-D content. The proposal for Ampang
Jaya is to employ ArcGIS® desktop software with Sketch-Up® as the modelling
software (Figure 7-32). Salleh (2008) outlines the construction process of a 3-D
GIS model integrating GIS and 3-D modelling software. Sketch-Up® is generally
the preferred modelling software for its short learning curve and user friendliness
which are essential for modelling process. Currently, ArcGIS® is mostly
compatible with Sketch-Up® in complementing with details while maintaining
spatial references. Orthophoto that has been imported from ArcScene and
ArcMap will be locked at the actual geographic location. Spatial referencing is a
distinctive attribute in a modelling software and can be carried out using Shape-
file® importer; a plug-in for GIS in Sketch-Up®. This proprietary plug-in enables
detailed content to be included, which is entirely compatible to the analytical
functionalities and querying capabilities of state-of-the-art GIS. While the objects
are geo-referenced, it can also animate scenes, perform multiple spatial queries,
view shed and shadow analysis, and various scenario based analysis (Shiode
2001).
Interpolate
Drape Shape-file Importer
3D Integration
Import to Sketch-
Retrieving
3D GIS Model
3D Features (.skp) 3D features (.flt)
DEM/ Contour
Spatial Data (2D)
Spatial Data (3D)
Convert Polygon to Point
DEM
Spatial Data (3D)
Import to Sketch-Up
Figure 7-32: Example of the 3D integration using ArcGIS® and Sketch-Up® Source: (Salleh, SA 2008)
212
Using Sketch-Up®, digitised orthophotos of Ampang Jaya will be extruded into a
3-D model while carrying attribute data. A 3-D model of Ampang Jaya from year
1950 will be developed from the 2-D GIS data layers; social, economic, built
form and natural. Other objects, including roads, landscaping elements and build
street furniture may be incorporated at the actual locations on site.
7.4.3.3 Visualisation
The visualisation model (Kim & Bejleri 2005) will incorporate a movie of
growing Ampang Jaya, displaying qualitatively and quantitatively responsive
spatial data information on a time-line. While modelling software such as Sketch-
Up® have enhanced their functions to incorporate geospatial and interactive
visualisation, GIS software are becoming more actively engaged in virtual cities.
The visualisation can be recorded and played in Windows Media Player® or
Quick Time®, or further extended into VRML player such as Canoma®.
Visualisation with GIS provides a new approach to urban design and planning in
dealing with the problems of site location, large settlement design and community
planning, public participation and a myriad of possibilities for offering solutions.
Visualisation growth of Ampang Jaya will attempt to animate data layers through
spatio-temporal; space and time animation and simulation in ArcMap, ArcScene
and ArcGlobe to understand how they change with space and time. However, the
data availability is a huge challenge in Malaysia, compared to the experience of
Virtual Kyoto (described in 3.5.1) which had old topographic maps from (Yutaka
Takase et al. 2005; Yutaka Takase et al. 2003).
213
Data Layers:
Social indicate communal spaces and its serviceability to other
parts of the city.
Economic animate large scale settlement growth, commercial and
business centres to understand the pattern.
Built form animate the building development to understand the
population increase and boundary changes.
Natural animate the changes in the landscape and forest
encroachment due to building development.
These data layers will be animated in ArcScene and ArcGlobe incorporating real
time, where simulation scenes will be viewed by users from different angle and
height, while users will be allowed to select or hide layers as they navigate
through the scene (Figure 33). 2-D map tracking can be viewed simultaneously in
ArcMap® to keep users on track.
Figure 7-33: Example of animation development in ArcScene® Source: (Salleh, SA 2008)
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While GIS software is able to interactively visualise 3-D models, the challenge
lies in the technical limitations, unfamiliarity and resistance towards the new tool
by the stakeholders as they will need to be of the new media. Taking into
consideration that the tangible media is important in rooting the digital
visualisation in more realistic and familiar representations, a 3-D physical model
scanned and modelled from its digital representation will be showcased alongside.
Issues of realism and abstraction, the later described as the selection of
information included in the creation and presentation of computer visualisation
modelling (Pietsch 2000b) could then be addressed at the site by written
explanation. In dealing with different levels of familiarity of handling digital
media among users, a workshop carried out at the model’s station, prior to the
exhibition would be helpful.
7.4.4 Potentials for urban analysis
Adopting the Community Taxonomy (Florida House Institute n.d.), the analysis is
focused on four layers; social, economic, natural and the built environment, in
order to study the growth and spatio-temporal transformation of Ampang Jaya in
50 years since 1900. When ArcGlobe® is used as an interactive visualisation
viewer; a comprehensive understanding of the city can be developed by
highlighting the layers of the city that would otherwise be limited to the form of
2-D abstract data.
Growth patterns of the city will also be traced, displaying the current scenario as
well as past development involving historical, environmental and large scale
settlement patterns. By understanding the past and the present situation, we can
measure growth patterns and project into the future. With a predictive modelling
tool, we may also visualise the future urban patterns, land use, neighbourhood and
regional, transportation planning, landscaping and site planning. Responsive
spatial information should enrich understanding of the issues and help to facilitate
the planning process to produce result better decisions. Complex city information
that is tailored to a particular group of professionals can be translated into
responsive spatial information that will be more easily understood by stakeholders
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who are not taught to read coded information such as plans and maps. While
providing an improved platform to disseminate the information, the model is also
projected to develop better understanding about their city among the public.
Feedback from the various stakeholders is important for future research into the
use of the new technology.
7.4.5 Summary
Providing an insight on how to develop an interactive computer visualisation and
GIS model as a planning tool, it may suggest significant improvements to the
overall planning system of Ampang Jaya in Selangor. Translating complicated
information about the city into easily understandable spatial information,
promises to enable a more comprehensive understanding of Ampang Jaya to be
developed for better planning outcomes. By offering a clearer picture of the issues
that affect the built environment, it could also bridge the gap between different
professionals. Such an innovation in the communication aspect of planning would
also be timely in conjunction with the new One-Stop-Centre (OSC) system,
currently introduced and revolutionising the planning system in Selangor. While
this new system urgently needs a new planning tool, 3-D interactive visualisation
certainly has a significant role in enhancing planning information. It could
provide a better platform to disseminate information about Ampang Jaya as well
as improve the communication between the various stakeholders, including the
decision makers and the public as it is the success factor to planning. Adopting 3-
D modelling and visualisation also correlates with the Malaysian call for
electronic government (e-govt), a flagship application of the Multimedia Super
Corridor (MSC) project that aims to redesign the system of the government to
bring about fundamental changes from the society level (Meng & Ahmad 2000),
as well as meeting global information technology expectations and future
challenges.
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7.5 Conclusion
The first two case studies have demonstrated the actual process of developing a 3-
D visualisation model for planning applications in the actual context of local
planning authorities in Selangor in Malaysia, and Victoria in Australia. The urban
issues, challenges and development strategies of each case study have been
described before investigating the modelling process, involving data acquisition,
data reconstruction, and finally visualisation method. Lastly, the potential of the
3-D visualisation models have been identified. While each model serves different
purposes, the general aim is similar, and that is to explore the use of interactive 3-
D models and digital media to assist planning activities. The expected outcome is
to support planning decisions and facilitate consultation processes between
councils and stakeholders, and improve the dissemination and management of
spatial information about urban environments.
The process of conducting the case studies has served to provide understanding
and empirical knowledge in the potential applications of 3-D visualisation and
GIS by local authorities in planning practices. Virtual Melawati provides the
empirical knowledge of developing a 3-D GIS model using insufficient data,
particularly limited data layers, and restricted by disciplinary boundary. As a
result of that, the application of GIS is limited, and automated functions of GIS
software, such as the extrusion technique which can greatly benefit the modelling
process, could not be explored. Unlike Virtual Melawati, Virtual Werribee has
been developed using a large amount of data, which allows high visualisation
content to be displayed for visual impact assessment. However, in this process,
the data could not be analytically explored using GIS software capability, taking
into account the available resources of the council. While Virtual Melawati was
set to explore the use of 3-D GIS, Virtual Werribee advanced to serve the council
as a discussion and verification tool in the revision of the local structure plan.
This experience is also a strong motivation for local councils to start developing
their own 3-D virtual models.
Virtual Ampang Jaya combines the theoretical knowledge with the experience
gathered from the case studies, in applying to a larger and more complex region
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and set of parameters of Ampang Jaya. It promotes the advantage of a ready
visualisation of complex 3-D information using 3-D GIS. This promises to bring a
more comprehensive understanding of Ampang Jaya, including a clearer picture
of issues affecting the environment of the city. This is by means of a platform to
disseminate information about Ampang Jaya, bridge gaps among professionals
involved in planning processes, and improve communications among decision
makers, stakeholders, and the public. In doing so, it suggests how layers of
information including social, economic, built form and natural, could be held
within a 3-D virtual model in layers which can be visually seen and made
interactive. This is by means of stronger coupling; embedding the 3-D model
within the functions of GIS system, as a more advanced version of weaker
coupling, which has already proved with Virtual Melawati and Virtual Werribee
(Batty 1994).
These demonstrations have stressed the importance of ownership and control of 3-
D models by local councils in empowering them in decision making, for example,
in improving transparency, and avoiding misuse by project developers (Shiffer
1993; Sunesson et al. 2008, p. 256), suggesting that they should start developing
their own 3-D virtual models. As the starting point, a sound database of planning
information must be developed and continually up-dated. This would demand co-
operation from internal and external departments of the local council, to ensure
validity and accuracy of data, including maps from FDTCP, and satellite images
from JUPEM. This database should not be monitored solely by IT departments as
normally practiced, but by the Planning Department which is responsible for the
overall planning processes, while data up-dating should be the responsibility of all
internal departments of the local council.
In bridging the disciplinary boundary, the Planning Department should have an
expert in handling GIS software, including its 3-D components, to ensure smooth
operation of reconstructing 2-D information into 3-D. While planning councils are
actively storing information using GIS software, it is timely to pursue 3-D
modelling using the same software, although using readily available software,
such as SketchUp® alone, is sufficient to develop a 3-D virtual model, as
demonstrated in Virtual Werribee. In overcoming the challenges to interactively
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visualise 3-D models using GIS software, as suggested by literature review, local
councils must focus on cultural and organisational issues, more than technological
limitations. Continuous workshops to overcome different levels of unfamiliarity,
and combined use of physical models at the beginning of the process, are
initiatives to overcome human resistance towards a new media in planning, such
as 3-D GIS.
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CHAPTER 8
PROPOSITION AND CONCLUSION
8.1 Proposition
In enhancing the development planning process in the local authority, this study
provides recommendations to (Figure 8-1):
1. Resolve the key problems in the development planning process.
2. Resolve the critical source of the key problems and issues in the
development planning process.
3. Demonstrate how 3-D visualisation and GIS as a common platform can
serve as a planning tool for local planning authorities to overcome the key
problems and the source of the key problems, in the development planning
process.
Key problems are the issues which generally cause difficulties within the
development planning process, involving delays, inconsistent decision making,
lack of information management, and lack of public participation. On the other
hand, as further suggested by this study, larger issues contribute to these key
problems. These issues include quality of planning tools; policy; culture,
organisation and attitude; and constraints involving lack of human resources; lack
of financial budget; and lack of computer infrastructure.
Figure 8-1: Proposition for overcoming key problems in the development planning process
PROPOSITION
Resolving the key problems in the development planning process
Resolving the critical source of the key problems in the
development planning process
Demonstration of 3-D visualisation &
GIS model as a common platform
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8.1.1 Resolving the key problems in the DPP
As highlighted in chapter 5, the main issues and problems in DPP are delay,
decision making involving lack of transparency and consistency; information
management; and lack of public participation, as outlined in Figure 8-2.
1) Delays in development planning processes can be avoided by removing
manual registration and submission procedures, overcoming bureaucracy at
different government agencies, and eliminating redundant verifications at various
administrations and planning levels.
2) For improving the consistency of decision making, this study recommends
practicing transparency in the development planning process. In order to increase
transparency in DPP, planning policy should become the basis for decision
making, so flexibility and grey areas can be reduced. This will avoid uninformed
interpretations and the tendency to rely on intuition and social reasons such as
empathy. On this note, planning policy itself needs to be clearer, so it can serve as
a transparent basis for decision-making. On another note, intuition arguably can
sometimes be good for decision making, and there is argument for allowing
experienced planners to exercise some discretion in their decision-making.
Whether intuition and empathy should be totally avoided using technological
tools is a question beyond the scope of this research.
On the other hand, in developing more consistent decision making, a logical
approach and systematic basis for planning applications can assist in making
planning policy more transparent. This requires clearer and more comprehensive
planning information to make planning objectives clearer, thus producing a more
transparent DPP. This can facilitate decision makers to enforce relevant planning
policies and guidelines, which can contribute in developing consistency in
decision making.
3) To improve information management, this study promotes data integration
between different departments and levels in planning. It also recommends that
planners should practice data sharing and develop their own databases and
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mapping rather than waiting for the perfect system and infrastructure to be
provided. Integrated information and data sharing is vital to forecast the potentials
and problems in planning decisions to avoid major changes at the later building
stage.
4) To increase public participation, LPAs must assist affected residents and
the general public to understand and encourage them to be involved in the
planning activities within their environment.
Figure 8-2: Resolving the key problems in the development planning process
Resolving the key problems in the development planning process
Transparency
Policy as a basis for decision making
Consistency
Scientific & systematic h
2. Decision making
3. Information management
4. Public participation
LPAs must increase public involvement & understanding LPAs could use 3-D GIS to increase public participation
Start data integration and sharing while patching up loopholes.
Explicit policy
1. Delay
Removing manual registration and submission procedures
Avoiding bureaucracy
Eliminating redundant verifications
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8.1.2 Resolving the critical source of the key problems in the development planning process
As suggested in chapter 5, the key problems in DPP are influenced by factors
involving planning tools, planning policy; culture, organisation and attitude; and
constraints including human resources, financial budget and computer
infrastructure.
1. In relation to planning tools, this study suggests that they must be effective
in describing planning proposals, and should include the overall site context. GIS
systems, if adopted, must use simple operations, and preferably be customised, as
well as being supported by sufficient infrastructure.
2. For improving planning policy, this study recommends that Local Plans
need to be prepared quickly, and incorporate concurrent technologies. Land
matters, which are controlled by the State Government, should be under the
jurisdiction of Federal Government to facilitate planning and to achieve policy
uniformity.
3. In regards to problems related to culture, organisation and attitude, this
study recommends that all LPAs should quickly move towards new tools to
improve planning practices, benefiting both 2-D and 3-D. While LPAs must be
committed, top management must instruct all departments in the LPAs to be
responsible in developing their own GIS data layers as well as use in the standard
GIS template prepared by the FDTCP to ensure data uniformity across all LPAs.
The most effective way to get the planning tools adopted and implemented is by
convincing the head of department. While they are usually exposed to computing
problems such as system failures, the system must be user-friendly and simple to
provide benefits. In this attempt, it is necessary to use creativity. Planners must
also be open-minded, future-oriented and up-to-date with the latest technology
and continuously updating their planning tools.
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While GIS and remote sensing are gaining popularity among planners, they
should be tools, and not GIS departments. As GIS should be integrated with every
unit and department in the LPAs, developing and updating GIS data layers should
be the responsibility of all departments within the LPAs and not the GIS unit
alone. In initiating knowledge in computing, skill and expertise among planners,
the planning education system in Malaysia can start by providing proper training.
LPAs should also set a higher priority for ICT and train more staff in GIS,
especially to fill in the gaps as staff get regularly transferred.
4. As demonstrated in chapter five, inadequate human resources, financial
budget, and computer infrastructure have been identified as the constraints in DPP
(Figure 8-3). To overcome these infrastructural constraints, a good bandwidth will
be necessary to serve the IT applications. By facilitating ease of access, it will
encourage users to engage with the medium. This can also stimulate awareness
and interest in the concept of sharing that can help to improve planning processes.
User-friendly open-systems, backed up by in-house training, are also important
alongside good computer infrastructure. Although 3-D modelling requires a
strong infrastructure, LPAs can initiate developing the model by building their
own data layers, starting with building footprints, though this is itself a huge task.
Most importantly, the government should prioritise IT and provide LPAs with
sufficient funding for computing infrastructure. In this regard, the future is very
promising as computer applications are becoming both more powerful and
cheaper world-wide.
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Figure 8-3: Resolving the critical source of the key problems in the development planning process
Resolving the critical source of the key problems in the development planning process
2. Planning policy
Local Plans must incorporate concurrent technologies
3. Culture, organisation & attitude
Planning systems should integrate new tools
Planning systems should benefit both 2-D and 3-D
Strong commitment from LPAs is required
User - friendly systems are required
Land matters must be centrally controlled by the Federal government
Planners must be open minded, future oriented and continuously updating their tools
Developing and updating GIS data layers must be the responsibility of all departments
GIS and remote sensing should be tools used by all departments, not the responsibility of a single department
3. Constraints: human resources, financial budget and computer
Priority for IT in LPAs is required
A good bandwidth is necessary
LPAs should set higher priority for ICT and provide proper training & more staff in GIS
GIS should be integrated with every department in the LPA
Providing sufficient funding for computing infrastructure for LPAs is required
1. Planning tools
Planning tools must be effective in describing planning proposals, and should include overall site context
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8.1.3 3-D GIS to improve the development planning process
This study shows that 3-D GIS models have potential in resolving the key
problems, as well as the critical source of the key problems in the development
planning process. In this matter, among the main potential contributions of 3-D
GIS, are in developing consistency in decision making, assisting the development
of information management, and encouraging public participation. This study has
also highlighted the important role of interactivity in the potential uses of the
model, thus supporting Batty's (2007b) claims that interactivity is the centre of
visualisation and communication technologies, which are influencing the
development of PSS. While the council officer of Werribee was convinced in the
capability of a single 3-D virtual model in communicating planning information,
as compared to technical reports and 2-D drawings which were presented by
developers in many different formats, the most convincing factor in his support of
the model was its interactive component, where different planning possibilities
could be visualised. This was enabled using the layer selection command,
integrating the building blocks. This study has also highlighted another strong
factor, which the council officer found helpful for planning, which was the site
context which provided the proposed development with a more realistic
background. As the project was developed using ArcGIS® software, the council
officer was also convinced that it would benefit local authorities to pursue the
same software, particularly its ArcScene component which is capable of engaging
different audiences. He anticipated that this form of communication could also be
used by other agencies and team players.
While this study suggests that local plans should incorporate concurrent
technologies, the case studies have demonstrated that 3-D visualisation and GIS
should be considered as a tool in planning activities. 3-D GIS can help in
developing consistency in decision making by serving as a planning tool to
present a clearer picture of the development planning proposal. It can do this by
making information more transparent, verifying development information,
justifying decisions through presentation of evidence, and serving as a common
platform, which can be applied to the development of consistent planning
policies.
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For developing information management, 3-D GIS can help in establishing data
uniformity, and providing a base for data integration among departments and
agencies. Proposed in Virtual Ampang Jaya, 3-D visual planning data can be
stored in layers of social, economic, built form and natural. Surveys in this study
have suggested that the public in general are more attracted to 3-D as compared to
2-D planning materials. Therefore, 3-D models have more potential to provide
clear communication of planning content than the 2-D plans and reports normally
used in planning activities, and their use should encourage greater public
participation. Using 3-D models, as demonstrated by Virtual Werribee, can also
encourage public input, early in development planning, avoiding major changes at
the later development planning stage.
8.1.4 Demonstration of 3-D visualisation & GIS model as a common
platform
This study proposes a 3-D visualisation and GIS model as a common platform for
planning. While it is not proposing a technical solution to a multi-faceted
problem, this study suggests how a 3-D GIS visualisation model can be developed
in the context of a local planning authority, as outlined in Figure 8-4.
Demonstration of Virtual Melawati and Virtual Werribee has provided local
planning authorities with a test bed, in adopting 3-D visualisation and GIS to
address issues in their built environment, as well as for informing and convincing
the stakeholders about the council’s planning agendas. On the other hand, the
experience gained from the demonstrations has provided empirical knowledge to
inform the framework for Virtual Ampang Jaya.
Responding to the call that in planning the physical environment, it is important
that we drive our tools to achieve our intent and are not transported by our tools to
unknown destinations (Tomlinson & Holmes 2003), this study recommends that
the 3-D visualisation and GIS model must be customised for technical and non-
technical staff, as well as allowing for the variable computing skills of laymen. In
addition, it must also be user-friendly, an open-system, not confined to particular
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software. To ensure an effective application of the system, training must be
conducted in-house by each local authority. While the Planning and Building
departments should jointly develop 3-D GIS models, its construction can begin by
developing building footprints. The architects of government departments should
spearhead the use of this model as a spatial planning tool as they have strong
spatial capabilities as 'visual literates' trained to read drawings (Stellingwerff
2002). Different tools used by different parties also need to be aligned and
combined to maintain consistent application results. Revisiting the literature, this
strategy also recommends a gradual integration of the tool into the existing
planning process, starting with using a affordable system to provide a structure for
small, incremental decision making (Holtzman 2006; Meng 1997).
Requirements for Success: Developing a 3-D visualisation & GIS model
User-friendly, easy to learn
Customise for departmental need
In-house training required
Open-system
Building footprint
Joint effort
Spearhead by the architects
Aligned and combined tools
Gradual integration
Start with affordable system
Figure 8-4: Requirements for success in developing a 3-D visualisation and GIS model
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8.2 Key Findings
This study has demonstrated that the Virtual environment has the potential to
represent a real city, and to enhance engagements between decision makers and
stakeholders in order to produce better planning outcomes (Hudson-Smith, Andy
et al. 2002). It has also stressed that visualisation of the city is ineffective if
separated from the existing structures of the working processes (Abdullah, A,
Ibrahim & Abdullah 2009), but only feasible when integrated with the system
support tool (Brail & Klosterman 2001). Planning support systems (PSS) need to
be developed that will improve the handling of practical planning problems, as
described by Vonk, Geertman and Schot (2005). They also suggest that more
real-world example projects and in-depth research are required to discover the
potential benefits of PSS application in planning practice (Brail & Klosterman
2001; Vonk, Geertman & Schot 2005). This study involving the local planning
authorities is an example of such research in simulating the application of PSS in
planning practice. Engaging real-world projects, the case studies contribute to
bridge the huge gap between the use of virtual visualisation in hypothetical
research scenarios and operational PSS used in live situations.
This study has started by reviewing the literature on the critical issues in the
Malaysian urbanism, which suggests that there exist critical issues which demand
urgent actions within the DPP; the most important procedure in the local planning
authority (Abdullah, MF et al. 2004; Johar et al. 2006; Meng & Ahmad 2000).
This study has, through the case studies of this thesis, constructed and analysed
the proposition that planning tools integrating 3-D visualisation and GIS offer a
potentially powerful tool to enhance the process of urban planning and control
which can benefit local authorities, as suggested theoretically by many authors
(Araby & Okeil 2004; Batty 2007a; Brail & Klosterman 2001; Fragkias & Seto
2007; Holtzman 2006; Hudson-Smith, Andrew, Evans & Batty 2005; Lange &
Bishop 2005; Ospina & Flaxman 2006; Rafi & Rani 2008; Shen & Kawakami
2007; Voigt & Linzer 2003).
The empirical research has validated the earlier findings from the literature, as
well as highlighting other factors that contribute to the problems and expose the
229
true potentials of this tool for improving the Malaysian planning system. This
study in understanding the issues within the existing organisational and cultural
context of LPAs in Malaysia, has also provided a deeper understanding of how
the proposed tool can be accommodated through its open-ended and in-depth
interviews with the officers in the Malaysian planning authorities.
In line with these findings on the critical source of the key problems in DPP, the
informants for this study have reiterated the importance of having good planning
policy, as well as methods of overcoming the cultural and organisational
constraints of the planning sector. Human, financial and technological resources
all need to be aligned. As proposed in Figure 8-5, the critical problems of delay,
decision making, information management and public participation, that exist in
the DPP need to be tackled to determine the effective development and
implementation of the model as a common platform for local authorities. This
study has emphasised a larger set of critical issues around the key problems,
involving planning tools, planning policy, issues of culture, organisation and
attitude, as well as constraints involving human resources, financial budget and
computer infrastructure, and in doing so provides a different strategy from earlier
studies, which generally focused on the technical issues of the planning support
system (Brail & Klosterman 2001).
While focusing on the planning policy, the procedures and implementation of
development planning, this study has also explored the planner’s perceptions of
computing. These perceptions mainly involve unfamiliarity, lack of
understanding, and have resulted in planners' unwillingness to use, and resistance
to adopting new media in their work. In overcoming planners' resistance towards
new media in planning, including 3-D GIS, this study recommends that support
from top planning officials, including head of departments is vital. However, this
will be a challenge as many heads of departments are lacking in knowledge and
interest in computing, so are unaware of the benefits of computer tools for
planning, and still prefer the present manual system. In helping to tackle these
problems, this study recommends the use of a user-friendly and customised
system, such as the combination of ArcGIS® and SketchUp®, as proposed by
Virtual Ampang Jaya. LPAs should also reconsider their practice of constantly
230
changing their organisational heads, in allowing them to follow through the
process of technological adoption from an early stage. Provision of technology
also should be backed up with continuous workshops to overcome different levels
of unfamiliarity, and combined use of physical models with virtual models at the
beginning of the process. Placing at least one IT staff at the Planning department
would also be a good practice, instead of relying on the Technical department to
manage the GIS system. This will help to ease communication process, as well as
reducing workload in the Planning department, as planning staff normally need to
juggle between processing planning applications and maintaining GIS systems.
As the case studies involve Selangor; the most urbanised state in Malaysia, and
Ampang Jaya is the eighth most urbanised municipality in Malaysia, these
findings are suggestive of potential problems in applying the technology in other
planning authorities in Malaysia. In this context, Malaysian local planning
authorities urgently need to develop their own systems, without waiting for a
‘perfect’ system to be delivered to them. In developing data integration for data
sharing among different departments and agencies, this process could start by
improving their information management using current resources. However, there
are issues of political interest embedding planning processes in Malaysia. The
reluctance to share information seems to be a critical factor. These issues are
indicative of those aspects of the planning process that might not be solved by any
tool or platform, no matter how sophisticated.
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“How do we measure the effectiveness of planning” is a research question that is
continually being investigated (Budic 1994; Gennaio, Hersperger & Bürgi 2009;
Rosener 1978). This study has used 3-D visualisation and GIS models as a means
to offer an insight in addressing this difficult question. It has measured the
effectiveness of the models against the DPP and planning frameworks, which the
literature and the qualitative survey suggest are crucial in planning procedure.
This quantitative survey has helped to identify the potentials of 3-D visualisation
and GIS model in enhancing the planning process as it involves various decision
makers and stakeholders (Figure 8-6).
Figure 8-5: Developing a Common Platform for Planning
Key problems in the development planning
process
Transparency Consistency
1. Decision making
2. Information management
3. Public participation
Critical source of the key problems in the development
planning process
2. Culture, organisation & attitude
1. P
lann
ing
polic
y
Development of 3-D Vis & GIS model
COMMON
PLATFORM
3. C
onst
rain
ts
232
To demonstrate the actual process of development and application of 3-D
visualisation and GIS, two case studies have been carried out involving the
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council in Selangor, Malaysia, and Werribee City
Council in Victoria, Australia. As experimental test beds for addressing the urban
issues in these localities, these case studies indicate the potential of the tools and
methods described to facilitate the local authorities in the development planning
process, as well as their limitations and challenges to adoption of these processes.
To achieve a larger view of how the proposed tool can be integrated into the
existing planning system, this study has explored and compared the background
of these two local planning authorities by reviewing their planning documents,
Figure 8-6: Improving the development planning process
Key problems in the
development planning process
Critical source of the key problems in the development
3-D Vis & GIS model
COMMON PLATFORM
Potentials of 3-D Vis & GIS
1. Planning tool
2. Urban study and prediction
3. Planning assessment and decision making
4. Development planning
Improved Development Planning Process
1. A common tool
2. Public participation
3. Decision making
4. Decision makers
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concentrating on the planning policy and the development planning procedures
and implementation in the local planning authority.
8.3 Limitations
This study primarily involves three main fields; planning, architecture and
geometric surveying. This cross-disciplinary research demands expertise in
different fields including GIS software application, planning knowledge,
modelling capabilities, and mapping.
The potential and the effectiveness of the 3-D GIS model could only partially be
demonstrated due to the limitations of this study. As this research involved
examining the planning process of the local authority, it relied upon their planning
information including GIS data layers, aerial perspectives and orthographic
photos. In the case studies involving the Malaysian planning authority, data
availability, accuracy and quality became the major limitations, addressing Brail's
(2008) point that successful PSS should recognise the inadequacy of available
data.
Because of this, some automated functions to demonstrate the effectiveness of the
proposed tool, such as the time saving extrusion technique could not be
performed. Besides the automated functions, the various analytical functions of
the GIS software could not be integrated with CAD (SketchUp®). Clearer
satellite images would be more effective to demonstrate the benefits of integrating
the site context for conducting 3-D analysis. With better quality data and longer
research duration, compatibility between SketchUp® and ArcGIS® software
could also be mastered to produce a 3-D GIS model, with more GIS application.
This research engaged collaborations with the local planning authorities in
Malaysia and Australia, which involved many processes and procedures that were
beyond my control. Without time-consuming procedures and formalities, the
research could have been carried out more smoothly with more results. This
included the intention to use the case study models (the Australian case study in
234
the thesis) in my quantitative survey. This would have involved using the virtual
model in stakeholder meetings with the council. It could have further indicated
the correlation between the respondents' high expectation established in the
surveys and case studies. However, the project is subject to the confidentiality
requirement of the local authority, so it had to wait for the draft of the Local Plan
to be made public. However, while these issues have limited the scope of the
study, they have not compromised or contradicted its basis premise. Instead, they
suggest future areas of research and development within the field of study.
8.4 Future Directions
This study suggests that different decision makers have different mindsets, and
use different set of tools in planning assessment. The efforts of architects,
planners and urban designers are combined in making planning decisions, but
often they work separately. Figure 8-7 suggests their aspirations, when assessing a
development planning application.
PLANNERS ARCHITECTS
- Concerned about the building boundary; surroundings - Focus on the entire master plan, land division, projection - Lack of spatial quality - Good spatial awareness -Using 2-D GIS
- Concerned about the building - Focus on the building, internal and external planning, spatial quality, - Good spatial quality - Good spatial awareness - Using 3-D visualisation
Education Background
involving Spatial Quality
3-D VISUALISATIO
N AND GIS
Figure 8-7: Aspiration of planners versus architects in planning assessment
235
While literature suggests that architects are more visually literal than others,
including planners (Stellingwerff 2002), there is a need to improve the visual
literacy of planners, which is indicative of the benefits of visualisation planning
tools. However, this technology needs to be backed up by education. Spatial
planning and decision support system (SPDSS) should be taught to planning
graduates during their formal education and to practising town planners through
training, seminars and workshops. IT and planning skills should become the
integrated core of the planning curriculum which currently is still mostly paper
based. In parallel to this, more research based SPDSS projects should be created
by schools of planning, and more research needs to be conducted.
Meanwhile, two key elements highlighted in this study; interactive visualisation
and highly realistic site context, should be considered in suggesting further
research into participatory planning activities. However, research into the
participatory decision making environment must closely examine human
interaction with the tool (Shiffer 1992, 1993), as well as including feedback from
various stakeholders. This is to ensure effectiveness of these systems as a
common platform involving the built environment and its inhabitants. In relation
to the Werribee case study in this project, it was necessary to consider comments
from the council officer, who thought that it would be beneficial for local
authorities to pursue 3-D modelling for its planning activities, particularly as a
tool for understanding, communication, assessment and verification.
Integration of spatial information and a GIS database as a decision support and
prediction tool could lead to new findings and innovations, in order to improve
the environment of our cities, which among other things, "require a sense of
visual coherence, a strong identity and structure" (Gosling 1993, p. 215). This is
demanded by many quarters; government and private, and may be extended to
other contexts. Batty et al. (2000) suggests twelve categories that can benefit from
the new media; architecture, telecommunications, emergency services, facilities
and utilities management, marketing and economic development, property
analysis, tourism and entertainment, e-commerce, environment, education and
learning and most engagingly, city portals or websites as entries to information
236
about the city (urban information hub). Building related industries like asset and
facilities information management may also profit from the application of GIS
into the world of softwares, for example, the use of AutoCAD Geospatial and
Infor’s Datastream software.
While this study provides a guideline to adopt 3-D visualisation and GIS for
planning authorities, the model may be further developed into a prototype model,
for example, incorporating Geo-immersive videos into GIS environments. The
future model could further explore GIS’s powerful analytical and querying
capabilities within the interactive visualisation environment while experimenting
future possibilities with “urban parametric” (Kvan 2009). Integrating the evolving
technologies in retrieval, transmission and visualisation of 3-D data (Zach et al.
2001), will create a future virtual world that has the potential to constantly and
relatively change alongside the real world, to simulate the implications of
planning decisions. Future research into developing prototype models could move
from 3-D GIS and CAD into the absolute virtual world and online design using
internet platform and integrating virtual reality (Bruce 2007; Ishida 2002; Yutaka
Takase et al. 2005; Yutaka Takase et al. 2003). This could offer new possibilities
to assist planners in looking at ways to improve urban landscape planning of
cities, aiming for better and more sustainable urban environments; socially,
economically, environmentally and culturally.
The latest technologies could also enhance planning support tools, such as
creating urban growth models to provide better mechanisms for generating and
testing hypotheses about patterns as well as making testable predictions about
cities (AlSayyad 1999; Shiffer 1993), and incorporating Asynchronous
Distributed Collaboration (ADC), allowing participations from different locations
and time (Pham & Dawson 2003). More systematic studies and experiments could
prove the reliability and validity of the computer visualisation that current
researchers demand (Buccolo 2001; Mahmoud 2001). Every specific example of
software currently used will be completely obsolete in the future. However, for
any system used in the future, the principles behind sharing of information for
clear visualisation of complex data, immersive visual, and perhaps aural and
tactile in future environments as suggested in this study, will remain. This
237
combines with the qualification that accuracy in data and any simulation
developed from this data will depend on a much greater willingness on the part of
authorities, developers, politicians and other stakeholders to share and collaborate
on information.
Taking lessons from this research, future studies involving digital media and GIS
for planning could consider the finding that with data accuracy and availability,
confidence among planners in performing analyses with GIS technology, can be
achieved. Political support, staffing, length of experience with GIS technology,
system sharing, data-base contents, and number and type of GIS applications, all
exert some influence on either planning operations or decision making. While
experience with GIS has emerged as the most significant factor in achieving
operational benefits, using GIS technology for analytical tasks has been shown by
this study to positively affect planning decision making processes.
238
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Appendix 1: List of participants
Planning Department
S Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 C1 C2 C3
1 (light blue) Officer - P1
/ / / / / / / X / / /
2 (green) Officer - P2
/ / / / / / / / / / /
Officer - P3
/ / / / / / / / / / /
3 (orange) Officer - P4
/ / X X / X / / / / X
4 (turquoise) Officer - P5
/ / / / / / / / / / /
5 (dark purple) Officer - P6
/ X / / / / / / / / /
Officer - P7
/ / / / / / X / / / /
Officer - P8
/ / / / / / / / / / /
Officer - P9
/ / / / / / / / / / /
6 (brown) Officer - P10
/ / / / / / / / / / /
7 (light purple) Officer - P11
/ / / / / / / / / / X
Officer - P12
/ / / / / / / / / / /
8 (dark green) Officer - P13
/ X / / / X / / / / /
9 (dark blue) Officer - P14
/ / / / / / / / / / /
10 (grey) Officer - P15
/ / / / / / / / / / /
Officer - P16
/ / / / / / / / / / /
250
Appendix 2: Categories, themes and sub-themes
CA
TE
GO
RY
A
THEME: Malaysian Planning SUB THEME: Ala Malaysia C2:Planning and building control ala Malaysia. ELEMENTS
g1 a. Processes/OSC/ implementation a1 b. Transparency/data sharing g2 c. Decision making g3 d. Public participation g e. Policy/structure/guidelines/ /local plans/practicality/issues b2 f. PBT and the stakeholders (consultants, developers, public) g4 g. Analysis/2D/3D
CA
TE
GO
RY
A
THEME: Malaysian Planning SUB THEME: Policy C3: Uniformity and interpretations of legislation; ex. Constitution allowing each state government to amend legislation. ELEMENTS
b1 a. Government structure/federal/state/local g7 b. Comparison with others g c. Uniformity /policy g7 d. Interpretations g6 e. Problems
No Categories Issues Raised from In-depth Interview 1 a data management
a1 data accessibility / transparency / information sharing / transparency
2 b organization b1 government structure / federal / state / local b2 LPA (local planning authority) and stakeholders
3 c system / computing 4 d staffing
d1 attitude d2 interest
5 e 2D / 3D element e1 traditional vs. manual
6 f infrastructure 7 g policy
g1 planning process g2 decision making g3 public participation g4 analysis g5 implementation / application g6 issues / urban g7 benchmark
8 h cost
251
CA
TE
GO
RY
A
THEME: Malaysian Planning SUB THEME: Policy Makers Q5: The interest of policy/decision makers in the digital tools for making decisions in planning. ELEMENTS
a1 a. Info sharing e1 b. Face to face g4 c. Critical analysis d1 d. Attitude/interest/passion/awareness d e. Skills/knowledge c f. System/user friendliness/GIS/2D/3D (their perception)
CA
TE
GO
RY
B
THEME: Digital Media in Planning SUB THEME: Use C1: Use of computer in planning; ex. E-planning, 3D modelling, GIS technologies. ELEMENTS
d a. Staffing f b. Infrastructure; internal and external g2+g3 c. Decision support/public participation h d. Cost/Finance c e. System e f. 2D/3D g1 g. Example/best practices a h. Data management/integration/sharing d1 i. Attitude/interest/knowledge/politics g5 j. Application; abstraction/realism
CA
TE
GO
RY
A
THEME: Malaysian Planning SUB THEME: Issues Q1: Critical areas, issues, problems or weaknesses pertaining to planning development and control in Malaysia. ELEMENTS
a1 a. Information/data/Transparency/data sharing/uniformity b b. Organization/structure / Administrative boundary/Job scope /Partnership/ PBT-
JPBD-other govt /non govt agencies /inter –intra department/power/cooperation g1 c. Planning Process/planning approval/from data access to submission g d. Policy/RT/System/constant change of policy/OSC/Objective vs. subjective policy;
the level of subjectivity c e. Computing/use/knowledge/system/GIS/2D/3D spatial /Computer vs. manual g2 f. Decision making g3 g. Public participation d h. Staffing/Services/staff efficiency g6 i. Urban issues/squatters/hillside development/pocket development f j. Infrastructure/utility
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CA
TE
GO
RY
B
THEME: Digital Media in Planning SUB THEME: Role Q4: The impact/ roles of digital media on the current scenario in planning practice? ELEMENTS
c a. Positive/negative g5 b. Application g5+c 1. Comprehensive g5+a 2. Data storage/Integrated g5g4 3. Analysis g5 4. Prediction g5+g2 5. Decision making g5+b2 6. Convincing a1 c. Transparency/ data b d. Organization /dept/Support/from consultants c e. Need/urgency/demand e f. 2D/3D d1 g. Attitude/interest /go with the flow/mainstream/embrace ongoing technology
CA
TE
GO
RY
B
THEME: Digital Media in Planning SUB THEME: Potentials Q6: The potentials of digital media for improving the current practice of urban design and planning. ELEMENTS
c a. Potentials g1 b. Process/e-submission c c. Assist understanding (for all) e1 d. Traditional vs. digital g4 e. Analysis/Projection (from planning stage) g2 f. Decision making
CA
TE
GO
RY
B
THEME: Digital Media in Planning SUB THEME: Obstacles Q7: Obstacles for improvement (for best practices). ELEMENTS
d1 a. Attitude/mind/readiness/commitment /Cooperation/awareness /Knowledge /Exposure /Understanding
f b. Infrastructure/Support /Resources a c. Data/coordination/sharing/Back
logged/management/collection/reconstruction (digitization) g d. Policy/guidelines /OSC d e. Staffing/Workload g5 f. Implementation (initiate, urge)/consistency c g. System/user friendliness/license/hang h h. Funding b i. Organizational change (top management, policy maker)/system g j. Policy (assist policy development)
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CA
TE
GO
RY
C
THEME: Effective Design and Planning SUB THEME: Elements Q2: Better decision, as far as planning is concerned. ELEMENTS
h a. Cost d b. Staffing/Training c c. System/ User friendly a d. Data/availability/completeness/Updating/organizing g e. Planning policy /Guidelines/clarity vs. logic /Application/approach e f. Tools, 2D/3D/visualization/online g2 g. Decision making/justification g3 h. Public participation
CA
TE
GO
RY
C
THEME: Effective Design and Planning SUB THEME: Measurement Q3: Measuring the effectiveness of design and planning (better decisions). ELEMENTS
g2 a. Life saving g2 b. Complaints g2 c. Acceptable/Applicable g2 d. Security/Less crime/theft g2 e. Sustainable g2+g5 f. Consistent/Implementable/for future/no need to change g2+g1 g. Time (to make decisions) g2 h. Client / resident / public participation g2+g7 i. KPI/SKT g2+g j. Guidelines g2+g1 k. Approvals/Number of g2+a1 l. Transparent/sharing g2+c m. System
CA
TE
GO
RY
D
THEME: System SUB THEME: None System (the system and application currently employed by the respondent’s organization). ELEMENTS
a1 a. Data accessibility c b. System / software - Practicality / User friendliness / Security / Effectiveness a c. Data management (and development /updating/system developer vs.
planners)/transfer d2 d. Interest / co operation /readiness (to divert from hardcopy / embrace digital) e e. 2D/3D element h f. Cost g1 g. OSC h h. Examples, Sumber Putra, E-Submission, SKP d i. Staffing / training b j. Organization (Planning/IT) g4 k. Analysis
Appendix 3: Examples of 2-D and 3-D manual and digital representations, including 3-D visualisation and GIS Please observe these pictures before answering the questions.
1. 2-D MATERIALS AND PHYSICAL MODELS
2D MAP
2-D SITE PLAN
3-D PHYSICAL MODEL
3-D COMPUTER STILL IMAGES
BLUEPRINT
2-D MANUALDRAWING
2-D COMPUTER DRAWING
CHART
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2. 3-D GIS MODEL GENERATION
2-D GIS Map & Attributes
Aerial Image
3-D Modelling
3D GIS Visualization Model Generation
Detailing & Texture
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3. INTEGRATING GIS DATA WITH VISUALISATION
Creator VIO-GIS: Environmental Simulation Centre
Figure a, b, c and d. Source: McKeown, D., W. Starmer, et al. (2002). Visualizing the Urban Environment. American Planning Association National Conference, Chicago.
Community Viz Image: Environmental Simulation Centre
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4. EXAMPLES OF 3-D GIS MODELS
5. ASSISTING UNDERSTANDING
Figure e. and f: Site Builder Images: Environmental Simulation Centre
Figure a. and b. Source: Boyd, S. and R. Chan (2002). Placemaking tools for community action, Denver, U.S.A
Digital 3-D city models with different data layers: (a) reconstructing 3-D from airborne sensed (LiDAR) height data (b) building blocks layered onto aerial photography (c) nitrogen dioxide layered onto the street system. (d) querying buildings developed from 2001 to 2004.
Figure a, b, c and d. Source: Batty, M. (2007). Model Cities. UCL Working Paper Series: The 10th Abercrombie Lecture 2006, London
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6. SIMULATING SCENARIOUS
7. URBAN STUDY
Figure a. The Environmental Simulation Centre model with the floor space in downtown Manhattan (http://www.simcenter.org/).
Figure a. Source: Shiode, N. (2001). "3-D urban models: Recent developments in the digital modelling of urban environments in three-dimensions.
Figure a. Source: Yutaka Takase, N. Sho, et al. (2003). Automatic Generation of 3D City Models and Related Applications. Switzerland
UrbanViewer
OUS
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8. SITE CONTEXT AND SLOPE DEVELOPMENT
Figure b. Source: Pennington, H., et. Al, 2004, Honolulu, Hawaii Building Footprint Geo-Database Project: 3D Urban Visualization, Paper #1693
Figure b: ArcScene Downtown Honolulu using 3-D C b
Figure a. From AutoCAD models to interactive site visualization
McKeown, D., W. Starmer, et al. (2002). Visualising the Urban Environment. American Planning Association National Conference, Chicago.
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9. PREDICTIVE MODELLING
10. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Source: Hudson-Smith, A., S. Evans, et al. (2005). "Building the virtual city: Public participation through e-democracy." Netherlands
Figure a: The Woodberry Down Web Site with Inset Window showing Viewpoint
Figure a: Changes in urban landscape of Kyoto
Figure a. Source: Yutaka Takase, N. Sho, et al. (2003). Automatic Generation of 3D City Models and Related Applications. Switzerland
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Appendix 4: Quantitative survey questionnaire
The effectiveness of 3D GIS and visualisation models as a decision
support tool for development planning proposals
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You are kindly invited to participate in this research survey. As planners, decision makers and stakeholders in a planning development proposal, you are involved in decision making using
digital media. The results of this research will be used to help the candidate in obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. The confidentiality of
this survey will be strictly maintained following Deakin University’s ethics guidelines.
Thank you for your time and co-operation.
Objective and Background
The purpose of this survey is to measure the effectiveness of 3D visualisation models as decision support tools for planning development proposals (including meeting and public consultation processes) by local planning authorities in Selangor, Malaysia and Victoria, Australia. The results of the survey will provide a better understanding of the cultural, organizational and technological issues in the use of 3D visualisation for improving decision making processes.
Respondents
The respondents comprise decision makers, stakeholders and members of the public, involved in the relevant development proposals.
Instructions
There are 4 parts in this survey. Participants in this survey will observe a series of 3D GIS visualisation images in Part A. Following this, they will answer the questionnaire in Part B, C and D. The whole process will take approximately one hour.
The questionnaire form will be handed and collected personally by the researcher or the research assistant. In case it is not possible to deliver the form immediately, Please mail or fax this form to:
Mimi Zaleha Abdul Ghani Higher Degree Research Student, School of Architecture and Building, Faculty of Science and Technology Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, 1 Gheringhap Street, 3217, Geelong, Victoria, Australia For clarifications, please contact the researcher at: Telephone: +61 431239012 or Email: [email protected]
If you are a… Please answer Decision maker All parts (A, B, C and D)
Stakeholder Part A and D only Public Part A and D only
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ROLE
Please tick (X) your role and specify (if relevant)
Plan
ner
Arc
hite
ct
Engi
neer
Land
scap
e A
rchi
tect
Oth
er In
tern
al D
epar
tmen
t (p
leas
e sp
ecify
) __
____
____
____
Exte
rnal
Age
ncy
(ple
ase
spec
ify)
____
____
____
__
Oth
er S
take
hold
ers
(ple
ase
spec
ify)
____
____
____
__
Publ
ic
Tick
SURVEY QUESTIONS
Please read the agreement level statement. Based on your assessment of the pictures, please circle your level of agreement (1-Strongly Disagree to 5-Strongly Agree).
Score Agreement Level
1 Strongly Disagree 2 Disagree 3 Not sure 4 Agree 5 Strongly Agree
PART A: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A1 Public Participation
Level of Agreement
a Communication of development proposals such as documents, maps, 2D drawings and 3D physical model are difficult to understand.
1
2
3
4
5
b Members of the public, in general, are more attracted to 3D visualisation as compared to documents, maps, 2D drawings and 3D
1
2
3
4
5
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physical model.
c The model with its site context can better assist the public and other stakeholders in understanding the real issues and decisions about the development proposal.
1
2
3
4
5
d The model will encourage public participation by generating interest in the planning development of their urban context.
1
2
3
4
5
e The model can increase participation among the public by providing a common platform for discussion and comments about the planning development of the surrounding areas.
1
2
3
4
5
f The model can assist in accommodating public input early in the planning development stage.
1
2
3
4
5
PART B: DECISION MAKING: Development Planning Proposal Meeting
B1 Tools (current presentation materials; flow charts, photographs, plans, 2D drawings, 3D physical models)
Level of Agreement
a Incomplete and unclear planning information provided by the developer is one of the main reasons for delay in the development approval process.
1
2
3
4
5
b The current presentation materials required for development planning proposal submission are satisfactory in explaining the development proposal.
1
2
3
4
5
c Rendered drawings and 3D physical models used by the developer can be misleading.
1
2
3
4
5
d The model and its visualisation capability can serve to verify whether the information provided by the developer is correct.
1
2
3
4
5
e The model, with a more accurate site context has the potential to make planning development proposal meetings more transparent.
1
2
3
4
5
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f The model can enhance the current presentation requirements by providing a clearer picture of the planning development proposal.
1
2
3
4
5
g The model and its visualisation capability can perform as a tool to assist decision makers to ensure and enforce that developers comply with planning policies and guidelines.
1
2
3
4
5
B2 Decision Makers: including politician, internal
departments and external agencies.
Level of Agreement
a Different decision makers have different frameworks when looking at development proposals.
1
2
3
4
5
b Different decision makers use different sets of tool for assessing planning development proposals.
1
2
3
4
5
c The model can assist decision makers to understand/ imagine the spatial quality of the proposed development and site context.
1
2
3
4
5
d The model with its visualisation capability can provide a common platform to bridge the gap between different decision makers in understanding and communicating about the planning development proposal.
1
2
3
4
5
e The model and its visualisation capability can assist developments at the borders between different Local Planning Authorities.
1
2
3
4
5
B3. Decision Making Please rank (1-lowest to 12-strongest) by ticking (X) in the box
a
Decision Making: Better decisions can...........
Wea
kest
Stro
nges
t
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 i Save lives
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ii Reduce accidents
iii Reduce complaints/objections
iv Well accepted by all the stakeholders and public
v Provide living comfort
vi Provide neighbourhood security
vii Reduce traffic problems
viii Satisfy the stakeholders (clients in the general sense)
ix Satisfy local residents
x Satisfy the public
xi Reduce explanation to the stakeholders
xii Using planning tools
Level of Agreement
b The model and its visualisation capability can provide strong justification which is an important element for good decision making.
1
2
3
4
5
c The model can provide a base to develop informed decision making knowledge that can be applied to the development of consistent planning policies.
1
2
3
4
5
PART C: ASSESMENT
C1 Intuition and Interpretation
Level of Agreement
a Intuitive decision making is good. 1
2
3
4
5
b Decision makers often depend on intuitive decision
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making.
1 2 3 4 5
c Decision makers are often influenced by social reasons like empathy.
1
2
3
4
5
d The model can assist in reducing grey areas, thus reducing flexibility and interpretations in decision making.
1
2
3
4
5
e The model supports a scientific approach to decision making that aims to improve the planning process.
1
2
3
4
5
f The model can help to expedite the development application process.
1
2
3
4
5
C2 Visual Impact Assessment
Level of
Agreement a Visual tools for planning assessment helps in creating
human experience such as happiness and satisfaction, as well as anger and disappointment.
1
2
3
4
5
b Visual capability of the model allows decision makers to look at the planning development from different angles, for ex. from the hill, the bus and the street.
1
2
3
4
5
c The model can help decision makers to visualize alternative scenarios and enhance analyses such as “what if”.
1
2
3
4
5
d The model can show the impact of proposed development such as density, within a larger site context and surrounding areas.
1
2
3
4
5
e Visual assessment can help the decision makers to avoid overlooking important elements and reduce errors.
1
2
3
4
5
f Visual capability of the model can help authorities to promote the city agenda, for example; eco-tourism.
1
2
3
4
5
g Visual capability of the model can assist in creating an image and vision for the city
1
2
3
4
5
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C3 Urban Study and Prediction
Level of
Agreement a The model is effective for studying urban
environments, for ex. traffic impact assessment, sun/ shadow casting, green spaces and vertical gardens.
1
2
3
4
5
b The model is helpful for predicting future growth and development with reference to restrictions and changes to current guidelines. For example, by visualisation and manipulating the data parameters (building heights, location, density, podium levels, water run-off …).
1
2
3
4
5
C4 Slope and Highland Development
Level of
Agreement a The capability of the model to visualize the terrain in
relation to the different classifications of zones (1-4) will assist decision makers to analyse suitability of urban land for development.
1
2
3
4
5
b By creating patterns of landslide prone areas, the model can assist authorities to identify and monitor development for high risk development areas, ex. on hillside.
1
2
3
4
5
c The model can assist in producing technical analysis for ex. on geo-physical aspects.
1
2
3
4
5
C5 GIS and 3D Visualisation
Level of
Agreement a GIS is a planner’s tool.
1
2
3
4 5
b 3D Visualisation is an architect’s tool.
1
2
3
4
5
c The current GIS system applied by Malaysian planning authorities is attractive to the decision makers and stakeholders including the public. If not, please state why :.............................................................................................. ...............................................................................................
1
2
3
4
5
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d GIS is currently used in planning processes for data information and for producing maps.
1
2
3
4
5
e 3D visualisation has the potential to make GIS systems become more user-friendly for decision makers and stakeholders including the public.
1
2
3
4
5
f GIS and 3D visualisation can be integrated as a common tool for decision makers and stakeholders including the public.
1
2
3
4
5
g The model’s ability to merge GIS data into visualisation can be the basis for data integration between different departments and agencies, local, state and national level.
1
2
3
4
5
PART D: COMMENT AND/OR OPINION
If you have comments and/or opinions regarding the effective of 3D GIS and visualisation models as a decision support tool for development planning proposals, or any related issue, please write your comments in the space provided below. _________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Before submission, please spare a minute or two to ensure that you have filled and signed the consent form and covered all of the questions. I would like to
extend my utmost appreciation for your time and co operation.
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Appendix 5: Progress of Virtual Werribee
DATE ITEM ACTION OBSERVATION 04/11/09 Meeting with
council Initial meeting with council officer whereby research team proposed to develop a 3-D model of Werribee, concentrating on the main street.
The officer was very excited as there has not been a virtual exhibition of Werribee from the officer.
11/12/09 Discussion with council
Discussion about the project scope, expectations and a demonstration of examples. The scope included developing a 3-D base model for Werribee including land contour, river, railway line and two proposals; the Piazza and the Bridge.
The officer was impressed with 3-D GIS demonstrations using ArcGIS® and SketchUp®. However, the decision to entirely work on 3-D SketchUp® was made to utilise council’s existing resources when using this model.
20/12/09 Received documents
Initial documents including aerial photographs and hardcopy reports and drawings of the proposals.
Initial drawings were sent by post mail before we advised the officer to use the digital Dropbox®.
18/01/10 Discussion with council
Additional requirements by the council included smooth (not stepped) terrain contour of up to one metre, smooth roads, building blocks and other recognisable elements such as levels and windows.
The researcher proposed textured building blocks by draping street elevation photographs, if available and possible. The level of accuracy was also discussed involving the noise level.
21/01/10 Progress presentation & discussion with council
Refinement of the earlier requirements and additional blocks of residential area, street layers, race course, Wyndham Park with trees, greens, parking, street curbs, railway building and
Even though it was a basic massing at this stage, the officer was pleased to be able visualise the entire city in 3-D for the first time. As the
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commercial buildings. Another proposal; the Riverbank Mall was also added.
model progressed, more requirements were generated from the officer.
10/02/10 Progress presentation & discussion. More drawings received from council
Additional blocks including more housing pockets, parking and parks with hard landscaping. Further detailing on the Piazza and the Bridge involving materials, decking and change of stairway design. CAD detail drawings and PDF images of the Piazza and Bridge were received from the council including.
More details were required from the council, for example, the materials for the Piazza and the Bridge.
Continuous consultation through emails and Dropbox®
PDF drawings on some aspects of design were continuously emailed to the officer for further clarification and confirmation. The officer scanned those images and made written notes before sending the noted scanned images back to the researcher for further actions.
The officer became more confident and engaged in the discussion than previously. The model provided the council with a discussion tool.
10/03/10 Progress presentation & discussion. More drawings received from council
More information received from council, including CAD terrain contour and pictures taken from the physical model of the riverside development which were set at different levels and contained different heights.
Some inconsistencies in the consultant’s drawings were discovered. Options using the model were presented to the officer for consultations with the project developer. The model provided the council with a verification tool.
25/03/10
Progress presentation & discussion
Presentation on the progress SketchUp® model which contained the base model of
The officer was very pleased to visualise the entire city within
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with council the existing development, options of proposed development, vegetation and landscape. They were positioned at different layers using different colours. The aerial image of Werribee from Google Earth(r) was placed at the background to provide a more realistic site view.
a more realistic background by combining the Google Earth’s aerial image. Switching from one layer to another enables the officer to see the impact of the proposed development options in comparison to the existing one within the site context. The model provided the council with a decision making tool.
13/05/10 Extensive discussion with council
The project was extended by adding ten more development proposals including new, redevelopment and hypothetical. More drawings and documents related to the above were received.
Recognising the benefits of the model, the officer decided to extend the project.
07/06/10 Progress presentation & discussion with council
Aimed at effectiveness to communicate council’s intentions as well as to avoid wasting resources, clear distinctions of what required detailing and massing were identified. Building models with envelope details were limited to only a few based on necessity as stakeholders were more interested to know, for example, whether the new development would obstruct their views. Ways to communicate council’s proposals to the stakeholders in regards to the overall city planning
The officer became progressively engaged with model.
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were explored by the research team.
08/07/10 Finalising the project with council
Presentation comprised of an interactive model which the stakeholders can manipulate and “walk around”, clearer representation images, and a movie that encapsulated the whole presentation. It included a completed interactive SketchUp® model, a series of clearer images, and a movie file that combined the readily available Google Earth’s 3-D models of Melbourne. The animated flying scene from Melbourne showed the more understood distance between the Capital City and Werribee as compared to numeral distances in kilometre.
The officer finds the outcome of combining the SketchUp® model with Google Earth’s 3-D models engaging, attractive and friendly. The project provided the council with a toolkit to communicate their planning agenda.
15/07/10 Sending off final project in CD
CD contained the SketchUp® model, images, movie and the required softwares; SketchUp® version 7 and Media Player that are readily available online for free.
Project completed
Total hours of developing the 3-D Werribee is approximately 60 hours, and within a period of about 8 months starting from the initial meeting. There were many instances of inconsistency in the drawings prepared by the project developers. As the modelling process progressed, the research team had to carry out many modifications and repetition as result of numerous design changes by the council.
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Appendix 6: Virtual Melawati: 3D GIS as a Decision Support Tool for Urban Planning
Virtual Melawati: 3D GIS as a Decision Support Tool for Urban Planning
A Case Study
Mimi Zaleha Abdul Ghani, Sambit Datta Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
Key words: 3-D GIS, interactive visualization, decision support tool, planning development process
Abstract: Virtual Melawati is an environment for developing expertise in the application of 3D interactive visualization and GIS (Geographic Information System) to address problems of the built environment and to test the model as a decision support tool in the context of the local planning authorities in Malaysia. The visual approach enables the integration of highly complex spatial GIS information such as the evolution and transformation of the urban precinct as well as the impact of planned developments into the decision making process. The study will examine the techniques of data acquisition, data reconstruction from physical to digital, urban analysis and visualization in constructing an interactive 3D GIS model to support and assist the decision making process in urban design and planning. The outcomes of the study will deliver an experimental test bed for improving decision making processes in urban planning and design utilizing 3D modeling and GIS. The project will accelerate the uptake of digital and multimedia methods in local government, facilitate current planning and consultation processes between councils and stakeholders and improve the dissemination and management of spatial information about urban environments.
INTRODUCTION
This paper describes the research that is carried out as part of a Ph.D. thesis on the use of 3D interactive visualization and Geographic Information System (GIS) for decision making in planning processes. While digital media has the potential to produce better decision making in the urban design and planning processes, the effective application of digital tools for visualization in the area is relatively under explored. Its effective use to enhance planning decisions is still far reaching and studies are widely revolving around system development (Shen and Kawakami, 2007). Following Kwartler’s suggestion (cited by Holtzman, 2006) to “provide a structure for small, incremental decision making”, the project is aimed at gaining an insight of how to use the 3D GIS as a tool for the planning development process in the context of a Malaysian urbanized town.
The project involves developing a 3D GIS model called “Virtual Melawati” to assist The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) to address the problems of the built environment in Melawati. Three issues confronting Melawati are investigated; image and visibility from a major highway, traffic and parking
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system surrounding the business and commercial hubs, and the streetscape involving the double frontage shop offices. In constructing the model, the process of data acquisition and reconstruction from physical to digital in the context of Malaysian local authority is investigated. Reframed in a visual environment, Virtual Melawati will deliver as an experimental test bed for resolving critical urban issues and improving urban planning in Melawati. Through spatial analysis using 3D interactive visualization, Virtual Melawati Jaya will perform as a tool to understand the complex planning information and motivate decision makers to arrive at better decisions to enhance living qualities and manage the built environment (Emem and Batuk, 2004). As an analytical tool, the model will demonstrate and provide assessment on the critical elements of Melawati’s built environment.
Virtual environment as a common platform
“Decisions which modify the built environment have a lasting impact; therefore it is crucial to comprehend the proposed changes before they are cast in concrete. An obvious way is to view modifications through computer simulations and assess their impact.”
(Pullar and Tidey, 2001, p. 29)
Cities are living organism (Sidiropoulos and Vasilakos, 2006) and fractal structures (Batty and Longley, 1994 as cited by Batty, 2007) that changes through time. While development of cities are difficult to comprehend (Hillier B., 2006), the environmental planning is an even more complicated process that requires a wide range of considerations (Duhr et. al., 2005). To assist in shaping perceptions of the real world, the virtual environment in the form of 3D models can communicate in a “common visual language” that laymen can easily understand compared to 2D text based materials (Pietsch, 2000; Meng and Ahmad, 2000; Duhr et. al. 2005; Yin and Hastings, 2007).
In the process of decision making that involves decision makers and stakeholders from different professional backgrounds and having different tasks and responsibilities; the main success to focusing on common interest is having tools that can overcome the professional divides (Stonor, 2006). Visualization techniques provide the common platform for viewing the same information from different angles as well as assisting in the integration of multiple opinions and perspectives (Ramasubramaniam and McNeil, 2004). Having a similar pattern on visual preference among stakeholders from design and non design background (Shen and Kawakami, 2007; Rafi M. and Rani R.M., 2008), the digital approach, including 3D models, enables all levels of people to understand evolution and transformation of the urban precinct as well as the impact of planned developments (Ramasubramaniam and McNeil, 2004; Yin and Hastings, 2007).
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Although decision making remains a human conduct, 3D modelling and visualization can enhance decision making capability by increasing people’s conceptive levels of design solutions in what they perceive, explore and conceive (Abdelhameed, 2005). They offer a potentially powerful tool to enable the integration of complex spatial information in supporting policymaking, facilitating planning and decision making. Responding to the digital paradigm which is becoming more inevitable, developing a visualization environment using 3D models also recognizes their potentials to support spatial analysis for decision making (Shen and Kawakami, 2007) and the needs for modelling urban growth (Batty et. al., 2000; Brail et. al., 2001; Fragkias and Seto, 2007).
3D GIS
The virtual environment represents the geography and geometry of a real city where information can flow to affected citizens to enhance engagements with professionals and politicians in order to produce more effective plans (Hudson-Smith, 2002). In the planning processes involving the preparation and reviewing of plans, GIS plays a significant part in environmental planning (Zhou et. al., 2006) and supports spatial data and analyses results, policy and guidelines (Yaakup, 2006). While it has vast capacity to display relevant data to facilitate communication among different decision makers involved in the planning processes (Johar et. al., 2006), the ability to inter-relate data offers another contribution (Yaakup, 2006). Its immense capacity for inventory, navigation, and analysis of spatial and non-spatial data and popularity has increased among urban planners world wide (Yin and Hastings, 2007).
There are various methods to construct the 3D GIS base models which heavily depend on GIS data availability and accuracy. It can be performed by transferring highly geometrical city models that have been created using different methods into GIS (Emem and Batuk, 2004). However, traditional CAD approaches such as AutoCAD, ArchiCAD and 3D Max that are commonly employed for geometric modelling is not practical for visualizing large data sets of the environment (Lange, 2001). Although they can produce high geometric precision, they are relatively heavy and require good operating skills (Abdul-Ghani and Datta, 2009). A preferred method with sufficient data is the extrusion technique within GIS software, carrying attribute data into volumetric block (Shih and Lee, 2009). Further detail treatments may incorporate texture mapping to add realism to the blocks, displaying texture, colour and material. The SketchUp’s proprietary plug-in Shapefile importer enables detailed content to be built and is entirely compatible to the analytical functionalities and querying capabilities of state-of-the-art GIS. Combining GIS and 3D visualization tools can be more powerful than using either alone (Shiode, 2001).
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In the last decade, development of GIS technologies have incorporated interactive visualization tools such as ArcScene and ArcGlobe to enhance the performance of spatial analysis, for example, in studying the relationships between buildings, streets and neighbours (Yin and Hastings, 2007). While performing spatial queries for various scenario based analysis (Shiode, 2001) and for proposing “what if” scenarios (Counsell and Smith, 2007), these objects are geo-referenced; which is the key feature of 3D GIS. Many communities throughout the world that have stored their infrastructure in GIS database are now challenged by an ongoing debate of how to effectively visualize the complex 3D urban environment (Starmer, et. al., 2002), as well as how to integrate VRML technologies and online design over the World Wide Web (Bruce, 2007).
Melawati
Introduction
Melawati is a suburb located in the conurbation of Kuala Lumpur; the capital city of Malaysia and is experiencing a huge urban expansion. It lies in the Ampang Jaya Township in the State of Selangor which is the eighth most urbanized metropolitan town in Malaysia (Jaafar 2004). Melawati falls under the administration of Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, known as MPAJ. From the 14,350 hectares total land area of Ampang Jaya, 656.70 acres of land lies in Melawati, and the Melawati Town Centre (MTC) encompasses an area of 7.8 acres. From the Malaysian Statistics Department record conducted by the local council in 2008, the population of Melawati is 28,545 people.
MTC is a popular residential and commercial suburb in Ampang Jaya. Together with other suburbs of Taman Permata, Ampang Point, Pekan Ampang, Bandar Baru Ampang and Pandan Indah, they form the core areas for township development for Ampang Jaya, focusing on commercial, financial and services activities. In the past few years, the surrounding area of MTC has experienced a huge growth, mainly due to rapid development of business, recreational and education centres and the highly established residential suburbs surrounding it. The whole episode of urbanization has grown MTC from what it was earlier planned into a dense town with massive urban issues. While the planning authorities are grappling to resolve these major issues, the stakeholders are calling for innovative approach for better planning and control of their town. Apart from the pressure, MPAJ has realized the urgent need to relook at the present developments and problems in MTC and to apply proper measures to achieve good planning and control as well as gain the confidence of the public and stakeholders, particularly the investors. The strategies aligned for MTC in achieving desired goals as stated in the Ampang Jaya Structure Plan 1995-2020 (1998, p. 4-14) include developing the area and its surroundings to create business and commercial hubs, boosting commercial development, services and public
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facilities, executing and increasing landscaping and beautifying programs, and advertising these hubs using home page to invite local and foreign investors.
Planning Policy and Decision Making
The strategic and statutory planning in Melawati adheres to the Malaysian planning system that is categorized by the Federal Government, State Government and Local Government. MPAJ is the Local Government and the key player in decision making and service provision in Melawati. Following the Town and Country Planning Act, MPAJ is empowered for the strategic and statutory planning in Melawati that comply with a number of policies. The MPAJ’s Structure and Local Plan are developed from the Federal and State Structure Plan that involves among others; the National Urban Policy, KL 2020 and the Local Agenda 21. On the other hand, MPAJ’s Statutory Policy is formed by The National Land Code, Local Authority Act, Town and Country Planning Act, The Street, Drainage and Building Act, and The Uniform Building By-Law, coupled with the local authority rules and guidelines.
The recent amendment to the Town and Country Planning Act, 1976 (Act 172) warrants the formulation of innovative planning at various spatial and administrative levels to ensure effective planning processes (Yaakup, 2006). Responding to the call is also timely with the Electronic Government (e-govt) development planning proposal submission system; and the One-Stop-Centre (OSC) planning development application procedure. They are the springboard aimed to revolutionize Malaysian planning system to bring about fundamental changes from the society level (Meng and Ahmad, 2000) and to meet with global IT expectations and future challenges.
In addressing the challenges, MPAJ is confronted with the lack of tool to support decision making and to produce effective urban planning and assessment of proposed developments and land use in its municipal region. Its weaknesses to perform its own urban analysis have forced MPAJ to strongly depend on the National and State Structure Plans in developing its Local Structure Plan. Its present system of development control, as in many local planning authorities in Malaysia, is by granting or refusal of planning development proposals (Yaakup, 2002).
Virtual Melawati
Data Acquisition
Data acquisition starts with accessing government records from MPAJ. Alike the majority of the Local Planning Authorities in Malaysia which use GIS’s MapInfo program, MPAJ provides the GIS dataset in MapInfo data format (.TAB) that
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contains restricted data on land use and building lot parameter that covers approximately 20 kilometre wide jurisdiction of MPAJ. This generally represent the standard data availability in most local planning authorities in Malaysia, with few exceptions for Kuala Lumpur, Seberang Prai, Alor Gajah and Melaka Planning Councils as well as the Federal and State Town and Country Planning Departments that are vigorously developing and upgrading their GIS database with sound infrastructure and financial support.
The satellite image provided by MPAJ is considerably poor in resolution considering that the Malaysian Survey and Mapping Department (JUPEM) is capable of providing QuickBird satellite image which is considered the highest resolution sensors commercially available in Malaysia and offers image of up to 0.6 meter resolution. Although detailed current topographic maps, cadastral maps, road system and other information of the city are readily available from MPAJ, other data layers from relevant departments are insufficient. Past information from MPAJ’s archive is scarce as MPAJ is a reasonably new municipal. Aerial photographs of Melawati are not available although the need is paramount as Melawati’s hillside experience major recurring landslides. Additional information such as the draft of the amended local plan and other planning documents provide us with support materials for model development. Initiated by our project, the Building Department in MPAJ has commissioned the lengthy procedure of photographing all of the building blocks in MTC and the immediate surroundings for the purpose of texture detailing in the 3D model. However, the photographs contain too much “noise” such as cars, people and trees that require extensive “cleaning” and editing.
Data Processing
The project utilizes ArcGIS desktop software version 9.3, including its components: ArcCatalog, ArcMap and its visualization tool; ArcScene. SketchUp is the preferred modelling software for Melawati for its integrated functionality and compatibility with ArcGIS although it’s rendering and detailing capability is slightly compromised when compared with several powerful CAD softwares. Data processing starts with converting vector data using the Universal Translator Tool in MapInfo to Shape-data format before the data can be further explored in ArcGIS (figure 1). Raster data is readily readable in ArcGIS’s ArcCatalog (figure 2), but requires geo referencing tool extension in ArcMap to adjust the raster data by shifting and stretching it to match with the vector data (figure 3). In this timely process, control point command is used to adjust the orientation and scale of the raster data while the opacity of the vector data is reduced to assist in the overlaying process which takes many tries (figure 4).
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Data Reconstruction
3D GIS block model may be automatically generated in ArcScene by extruding building footprints with the height data of each building stored in the GIS building height layer. However, in our case of insufficient data layer, we develop the entire building blocks using SketchUp. Since the data only contain the land plot, each building footprint needs to be carefully digitized from the satellite image and its height determined from the shadow cast. Figure 5 demonstrates the process of modelling a block in SketchUp; from a polygon that has been exported using the Shape-file importer in ArcScene. Elevation photographs are meticulously edited in Adobe Photoshop (figure 6) before they are draped over the building blocks to create a photo realistic image of a row of shop office (figure 7). The textured blocks are then exported back into ArcScene for visualizing the entire buildings within a realistic site context of the satellite image. Switching between layers from the basic and the textured block enables us to visualize the massing component of the building in relation to the realistic view (figure 8).
Figure 3. (left) Raster data overlaid with vector data in ArcMap Figure 4. (right) Matching raster and vector data with reduced transparency in ArcMap
Figure 1. (left) Raster data conversion in MapInfo Figure 2. (right) Raster data in ArcCatalog
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Urban Issues and Analysis
“Experimenting with urban space” is a central task in planning processes (Voigt and Linzer, 2003) where spatial analysis is pertinent. Until currently, planners have not found an efficient method to control and design the urban space (Xia and Qing, 2004). In planning activities that involves complex process and tedious procedures (Johar et. al. 2006), the players require the appropriate tool to effectively represent and communicate their viewpoints (Xia and Qing, 2004). Bridging between theory and reality (Batty, 2007), models are tools for relating the world (Fragkias and Seto, 2007). Possible utilization of digital simulation models and techniques in the planning processes is huge, particularly to support visualization for spatial analysis involving several committees and technical evaluations of group decisions on planning proposals (Voigt and Linzer, 2003; Shen and Kawakami 2007; Johar et. al. 2006). 3D GIS support spatial analysis and in evaluating alternative solutions by two means, firstly, using its data storage and retrieval technology that provide rapid and efficient information retrieval to support quick response on analytical questions and monitoring issues. Secondly, its integrated 3D capability that enables different scenarios to be modelled and generated (Yaakup, 2006) to support spatial urban analysis.
Melawati is facing many urban issues in its rapid urban growth. From an interview with the planners, three major issues have been identified; image and visibility of entrance signage from the major highway, traffic and parking system, and the visual streetscape which involves the double frontage shop offices. There are several roles that the Virtual Melawati can play in the spatial analysis of the urban form and structure. Virtual Ampang has the capability to translate
Figure 7. (left) Draped building block in SketchUp Figure 8. (right) Building blocks visualized in ArcScene
Figure 5. (left) Building footprint exported from ArcScene into SketchUp Figure 6. (right) Photo editing in Adobe Photoshop
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complicated city information into easily understood spatial information by modelling the urban elements in context of the surroundings, such as the entrance signage, the road and parking system, and the double frontage shop offices. In supporting urban analysis, it provides these scenarios with multiple viewpoints from different angles. As a predictive tool, it can assist in visualizing the future urban patterns that include land use, neighbourhood and regional visioning, transportation planning, landscaping, site planning and so forth by establishing and calibrating the current patterns. Virtual Melawati incorporates the physical components as well as climatic and human factors of the street environment in exploring the real site issues and problems including visual quality. This approach enables Melawati to assist in visual impact assessment (VIA) as a significant process to monitor and evaluate visual quality of urban streetscape (Rafi M. and Rani R.M., 2008).
Image and Visibility
The Middle Ring Road 2 Highway (MRR2) is the gateway that connects Melawati to other major urban districts in Kuala Lumpur (figure 9). This accessibility factor alone has boosted its economic development as it growingly becomes popular among local citizens and foreign investors. As the major entrance, the view is primarily important to create an impressive image of Melawati and the overall Ampang Jaya from the highway.
There are many complaints regarding the existing placement of the entrance signage to Melawati. While the frontage of the signage can be viewed from a distance, motorists often miss it as its side faces the MRR2, and furthermore, blocked by a tree. The proposed rendered image to increase Melawati’s legibility from MRR2 provided by the consultant attempts to create an impact entrance by relocating the signage and facing it towards MRR2, as well as further beautification and landscaping (figure 10). Compared to the singular view of the rendered perspective, 3D visualization supports spatial analysis and decision making by presenting multiple viewpoints involving different alternatives for the signage’s placement, design, as well as colour, size, landscape, trees, street furniture, and many more “what ifs” (figure 11).
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Traffic and Parking
When MPAJ was set up in 1992, the one-way traffic road system in MTC was designed to replace the two-way system, aimed at reorganizing the business areas while resolving the problems involving the sprawling stalls of the petty traders. The new system channels the traffic around the business and commercial hubs, such as the food bazaar and community centre while MPAJ started to impose parking fees. At intervals, pockets of parking spaces are provided, coupled with parking ticket booths. These traffic routes becomes winding as it forces traffic around these hubs which aims to encourage business development within the hubs. Massive traffic congestion occurs when long queue of vehicles form along the parking booths as people are trying to pay for their parking tickets and obstruct the traffic flow (figure 12). After just two years into installation, the authority has found the system ineffective and cannot maintain with the increasing volume of traffic that is further induced by new developments in MTC. To facilitate the parking payment, the authority has installed payment machines along the parking spaces in replace of the parking booths (figure 13). However, the one-way traffic route has not been revised to accommodate the new parking system. To make matters worse, illegal businesses soon made their way to fill the vacant booths, adding to the already chaotic traffic condition.
Conducting traffic analysis involves field surveys and reports using charts, 2D maps and drawings and can be quite difficult, particularly when having to consider the various urban fabrics of Melawati. GIS visualization enables the traffic engineers to predict the pattern of traffic flows in context of the current surrounding buildings (figure 14), as well as the planned future buildings using 2D ArcMap. Using its 3D component in ArcScene, the traffic information is further translated into easily understood form as it merges with spatial 3D
Figure 11. 3D GIS showing multiple viewpoints of the existing signage from MRR2 Highway
Figure 9. (left) The entrance to Melawati from MRR2 highway Figure 10 (right) Rendered image of the proposed entrance upgrading
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visualization. As a common tool, it provides the spatial platform to merge building information from the Building department with the road and traffic information from the Engineering department to be further discussed among relevant agencies such as the Road and Works Department, the Traffic Department, The Police Force and the stakeholders that include the shop owners and the affected public (figure 15).
Double Frontage and Streetscape
Double frontage shop offices at MTC were designed to promote the continuous flow atmosphere of pedestrian shopping and to encourage shop owners to maintain both shop frontages as they maximize on sales profit. However, the surrounding facility was not appropriately considered with the double frontage design. For example, the back road is too narrow, the footpath is lacking, and the refuse chambers were not provided, thus resulting to the refuse bins being left on the footpath (figure 16). As a result of these, one frontage of the block is well received while the other suffers from lack of accessibility as the lane becomes a “dead area” with lack of lighting and security. Furthermore, a number of shop owners still treat the “less received side” of the building as the rear and use them for activities such as cooking and cleaning.
In promoting and controlling the visual streetscape, 3D visualization can assist by presenting the double frontage design in context of the existing surrounding facility. By modelling the existing scenario, many problems in the use of urban
Figure 12. (left) Traffic congestion along the one-way-traffic route. Figure 13. (right) An idle parking booth beside the new parking machine.
Figure 14. (left) The 2D view of traffic route marked in red and yellow lines in ArcMap Figure 15. (right) The 3D view of traffic and parking system in ArcScene
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space can be highlighted simultaneously within the same context and visualization as compared to written reports and 2D images. In the 3D analysis, views from the different angles of the modelled scenarios can help to establish the necessary measures that need to be undertaken to improve the current condition of the streetscape (figure 17a, b and c)
Conclusion
The outcome of the study is expected to support planning decisions and facilitate consultation processes between councils and stakeholders and improve the dissemination and management of spatial information about urban environments. Reframed in a virtual setting, the interactive model has the potential to attract public participation and to develop better understanding among the public about their city. As the web is becoming a common platform for the wider audience, it can provide the interface for Virtual Ampang to disseminate up-to-date planning information as well as to communicate current issues and future plans while generating feedback from the general public.
In dealing with rapid urban growth, Virtual Melawati is an infant project in adopting the best practices in the field of environmental visualization. It tests the model as a decision support tool that integrates CAD with limited application of GIS software while exploring the current data availability commonly maintained by the Malaysian planning authorities. The effectiveness of Virtual Melawati for urban and planning analysis is heavily challenged by many factors, primarily data availability and accuracy that includes lack of data layers and a substandard satellite image. As a result of these, several automated tools designed to facilitate
Figure 16. (left) The existing “less received side” of the double frontage shop office. Figure 17 (right) a.
Figure 17 b. (left). Figure 17 c. (right)
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the process cannot be explored, for example, the extrusion technique in ArcScene. Lack of resolution in the satellite image has made it ineffective to conduct 3D analysis of the buildings in context of its surroundings as the pixelated ground image from perspective views hardly represents a virtually realistic environment.
Another issue that challenges this project is the disciplinary boundary that demands expertise from firstly, the modelling capability that is often related to the Architects, and secondly, the GIS softwares application that are often used by planners. The third expertise which involves geo-referencing; the forte of the land surveyors, may overcome our deficiency as a higher resolution image can be “stitched” and geo-referenced from the Google Maps. While the future of 3D visualization and GIS is encouraged by the integration of these expertises, the current developments of GIS among the planning authorities in Malaysia are positive with the support from the Federal and State Town Planning Departments. The future model of Melawati will aim to explore GIS’s powerful analytical and querying capabilities within the interactive visualization environment while experimenting future possibilities with “urban parametric” (Kvan, 2009). Integrating the evolving technologies in retrieval, transmission and visualization of 3D data (Zach et. al., 2001), it will attempt the future virtual world that is capable of constantly and relatively changing alongside the real world.
References
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Appendix 7: Virtual Werribee: A planning support tool
Virtual Werribee: A planning support tool
M.Z. Abdul Ghani a, S. Datta a and D. Beynon a a School of Architecture and Building, Deakin University, Victoria
Email: [email protected]
Virtual Werribee is collaborative research in applying 3-D modelling and visualisation as a planning support tool in comparison to 2-D plans and drawings. It was a joint initiative involving Deakin University and the Wyndham City Council to demonstrate the use of 3-D visualisation for planning process in the actual context of a planning authority in Australia. The objective of this project was to assist the council in preparing for the revised Local Structure Plan. By reconstructing the council’s data into easily understood information, 3-D model and visualisation served as a verification and discussion tool for decision making. The integration of wider site context also provided a better understanding of the surrounding development areas. This could equip other stakeholders as well as the community to participate in council’s planning agenda activities, such as increasing the urban density and building heights limit.
Virtual Werribee included the development planning agenda, categorised as new, re-development and hypothetical. The modelling process progressed with sufficient data from the council. Some changes to the initial plan were made, including the use of CAD modelling software instead of GIS software, and production of a block model with selected detail buildings, instead of a full draped 3-D model. The council decided that the block model would be sufficient for their planning purposes. This was determined while taking into consideration the available facilities at the council.
The potentials of the model as a planning tool were demonstrated in this paper, and further compared to the council’s existing materials prepared by the project developers. The advantages of the 3-D interactive model and visualisation over the conventional materials have provided the council officer with a tool for better empowerment in the planning process. This was also evident in the increasing engagement level between the officer and the model as the process developed. As a result of this, the project scope has also expanded, finally covering the entire city.
While Virtual Werribee has the potential to better communicate council’s planning agendas to the stakeholders and the community, the key factor, coupled with its visualisation components, was its interactive capability. Property layers with aerial site image that provided a realistic background served as a virtual city platform for different users. Although limited in its analytic capability found in GIS software, this model offered high visualisation content to assist visual impact assessment through its interactive mode along with a series of still images and a simulation movie.
Keywords: 3-D modelling, visualisation, planning support tool, Geographic Information System (GIS)
INTRODUCTION
Virtual Werribee is a visualisation environment to address the needs for modelling urban growth (Batty et al., 2000; Brail & Klosterman, 2001; Fragkias & Seto, 2007) and for developing the application skills of 3-D modelling as a planning support tool between Deakin University and the Wyndham City Council. The objective is to assist the council in pursuing their planning agendas, including preparing and revising their local structure plan. It provides the council with an improved planning tool to support decision making and planning consultation among the involved parties. This would be the council’s first experience in exploring a 3-D model which is capable of animating scenes,
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perform multiple spatial queries, shadow analysis, and various scenario based analysis (Shiode, 2001).
By reconstructing the council’s data into easily understood information, the visualisation model (Kim & Bejleri, 2005) served as a verification and discussion tool to facilitate decision making and provide better understanding among decision makers and stakeholders in the development proposals. In addition, the integration of the wider site context with the model could further improve this understanding. In comparison to conventional planning materials such as 2-D plans, drawings and 3-D physical model, the digital model could also equip the community with better understanding to participate in the planning activities organised by the council to pursue its planning agenda, such as increasing urban density and building heights.
In updating its local planning strategies to bring better planning for Werribee, the Wyndham City Council has taken into account the State Government Strategic Plan which included the State’s key policy statement for metropolitan areas known as Living Suburbs (Wyndham City Council, 1999). In this context, eight general strategies have been defined for Werribee. They are; rapid population growth, location of growth, major industrial and employment areas, transport, infrastructure, rural areas, environment, and urban design and image (Wyndham City Council, n.d.). These issues have been addressed in the working draft of the Werribee City Centre Vision which included several development proposals, categorised in this research as new, re-development and hypothetical.
Process
The earlier proposal of Virtual Werribee concentrated on the city centre and the main street, which is Watton Street. During the initial meeting, research scope, samples of similar works, and expectations were presented to the council officer. It included developing a 3-D base model for Werribee, including land contour, river, railway line and three proposals; the River Bank Mall, the Piazza and a Pedestrian Bridge.
While the aim is to disseminate development planning to the stakeholders, means to communicate the materials have been explored in this research. The result is a presentation comprising three components; an interactive SketchUp® model which the viewer could ‘walk around’ (Figure 1), a series of rendered images of the entire city and the proposed developments (Figure 2); and a 3-D simulation movie integrating Google Earth® (Figure 3). The development of the Virtual Werribee took approximately sixty hours within a period of eight months which started from the initial meeting. The set level of detail included smooth, and not stepped, terrain contour of up to one metre, and smooth road. The building blocks
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would be draped with facade pictures, and included other recognisable elements such as levels and openings. While the initial schedule was to build a block model, some buildings required further details. Aimed at achieving effectiveness to communicate council’s intentions as well as being resourceful, clear distinctions of areas which required detail and massing were identified. When the block model was completed, the officer decided to discontinue with the plan to drape the entire building blocks with facade images. Instead, some building blocks which demanded more attention were applied with texture details. The officer considered that the block model would be sufficient for studying and demonstrating their planning intentions as stakeholders were generally more interested to know, for example, whether the new development would obstruct their views.
Data acquisition
The initial documents for data processing involved a digital copy of satellite images and aerial perspectives of the entire city. The hardcopy materials included a master plan, development planning proposal reports and drawings of two proposals prepared by the appointed project developers. These were followed by digital drawings in CAD and PDF formats, as well as GIS data property in GeoMedia®. The additional photographs of a physical massing model assisted us in working with the complex multi level and height of the River bank Mall involving existing and new building blocks on a sloping site.
We found that the level of detail and accuracy in the materials we received from the council were satisfactory for reconstructing 2-D into a 3-D model. The high resolution aerial images provided us with precise building footprints for our laborious digitising process of developing the building blocks. The CAD terrain drawing also enabled us to develop a contoured base model. The location of trees in the CAD drawings also enabled us to position gum trees onto the model. To maintain a workable file size for faster uploading, we have chosen to use intersected images of trees rather than a full 3-D tree model.
Figure 1. SketchUp® Figure 2. Rendered Figure 3. Simulation
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Data reconstruction and visualisation
The SketchUp® model contained land boundaries, terrain contours, roads, curbs, street furniture, trees, rivers, parking areas, existing buildings and different options of the proposed developments. These attributes were placed in different property layers in different colours and titles. Within the interactive mode of SketchUp® version 7, multiple views of the proposed developments could be generated by switching between different layers. These included layers of the existing and new buildings which would allow the viewers to experience the virtual transformation from the existing to new and subsequently to the hypothetical development. The aerial image of Werribee from Google Earth® was merged at the background to provide a more realistic representation of the cityscape and visually suggest how the new development would fit within the whole site context.
While the views from the interactive model would be sufficient for understanding the spatial design, the series of rendered images provided clearer snapshots of the model. These images were made accessible as they could be easily viewed, scaled or transferred into reports. Printed images could also be sketched upon, particularly to accommodate those who have no access to computers. In a two-minute video, the simulation movie of Werribee combined the readily available 3-D Melbourne in Google Earth®. The animated flying scene demonstrated the proximity between the Melbourne city centre and Werribee as an option to the numeral distance count.
As the modelling progressed along the consultations between the council and the project developers, many design changes were made to the model. In communicating these changes, we have emailed saved images of the affected design to the council officer for further clarification and confirmation. He would then scan these images and write notes on them before emailing them back to us for further modifications. For bigger files, we utilised Dropbox®.
3-D GIS
Attempting to integrate 3-D modelling with the GIS system, this research started by using ArcGIS® version 9.2. Data layers from the
council were transferred into ArcMap and viewed in ArcScene, along with the building blocks that were earlier extruded in SketchUp® from the digitised building footprints. The council officer was convinced with the outcome and of the benefits of ArcGIS®, which may be used in future for by other
Figure 4. View of 3-D Werribee in ArcScene
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councils, along with other powerful software. He was particularly impressed with the GIS layer selection integrating 3-D buildings and background site image (Figure 4).
He also thought that the data layers in ArcMap could better connect to decision makers such as planners and engineers, while architects would be more familiar with the modelling software. In accommodating the whole planning team, he believed that ArcScene would be more friendly and engaging. However, taking into consideration the available facilities at the council, the decision was made to entirely work with SketchUp® although it lacks the analytic capability of GIS software.
Interest
As the whole model began to take shape, the officer became more convinced of the potentials in the model for planning as described in Table 1. As a result of this, the research scope expanded, with ten more proposals covering almost the whole area of Werribee. He was also more engaged in the discussion than previously, when we were dealing with technical reports and 2-D drawings in different forms. It was also observed that his engagement level increased with the model, presumably because he could better relate to the more developed model compared to earlier in the process. At this stage, he was contributing to the model development by refining and adding materials while experiencing manoeuvring around the virtual model.
Liaison with council Observation on officer’s interest 1st Meeting The officer was very excited as there has not been a virtual
exhibition of Werribee from the officer. 2nd Discussion The officer was impressed with 3-D GIS demonstration using
ArcGIS® and SketchUp®. 5th Progress presentation
& discussion At the massing model stage: the officer was already pleased to be able to visualise the entire city in 3-D for the first time. As the model progressed, more requirements were demanded by the officer.
7th Continuous consultation through email and Dropbox®
The officer became more confident and engaged in the discussion than previously. (Discussion tool)
8th Progress presentation & discussion.
Some inconsistencies and discrepancies in the consultant’s drawings were discovered and highlighted in 3-D to the officer for further consultation with the project developer. Options using 3-D were also presented. (Verification tool)
9th Progress presentation & discussion
The officer was very pleased to visualise the entire city within a more realistic background integrating Google Earth’s aerial image. Switching between layers enabled the officer to view the impact of proposed development in different scenarios, including existing and future.
10th Extensive discussion Recognising the benefits of the model, the officer decided to extend the project.
11th Progress presentation & discussion
The officer became progressively engaged with the model.
Table 1. Development of Virtual Werribee
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12th Finalising the project The officer found that the combination of SketchUp® model with Google Earth’s 3-D model as engaging, attractive and friendly.
13th Final product submission
Research completed.
Potentials
Development; new, re-development and hypothetical
In facilitating the council in revising Werribee’s local plan, the potentials of the Werribee 3-D model and its visualisation techniques as a verification and discussion tool were explored and compared to the conventional methods such as 2-D plans and drawings. This was demonstrated in several proposals outlined for the revised local plan; categorised as new, re-development and hypothetical.
Decision making tool
3-D Werribee has the potential to serve as a tool to understand complex planning information and motivate decision makers to arrive at better decisions to enhance living qualities and manage the built environment (Emem & Batuk, 2004). The interactive layer property options showed the visual impact of proposed hypothetical development to the surrounding areas, as shown in Figure 6 and 7. Combining Google Earth’s aerial image as the background provided a more realistic site context. Another benefit of the model was transparency control in visualising proposed development in relation to existing buildings. This was carried out by overlapping a proposed development over the existing grey buildings while reducing the opacity of new development layer, showed in a different colour. In comparison to the council’s 2-D documents, these capabilities could assist the stakeholders in decision making, for example, in making better judgements about whether such a development would benefit the community or otherwise.
Comparison; Existing 3-D interactive visualisation and council’s documents
Planning materials referred by the council which included 2-D drawings and 3-D physical model were compared to Virtual Werribee as described in Table 2.
Figure 6. Existing development Figure 7. Hypothetical development
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Council’s materials
Virtual Werribee
1 2-D scaled master plan of Werribee city centre drawn on over an enlarged aerial image of the whole city. It contained a legend with various coding.
Interactive mode in which property layer that can be selected and tracked to the model by clicking on it.
2 2-D plans and a perspective rendering of the pedestrian bridge. The static view did not allow viewing from other different positions, for example, from the river.
Interactive and provided a more realistic view of the bridge, for example, from the foot path.
3 2-D colour coded drawings including plans, sections and elevation drawings; and a physical model of the River bank Mall.
Combining the properties from 2-D drawings and 3-D physical model into one single virtual model. Existing and new developments are shown using different colours.
4 Various sets of drawings for Wedge Street Piazza including rendered plans, sections, and sketches.
Integrating different sets of drawings into a single virtual model.
5 Improved presentation of the River bend
Offered a more realistic site context by integrating site image as the background.
Table 2. Comparison: council’s documents with Virtual Werribee
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Precinct, comprising of still images generated from a 3-D computer model.
6 Images of the current and different design options for the Cherry Street and Watton Street intersection at Kelly Park.
Different design options were stored in different layers for interactive viewing, including the background image which could be switched on or off, for example, for focusing or visualising the overall development impact.
While the physical model took a long time to build, it was quickly out-dated, and required much storage space. On the other hand, while it did not require physical space, its digital representation is less likely to be out-dated as new layers can continuously be added to incorporate new design changes. Project developers have often used 3-D model as a tool to project their planning intentions, sometimes convincing the council and stakeholders by pre rendering selected views. On the other hand, if the council was in control of a similar model, they could use it to verify the information provided.
Discussion and verification tool
3-D Werribee provided the council with a discussion tool for the process of revising Werribee’s local plan. The interactive model provided a platform for communicating ideas between the council and project developers.
During the process, inconsistencies and errors were discovered in the developer’s drawings. As shown in Figure 5, there was insufficient room height clearance between the timber deck and staircase. Using 3-D modelling, these problems were better highlighted to the council officer. Design options using the same method were also presented to the officer for further negotiation with the developers.
Figure 5. Design error highlighted in 3-D modelling
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Conclusion
This paper demonstrated the actual process of developing a 3-D model for planning applications in the context of a local planning authority in Australia. It explored the use of interactive 3-D model to assist the Wyndham City Council in preparing for the revised local structure plan by transforming existing conventional planning materials into easily understood form. The process involved data acquisition, data reconstruction and visualisation methods to communicate development planning proposals (categorised as new, re-development and hypothetical). Some amendments to the initial research proposition were made during the process to suit the planning requirements, involving level of detail, GIS software and research scope. Although limited in analytic capability to that generally found in GIS software, this model offered high visualisation content to assist visual impact assessment (Rafi & Rani, 2008) through its interactive mode, along with a series of still images and a simulation movie.
Among the potential uses for decision making of Virtual Werribee, which were demonstrated in this research, are as a discussion and verification tool. As a discussion tool, the model’s interactive capability enabled showing multiple views of planning scenarios. The background image, by providing a realistic site context, could further enhance the understanding of the proposed development, and improve discussion. The model also better highlighted design discrepancies compared to 2-D drawings. This could be a tool for planners to verify developer’s planning proposal, thus supporting the council with by further empowering them in decision making. In this matter, the key issue lies in the ownership and control of the model. This could be a strong motivation for local councils to start developing 3-D virtual models. The physical model also takes a long time to build, it is quickly out-dated, and requires much storage space. While it does not require physical space, its digital representation is less likely to be out-dated as new layers can continuously be added to incorporate new design changes.
Virtual Werribee is anticipated to better communicate development planning agendas to the stakeholders and the community, as compared to 2-D text based materials and 3-D physical models. Unlike these conventional planning materials, 3-D model and visualisation technique, including interactive component, can better engage planners, and presumably other team members, as observed in this research. This research has demonstrated that the experience of using the model has increased the council officer’s level of engagement with the modelling process. This form of communication can also be used by other agencies and team players in participatory activities, such as meetings with the council to discuss development planning. However, although the intentions of Virtual Werribee included assisting the council in meetings with the stakeholders and the community, this actual role could not be demonstrated in the duration of this research.
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Acknowledgments
The Virtual Werribee was funded by the Wyndham City Council, Australia. The authors from Deakin University’s A+B Digital Media Laboratory acknowledge the efforts of Dr Craig Toussaint of the Economic Development Unit who has provided enormous support including planning materials and time for this research.
References
Batty, M, Chapman, D, Evans, S, Haklay, M, Kueppers, S, Shiode, N, Smith, A & Torens, PM (2000). Visualizing the city: communicating urban design to planners and decision-makers. Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University of College London, London.
Brail, RK & Klosterman, RE (eds) (2001). Planning support systems: integrating geographic information systems, models and visualisation tools, ESRI Press, California.
Emem, O & Batuk, F (2004). Generating precise and accurate 3D city models using photogrammetric data. ISPSR 2004, Istanbul, pp. 431-436.
Fragkias, M & Seto, KC (2007). Modelling urban growth in data-sparse environments: a new approach. Environmental and Planning B: Planning and Design 2007, 34, 858-883.
Kim, D-H & Bejleri, I (2005). Using 3D GIS simulation for urban design. ESRI User Conference, San Diego, California, 4th Nov 2005.
Rafi, A & Rani, RM (2008). Visual impact assessment (VIA): a discussion on computer-based methodologies used for urban streetscapes. International Conference on Environment Research and Technology (ICERT 2008), Penang, Malaysia, 28-30th May, 2008.
Shiode, N (2001). 3D urban models: recent developments in the digital modelling of urban environments in three-dimensions. GeoJournal, 52, 263-269.
Wyndham City Council (1999). Wyndham planning scheme; key issues. WC Council (ed.), Wyndham City Council, Wyndham, 5.
Wyndham City Council (n.d). Municipal strategic statement, Wyndham City Council. Retrieved 16th December 2010, <http://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/building_planning/strategic/municipalstrategic>.
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Appendix 8: Virtual Ampang Jaya: An interactive visualisation environment for modelling urban growth and spatio-temporal transformation
VIRTUAL AMPANG JAYA: AN INTERACTIVE VISUALIZATION ENVIRONMENT FOR MODELING URBAN GROWTH AND SPATIO-TEMPORAL TRANSFORMATION
MIMI ZALEHA ABDUL GHANI, SAMBIT DATTA School of Architecture and Building, Deakin University [email protected] [email protected]
Abstract. Virtual Ampang Jaya is an interactive visualization environment for modeling urban growth and spatio-temporal transformation to expose and evaluate the different layers of Ampang Jaya, consisting social, economic, built and nature. The research will investigate the techniques of data acquisition, data reconstruction from physical to digital, urban analysis and visualization in constructing a digital model which may involve from low geometric content such as 2D digital maps and digital orthographic to high geometric content such as full volumetric parametric modeling. The process will integrate the state of the art GIS system to explore GIS powerful analytical and querying capabilities with interactive visualization environment as well as test the model as a predictive tool. The model will set as an experimental test pad in providing a new platform to deliver support decision making about the spatial growth of Ampang Jaya to the various stakeholders in the planning processes. Such an environment will improve the subsequent digital models and research in the area of urban design and planning where visual communication is central.
1. Introduction
The key aspect of Virtual Ampang Jaya is to understand the complex spatial information about urban planning and design. This research embarks on investigating the techniques of data acquisition, data reconstruction from physical to digital, urban analysis and visualization in constructing a digital model of Ampang Jaya. There are different digital virtualities involving the cities based on diverse sets of philosophies (Hudson-Smith et al., 2005), combining various technologies (Batty, Hudson-Smith, 2001; Ospina, Flaxman, 2006) where each is unique to its context involving environmental, social and cultural. Malaysia’s ability to respond to rapid urban growth hinges on adopting world best practice in the field of interactive virtual environments.
Framed in an interactive visual environment, the Virtual Ampang Jaya will function as a digital tool for modeling urban growth and spatio-temporal transformation of the city. As an analytical tool, the model will demonstrate and evaluate the socio-economic, built and natural layers of Ampang Jaya. By analyzing the established patterns, the digital tool enables another level of contribution, serving as a predictive tool to forecast the future direction of Ampang Jaya. Various scenarios can also be generated to study the impact with different sets of parameters.
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Although highly realistic models are successful in communicating with the public audience, the Virtual Ampang Jaya will focus on analytical and querying functions that current GIS technologies can offer. This study also explores the appropriate hardwares and integration of softwares that are deem suitable for the neighborhood as well as for broader scale. While GIS has taken its toll from 2D representation to 3D representation since its starting in the 1960’s, the third dimension is acting merely as an attribute to 2D that enables 3D analysis with limited capabilities (Bruce, 2007). With the increased and advanced use of GIS technologies and claims of its effectiveness in providing analytical and quantitative methods for urban planning analysis (Yaakup et al, 2004; Yin, Hastings, 2007), there is a pressing challenge to seek ways to effectively and efficiently adopt the information for decision making, combining analytical methods and models to support spatial analysis, modeling and mining processes (Jiang, Li 2005).
2. Visualization for urban design and planning
Visualization in design and planning enables the integration of complex spatial information such as the evolution and transformation of the urban precinct as well as the impact of planned developments. Visualization for design and planning started in the 18th century using comparative perspectives (Hudson-Smith et. al., 2005). Since then, planners have developed an interest in visual means in their dealings with a diverse group of people (Ospina, Flaxman, 2006). In the past 20 years, visualization using desktop, network and various immersive media powered by digital computation of various kinds (Hudson-Smith et. al., 2005) has emerged as a powerful decision support tool. Today, many cities around the world have been actively engaged in 3D computer visualization in addressing various issues in urban planning where visual communication is the pivot.
Digital visualization and communication are expected to improve the environmental planning systems by making planning information more accessible and easier to understand by various stakeholders, including the general public. Environmental planning is a highly complicated process that requires a wide range of considerations. The technical consideration includes urban function and form; the economic addresses cost and benefit; the aesthetics relates to both appearance and experience; and the social involves allocation and provision (Duhr et. al. 2005).
There are three bases of visualization in the planning process. Firstly, is to assist in looking at consequences from multiple views. Secondly is to extend understanding of complex urban planning and design, and finally, is to facilitate in the communication processes (Langendorf, 1992 as cited by Duhr, 2005). As the web is slowly becoming a common platform to disseminate information to the wider public, it provides the interface for regulatory authorities to disseminate information and services of an individual city.
2.1. Motivation
Planners have long dreamed about tools that could match the scope of their vision. (Ospina, Flaxman, 2006)
3D models and interactive visualization have the potential to enhance the understanding of the complex spatial information about the city to different levels of people including laymen. This is among the key aspects for resolving the urban design and planning problems and producing better planning outcomes. Current research in computer visualization indicates that computer generated visualization is a result of inefficiencies
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in the conventional methods to deliver information (Duhr et. al., 2005) and suggest that conventional drawings cannot communicate effectively beyond the construction industry (Pietsch, 2000). Laymen often find that conventional planning materials are difficult to understand (Pietsch, 2000). 3D physical models and 2D and text based information used in urban design and planning such as maps, coded plans, sections and elevations need complex interpretations by the professionals. On the other hand, digital representations such as computer visualization models can relate better to the general public (Pietsch, 2002), and among the professionals as well. They have the potential to better translate and communicate planning materials more clearly and effectively than conventional methods (Duhr et. al., 2005; Pietsch, 2002; Meng et. al., 2000).
In the daily “reflection” and “creation” that include different professionals with different tasks and responsibilities, difficulties often arise as described by Stonor (2006) as “educated apart, they sit around the same table but do not always know how to talk to each other” and “ one group designing the destinations and the other the connections between them”. Stonor (2006) also suggests that the main success to focusing on common interest is having tools that can overcome the professional divides. The digital approach enables the integration of highly complex spatial information such as the evolution and transformation of the urban precinct as well as the impact of planned developments as “3 dimensional models speak in a common visual language that people can easily understand” (Yin, Hastings, 2007, p.62).
In its rapid urban development, Malaysia is striving for efficient planning system to deal with current and future prospects. There is a strong need for Malaysia to develop an effective planning approach to achieve the desired goals and objectives, evaluate alternatives as well as control development programs (Yaakup et al, 2004). While urban growth modelling has the potential to enhance the process, Fragkias and Seto (2007) suggested that the current urban growth modelling should focus on the developing countries such as Malaysia where most urban growth will occur in the next two decades (United Nations, 2004), instead primarily on industrialized countries.
2.2. Urban growth and transformation
Models are tools for organizing and describing the world.
(Fragkias, Seto 2007, p. 859)
According to Sidiropoulos and Vasilakos (2006, p. 300), the city is a living organism that changes through time. Hillier (2006, p. 18) contradicted the view, citing that they were never organic, growing without human reflections and agency. He stated that cities have their own logic and the need for us to make sense of how economic and social factors impact on it. He describes that city grew by people reflecting on how the city had grown so far and working out what had to be done to adapt it to new needs or larger scale. In addressing these different fundamental views concerning urban growth, computer visualization allows us to approach the city as a site for interaction and provides new ways of encountering the urban space (Brewer, Dourish, 2007). It also offers us with the tools to enhance Hillier’s process of ‘reflection’ and ‘creation’ to produce better planning and design. In the attempt to use the tools effectively, there is an urgent need to develop expertise in the application of digital media to address problems of the built environment (Meng, Ahmad, 2005; Hudson-Smith et. al. 2005).
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In understanding the city’s spatio-temporal transformation, interactive virtual models are set to operate as urban growth tool. As a tool, it can learn about interactions among different parts of a system. It can also generate and test hypotheses about patterns and mechanisms as well as make testable predictions (AlSayyad, 1999). Visualization with urban growth tool enables us to capture both present and future conditions and plans with ability to present clarity, accuracy and respond immediately as well as offer innovative ways for information distribution (Hudson-Smith et al., 2005). The proposed urban growth model will carry out systematic studies and experiments in the context of Ampang Jaya to prove the reliability and validity of the computer visualization that current researchers entail (Buccolo et al, 2001; Mahmoud A.H 2001).
3. Introduction to Ampang Jaya
Ampang Jaya which lies in the conurbation of Kuala Lumpur, the largest city of Malaysia is experiencing a huge urban expansion. Ampang Jaya in the past was a section of the smallest zone known as Ampang, under the district of Ulu Langat in the State of Selangor. Ampang was one of the earliest townships in Kuala Lumpur. Encompassing a total land area of 3,859 hectares, Ampang contained twelve villages. The current Ampang Jaya is a suburban municipality located in the districts of Hulu Langat and Gombak, following the split of Ampang into two zones when Kuala Lumpur was declared the Federal Territory in 1992. A section of Ampang is under the administration of The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council or known as Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya or MPAJ. While the town centre for the other Ampang zone is in Kuala Lumpur, the town centre of Ampang Jaya is located within the area of Ampang Point which is relatively a new town development, an extension of the Jalan Ampang which is one of the busiest roads in Kuala Lumpur with extensive surrounding developments and connecting other parts of the city (Figure 1).
Encompassing a total area of 14,350 hectares (143.5 sq km), Ampang Jaya, from the Malaysian Statistics Department record in 2007 has a population of 574,300 and asset hold of 135,109 units. Its land use from the 2002-2005 demographic data of Selangor local councils is as follows:
Forrest: 50.7 % (72.8 sq km)
Housing: 36.4 % (52.2 sq km)
Public facilities: 5.2 % (7.5 sq km)
Agriculture: 3.1 % (4.4 sq km)
Recreation: 1 % (1.4 sq km)
Industrial: 0.9 % (1.3 sq km)
Commerce: 2.7 % (3.9 sq km)
Figure 1. Aerial View of Ampang Jaya from Google Earth
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3.1. Issues and challenges
Ampang Jaya has flourished in great proportion over the last few years since its development for commercial area in the last decade or so. The tremendous growth is particularly centred at its new township, known as Ampang Point which started development in the early 1990s. In the past few years, the surrounding area of Ampang Point has experienced a huge growth as a result of rapid development of hospitals, hotels and predominantly housing and commercial centres. These developments have stretched the surrounding road system to link with several elevated highways that further connect Ampang Jaya to Kuala Lumpur city and other parts of Selangor. These growth factors and accessibility have subsequently established Ampang Jaya as a highly favoured city in Kuala Lumpur and among residents and expatriates due to its proximity to the foreign embassies that are mainly located in Ampang. This has drawn scores of foreign investments to Ampang Jaya to accommodate their local needs, particularly eateries and gathering places while creating huge social and economic challenges (Figure 2a).
Figure 2 a. Little Korean town in Ampang Jaya Figure 2 b. Housing and hillside development Figure 2 c. Public access
The whole episode of rapid urbanization has eventually grown Ampang Jaya out of proportion, way out sizing what it was earlier planned for. Ampang Jaya now becomes a dense place with massive traffic and parking problems that eventually lose its sense of place and they greatly affect the residents of Ampang Jaya. To prepare them in dealing with the issues and challenges following the rapid urbanization, the authorities are seeking for a more comprehensive and meaningful information concerning the city (Ampang Jaya Structure Plan, 1998). On the other side, the public quest for more transparency in the planning process by the authorities in carrying their public responsibilities. Apart from the public pressure and the urge to gain back their confidence, the local council known as MPAJ has realized the need to re order the development in Ampang Jaya. There have been calls for innovative design planning and control, targeting at residential development, re housing and controlling the mushrooming of informal kiosks, tackling traffic and parking problems. Other issues include public access (Figure 2c), rubbish dumping, hillside developments (Figure 2b), as well as aesthetics and city image. As a decision support tool and prediction tool, 3D modelling and visualization provide new mechanisms to address these critical issues affecting Ampang Jaya.
Along with the government’s acknowledgement to act responsively towards a sustainable urbanism that demand for new alternatives, and as generally agreed (Ampang Jaya Structure Plan, 1998), the existing planning system can no longer deal with the issues and challenges that Ampang Jaya is now facing. A new system should provide a better platform to disseminate information about Ampang Jaya as well as improve the communication between the various stakeholders, including the decision makers and the public as it is the success factor to planning.
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4. Virtual Ampang Jaya
Virtual Ampang Jaya is a proposed interactive visualization environment to address the needs for modelling urban growth (Brail et al, 2001; Batty et al, 2000, Fragkias, Seto, 2007) and spatio-temporal transformation. It focuses on acquiring and analysing spatial information through digital means to construct an interactive virtual environment of the city and subsequently to evaluate the virtual model for urban analysis. While demonstrating the usefulness of visualization in understanding the city, Virtual Ampang Jaya will translate complicated information about the city such as maps, plan and written information into responsive spatial information that is easily understood.
For better planning outcomes, the project addresses the current challenges and resolve the problems in urban design and planning by establishing a comprehensive understanding of Ampang Jaya. Virtual Ampang Jaya also responds to the pressing needs to develop expertise in the application of digital media in the built environment by offering a new way to look at the past, present and future of Ampang Jaya (Figure 3). Virtual Ampang Jaya anticipates contributing to the uptake of digital and multimedia methods in local government by facilitating current planning and consultation processes between decision makers and various stakeholders including the general public. While the technical process of developing the model may serve as guidelines to develop other city models, the social approach of using digital media in data management and to manage the city is pertinent to the effective use of 3D visualization and modelling in planning (Pietcsh, 2000).
Figure 3. From left to right; the development of Ampang Jaya
4.1. Methods; Data Acquisition, Reconstruction and GIS
Data acquisition on a higher scale would attempt photogrammetric technologies or 3D laser scanning from point cloud such as airborne LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to obtain GIS data and to determine height and building details. Economical but less accurate approach would rely on the current GIS datasets in MapInfo and satellite images in Quick Bird of up to 0.6 meter resolution that are readily available from the local authority. The past aerial photographs of Ampang Jaya dating from 1950 to the current date will be assessed from JUPEM (Malaysian Survey and Mapping Department). Old topographic maps, cadastral maps, street photographs and past buildings, road system and other past information of the city will be sought from the local authority’s and libraries’ archives. These aerial photographs will be scanned and undergone photogrammetric processes to produce a georeferenced image or digital orthophoto. This orthophoto will mainly produce the contour and the DTM (digital terrain model) that will provide the base map with real topographic structure and height (Figure 4).
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Figure 4. Process Framework for 3D GIS Modeling
4.2. Modelling
Traditional geometric constructions are generally based on CAD packages such as AutoCAD, 3D Max and can offer highly precise geometries. The development from physical form to digital data for Ampang Jaya using GIS database and softwares is contrary to the traditional methods of geometric constructions that are commonly employed in city modelling. 3D CAD models are often loaded with geometrical details, heavy, require good operating skills, and are time consuming, while they do not necessarily guarantee high level of reality. On the other hand, rapid modeling and methods such as texture mapping are inexpensive and add realism to the virtual models displaying details in color, texture and material. Rapid modeling includes texture mapping, building texture from oblique aerial and terrestrial images and panoramic image capturing.
In the last decade, GIS and Remote Sensing packages such as ArcGIS and ERDAS have been extended to generate 3D content. We propose to employ ArcGIS desktop softwares with Sketch-Up as the modeling software (Figure 5), (Salleh, 2008). Sketch-Up is the preferred modeling software for its short learning curve and user friendliness which are essential for modeling process. Currently, ArcGIS is compatible with Sketch-Up in complementing with details while maintaining spatial references. Orthophoto that was imported from ArcScene and ArcMap will be locked at the actual geographic location. Spatial referencing is a distinctive attribute in a modeling software and it can be carried out using Shapefile importer; a plug-in for GIS in Sketch-Up. This proprietary plug-in enables detailed content to be built which is entirely compatible to the analytical functionalities and querying capabilities of state-of-the-art GIS. While the objects are georeferenced, it can also animate scenes, perform multiple spatial queries, view shed and shadow analysis, and various scenario based analysis (Shiode, 2001).
Aerial Photographs
3D GIS Detailed Model
2D GIS Datasets
Topographic map
Contour and height
DEM
Orthophoto
3D Base Model
Building Footprints
3D Extruded Model
3D Block Model
Street Photographs
Texture Mapping Photo Editing Urban
Elements
GIS Chronological Visualization
Data Input Data Reconstruction Output Analysis
4 Urban Layers
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Figure 5. Example of the 3D integration using ArcGIS and Sketch-Up (Salleh, 2008)
Using Sketch-Up, digitized orthophoto of Ampang Jaya will be extruded into a 3D model while carrying the attribute data. A 3D model of Ampang Jaya from 1950 will be developed from the 2D GIS data layers consisting of social, economic, built and nature. Other objects including roads, landscaping elements and building entourage such as street furniture may be incorporated at the actual locations on site. Figure 6 illustrates the 3D automatic generation system employed for Virtual Kyoto (Takase, 2003, 2005)
Figure 6. Example of the 3D city model generation system used for Virtual Time-Space of Kyoto (Takase,
2003, 2005)
4.3. Visualization
The visualization model (Kim and Bejleri, 2005) will incorporate a movie growth (figure 7) of Ampang Jaya, displaying qualitative and quantitative responsive spatial data information on time line. There are different softwares that can perform geospatial visualization including Urban Viewer that are compatible with the main 3D modeling platform for cities in Japan called MAP CUBE (Takase, 2005). While modeling
3D
Import to Sketch-Up
Drape
Retrieving
3D GIS Model
3D Features (.skp) 3D features (.flt)
DEM/Contou
Spatial Data(2D)
Spatial Data(3D)
Interpolate
Shapefile Importer
Import to Sketch-Up Convert Polygon to Point
DEM
Spatial Data(3D)
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softwares such as SketchUp have enhanced their functions to incorporate geospatial and interactive visualization, GIS softwares are becoming more actively engaged in virtual cities. The visualization can be recorded and played in Windows Media Player or Quick Time, or further extended into VRML player such as Canoma.
Visualization with GIS provides a new approach to urban design and planning; problems of site location, large settlement design and community planning, public participation and a myriad of possibilities. Visualization growth of Ampang Jaya attempts to animate data layers of social, economic, built and nature through spatio-temporal; space and time animation and simulation in ArcMap, ArcScene and ArcGlobe to understand how they change with space and time.
Social – indicate communal spaces and its serviceability to other parts of the city.
Economic – animate large scale settlement growth, commercial and business centers to understand the pattern.
Built – animate the building development to understand the population increase and boundary changes.
Nature – animate the changes in the landscape and forrest encroachment due to building development.
These data layers will be animated in ArcScene (figure 7) and ArcGlobe incorporating real time where simulation scenes will be viewed by users from any angle and height while users are allowed to select or hide layers as they navigate through the scene (figure 8). 2D map tracking can be viewed simultaneously in ArcMap to keep users on track.
Figure 7. (Left) Example of urban growth of Virtual Kyoto (Takase, 2005) Figure 8. (Right) Example of animation development in ArcScene (Salleh, 2008)
While GIS software is able to interactively visualize 3D models, the challenge lies in the technical limitations, unfamiliar and resistance towards the new tool by the stakeholders as users over the new media. Taking into consideration that the tangible media is important in rooting the digital visualization in a more realistic and familiar representations, a 3D physical model scanned and modeled from its digital representation will be showcased alongside. Issue of abstraction and realism would also be addressed at the site in written explanation. We forecast a minimum of one workshop to be carried out where the model will be stationed to deal with different levels of familiarity of users in handling with digital media.
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4.4. Analysis
Adopting the Community Taxonomy (Snyder 2003) as a guideline, the analysis will focus on four layers; social, economic, nature and the built environment to study the growth and spatio temporal transformation of Ampang Jaya over 50 years. While using ArcGlobe as interactive visualization viewer, we will also explore its querying and analysing capabilities. We hope to establish a comprehensive understanding of the city by exposing the various layers of the city that maybe limited under the abstract 2D data.
The study will deliver an experimental test bed for improving urban design and planning in the social, economic and environment by studying the growth pattern of the city. It acts as a temporal visualization to display the current scenario as well as reflect the past involving historical, environmental and large scale settlement patterns. By understanding the past and the present situation, we can presumably predict the future (Figure 9). As predictive modeling tool, we may also visualize the future patterns of urban design, land use, neighborhood and regional visioning, transportation planning, landscaping and site planning. Responsive spatial information would enrich understanding of the issues and help to facilitate the planning process which would presumably result in better decisions being made. Complex city information that is tailored to a particular group of professionals is translated into responsive spatial information will be more easily understood by stakeholders who are not taught to read information such as coded plans and maps. While providing an improved platform to disseminate the information, the model is also projected to develop better understanding about their city among the public. Feedback from the various stakeholders will be collected for analysis and future research.
Rationality is based not on pure logic and the abstract evaluation of evidence but rather on informed consensus formed by a community of individuals in a particular place and time. (Klosterman by K. Brail et. al. 2001)
Figure 9. The Role of Virtual Ampang Jaya for Urban Analysis
5. Conclusion and Future Work
While it may provide as a guideline for the use of computing in planning for the authorities in Malaysia, the model can be further developed into a prototype that may incorporate GeoImmersive videos into GIS environments. Integrating spatial information
TEST BED TEMPORAL VISUALIZATION
STAKEHOLDERS
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
VIRTUAL MODEL
Local Council
IT Authority
Academic State Government
Industry
PRESENT
FEEDBACK
PAST FUTURE
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with GIS database as a decision support tool and prediction tool, many doors are open to new findings and innovations about improving our cities that is demanded by many quarters; government and private and may be extended into other contexts. Batty (Batty, 2000) suggested 12 categories that can benefit from the new media; architecture, telecommunications, emergency services, facilities and utilities management, marketing and economic development, property analysis, tourism and entertainment, e- commerce, environment, education and learning and most engagingly, city portals as the entries to urban information hub. Building industries like asset and facilities information management may also profit from the application of GIS into the world softwares, for example AutoCAD Geospatial and Infor’s Datastream. On the extreme end, future research into developing prototype models could move from 3D GIS and CAD into the virtual world and online design over the World Wide Web (Bruce, 2007).
Providing an insight on how to use the new media in the future, the visualization modeling may suggest a significant improvement in the planning system of Ampang Jaya and in Selangor as a whole. A new and unique innovation in the communication aspect of planning is also timely in conjunction with the new One Stop Center (OSC) system currently introduced that has since revolutionized the planning system in Selangor. The new system urgently needs a new tool and 3D interactive computer visualization has the potential to enhance planning information to bridge the gap among the professionals by clearly depicting the issues that affect the environment. 3D modeling and visualization is also paralleled to the national call for Electronic government (e-govt) which is a flagship application of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) project that aims to redesign the system of the government to bring about fundamental changes from the society level (Meng and Ahmad, 2000) as well as to meet with global IT and digital technologies expectations and future challenges. References
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