A 3D LANDSCAPE INFORMATION MODEL

It is possible to construct increasingly realistic computer based three dimensional (3D) models of landscape designs, which when used in interactive visualisations, have been shown to increase engagement and cognitive response. However, they remain underutilised in the landscape design process, due to the time taken to produce a model and the perceived complexity of modelling software.
There would be more reason to construct a 3D model if it could be utilised as more than just a visualisation. Therefore, this thesis explores the hypothesis that it is possible to make virtual 3D landscape models central to the landscape design process.
As the role of 3D real-time graphics amongst more traditional forms of visualisation in the design process remains unclear, a new methodology for examining this as well as data regarding this issue are presented, highlighting an expert user preference for both two dimensional (2D) plans and interactive 3D visualisations.
Given this result and other supporting research, this thesis presents the concept of a 3D Landscape Information Model (3D LIM), defined as an interactive software tool that supports the landscape design process in both the construction and judgment of a landscape design via 3D landscape models. A theoretical framework for key functionality and the usage of a 3D LIM is presented and the development of a prototype 3D LIM based on this framework is described.
A set of distinct simulation techniques to aid judgement of the performance of a landscape design is connected to this prototype through adding a landscape semantic to the 3D model. Firstly, real-time integration of geo-spatial analysis and Bayesian Networks into a 3D LIM is shown to be possible. The 3D LIM is then integrated, in an offline manner, into computationally expensive microclimate and flood simulations. Next, a novel agent based pedestrian and vehicular model is developed that is driven from data held in the 3D LIM landscape system.
Finally, the 3D LIM prototype is extended once more to contain a web server. It is shown that this development allows for on-site viewing and editing of the 3D model via mobile data networks for site surveys and as a possible method for public consultation.