Evaluation of 3D Visualisation in the Virtual Environmental Planning Systems Project

The virtual environmental planning systems project (VEPs) proposed an alternative approach to planning consultation by allowing people to view and leave comments about planning developments using 3D visualization software in a Web browser, within the context of an existing landscape or cityscape.The software developed by VEPs allows users to freely explore and interact with 3D models and make comments directly via an online system, which could be accessed from their dasiahomepsila PC over a dasianormalpsila broadband connection at any time. Anyone accessing the Web applications would be able to view & share comments online.The evaluation focused on gathering information about: what users thought of the proposed approach to planning consultation; what users thought of the tools developed and the use of 3D; if and how the VEPs tools could practically benefit public participation in the planning consultation process. The results will be of value to those engaged in the public use of 3D visualization, e-Planning, and e-consultation or collaboration.