Town Planners are using a new interactive 3D planning tool.

Town Planners in Rotherham and Doncaster are helping to evaluate a new interactive 3D computer-mapping tool which could revolutionise approaches to city development across the UK.

Kognitiv has recreated the whole of Rotherham and Doncaster town centres as 3D computer models, complete with accurate depictions of the sizes, shape and location of all roads, shops, offices and other landmarks. We believe that “3D Doncaster” represents a significant advance in town planning and city marketing.

Unlike traditional flat plans and architect drawings, digital 3D depictions of planned developments are easily understood by both planners and the people they most affect – local residents and businesses. By mapping the town centre in 3D, the effect of new buildings on current views and street scenes is immediately apparent to all.

3D replicas of a town or city make it far easier for tourists and other visitors to find their way to key locations like shopping centres, theatres and cinemas.

Jeff Prior, Principal Planner at Doncaster Council said,"We are having a lot of fun using the flythrough prepared for us by Kognitiv - we sometimes need reminding that it is a serious tool that helps us plan new developments in our fast expanding town centre. To be able to navigate through the streets of Doncaster and view buildings from a variety of angles will be a real advantage in understanding the context for new architecture. We are thinking of new ways we can expand the scope of the model for wider use by the Council and people of Doncaster."

Planning assistant Adam Harvatt said that 3D mapping could become a useful tool in public consultation about new developments."We are very pleased to help in evaluating 3D mapping because unlike flat plans it can show not just how building will look but also what its like to "walk" down a street toward it. Traditional plans are fine for those that are used to them but 3D mapping enables ordinary people to give better opinions on what they like and don’t like about a planned development."

Mr Harvatt said he believed the technology could become self-funding rather than incur any cost for councils. "If this sort of technology could be made available on the web, then I am sure many businesses would be prepared to advertise themselves by having their premises fully recreated and easy to find."

Kognitiv has recreated the exterior of the Minster in fine detail as an example of how realistic 3D computer replicas can be.

"With 3D, people can relate to the surroundings depicted because they look like just what you see when you step outside," said Mr Harvatt.The next stage would be to take the grey scale 3D Model to a full photo realistic 3D version, this can either be for the whole area or part areas. Additional areas such as recreation, parks, trees, electrification, drainage, security cameras, and traffic management can be added if required.

Once the 3D Model has been complete you then edit, remove and add in new buildings, road modifications, and designated development areas, etc, in real time and photo realistic. We can even add in the shadowing effect of the Sun to the buildings, at anytime during the year, to see its impact and effect.