An online visualization tool for Internet-based local townscape design

In recent years, designers have used various types of spatial multimedia, including text, video, photographs, virtual reality (VR) and WebGIS, to allow for Internet-based participation in planning. For planning in Japan, we developed a visualization tool to attain consensus on townscape design within local planning committees. Participants can select design elements to visualize different alternatives in real time, and experience dynamic scenes of generated virtual townscapes in the VRML world. In our case study, this visualization tool were successful in sharing a common image, and participants were motivated to become involved in deliberation on various aspects of planning and design during committee meetings. However, we found that it is difficult for stakeholders to reach consensus on privately owned properties: they feel apprehensive in local open planning committees. Otherwise, participants had to check the discussion results by reviewing the chat history; audio devices and web cameras are better for online deliberation. A knowledge-based database system, combining similar design experiences from other regions, will be beneficial.