Introduction to Augmented Reality in City Planning
Imagine walking through Washington, DC, with a virtual guide that shares fascinating historical details about buildings and monuments. This is made possible by augmented reality (AR), a technology being explored by the National Capital Planning Commission’s (NCPC) Policy and Research Division. The NCPC is using AR to enhance visitor experiences and analyze planning projects in the town.
Preserving the City’s Character
The city of Washington, DC, has experienced significant growth in recent times, with over 100,000 latest residents in lower than 20 years. This growth has prompted development plans to accommodate the brand new residents. However, the NCPC must balance growth with preserving the town’s iconic landscape. The agency uses a digital twin of the town, a practical 3D model, to review the impact of development on the town’s character. The digital twin allows planners to check different scenarios and see how they might affect the town’s views and landscape.
Combining CAD and GIS
The NCPC can also be combining Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies to guage the energy consumption of individual buildings and their impact on the environment. This approach allows planners to have a look at all the district and see how different changes would affect the energy and environmental elements of the buildings and the encompassing area. The integration of BIM and GIS gives planners a more comprehensive understanding of the town’s infrastructure and allows them to make more informed decisions.
Experiencing Plans with Augmented Reality
The NCPC has developed an augmented reality application called EyeSite AR, which allows planners to experience a development before it’s built. The application overlays an in depth digital model onto reality, giving planners a probability to see how the model looks from different vantage points. This approach has improved the best way planners visualize and discuss proposed buildings and developments. Augmented reality has made it easier for planners to have a shared understanding of a project’s impact and has facilitated simpler communication.
Smarter City Infrastructure
In 2014, Washington, DC, launched into a wise city pilot project, embedding Internet of Things (IoT) devices into city infrastructure. The project included the installation of recent LED streetlights equipped with sensors and gigabit Wi-Fi hotspots. This infrastructure has enabled more accurate location readings, which has improved the augmented reality experience. The NCPC has also explored using GIS and IoT smart city technologies to create informative commemoration experiences. The Memorials for the Future project showcased digital memorials that visitors could explore via immersive virtual experiences.
Conclusion
The use of augmented reality, digital twins, and the mix of CAD and GIS technologies is revolutionizing the best way cities are planned and developed. The National Capital Planning Commission’s revolutionary approach to city planning is setting an example for other cities to follow. By leveraging these technologies, cities can create more sustainable, efficient, and livable environments for his or her residents. As technology continues to advance, we are able to expect to see much more revolutionary approaches to city planning and development. The way forward for city planning is exciting, and it can be interesting to see how these technologies proceed to shape the best way we design and interact with our cities.
