Introduction to West Broad Street
West Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio, has a wealthy history spanning 9.3 miles through downtown Columbus. However, it presents challenges to pedestrians and cyclists. To address this, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is planning to show West Broad Street right into a rapid-transit bus corridor with bike lanes and paths to enhance connectivity and walkability.
A New Vision for Public Transit
The LinkUS project goals to foster a more equitable and sustainable community by providing higher access to jobs, businesses, schools, and healthcare. To achieve this, COTA is working with inCitu, a startup that uses augmented reality (AR) and ArcGIS technology to assist city planners visualize and plan recent projects. inCitu’s founder and CEO, Dana Chermesh-Reshef, explains that the corporate generates AR experiences from open data, allowing users to walk through projects block by block.
Seeing New Infrastructure in Context
The LinkUS team collaborated with inCitu to design an immersive bus tour experience for stakeholders and the general public. The tour shares the story of hypothetical future bus riders navigating from the Westland Mall area to Downtown Columbus. Using inCitu’s platform, COTA visualized three parts of the proposed project: a bus rapid transit (BRT) station, micromobility hubs, and mixed-use developments along the West Broad Street route.
How it Works
The project used ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript to host 3D models on an internet map, which were then converted into georeferenced AR experiences accessible via QR codes. Participants on the bus tour scanned the QR codes and experienced the realm in its future state via AR. This approach allowed people to see the proposed infrastructure and its impact on the realm from their very own perspective.
Interacting with Proposed Changes
For those that couldn’t take part in the bus tour, the LinkUS website incorporates a map powered by ArcGIS Online, where users can take a self-guided AR tour of key locations along West Broad Street. The map allows users to explore and experience future developments interactively, making it easier for people to know and interact with the proposed changes.
A Broader Vision for Regional Connectivity
The West Broad Street BRT corridor is an element of a bigger LinkUS plan that features five more rapid-transit bus corridors. The plan goals to boost regional connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable growth. By using ArcGIS Online and inCitu AR technology, the LinkUS team made a posh project more tangible, allowing the general public to see the advantages of incorporating various modes of transportation into primary transit corridors.
Conclusion
The use of AR technology and ArcGIS has revolutionized the way in which city planners and residents interact with proposed infrastructure projects. The LinkUS project is a first-rate example of how this technology may be used to create a more livable and sustainable urban environment. By providing an accessible platform for residents to see and interact with proposed changes, the LinkUS team has built a way of ownership and participation amongst community members, paving the way in which for a more connected and sustainable future.
