NGIS China has developed the 3-Dimensional Environmental Impact Assessment (3D EIA) website for the Hong Kong Environment Protection Department to demonstrate mechanisms for improved visualisation and interaction with models of proposed projects.
The 3DEIA is a key tool in promoting Continual Public Involvement (CPI), as well as providing a simple and effective method for gathering public feedback throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure projects.
The key advantage to 3D modelling lies in the ability to demonstrate proposed changes visually to the community, giving them a better understanding of the potential impacts a project may have on their current situation, allowing them to provide government with more valuable feedback.
While 3D modelling assists in demonstrating a proposed development to the public, it also adds value in project planning. 3D modelling allows planners to conduct a full visual analysis that's not possible with 2D GIS. The ability to control the height and colour of buildings, land elevations, vegetation and roadways provides a true picture of how a proposed development will look and allows planners to more accurately assess issues such as visibility and air-flow activity.