Applications
This game-changing technology has the potential to revolutionise how we plan and manage our built and natural environment. 3D models can be used to spatially design and simulate new development so they can be properly assessed to identify issues and improve efficiencies.
It enables visualisation of overshadowing, sunlight exposure, view corridors, compliance with zoning regulation, traffic gravity and solar potential of buildings.
It also provides the ability to accurately measure and evaluate land use, building height, floor area ratio, population and housing densities and development costs.
The technology can support meaningful community engagement as developments can be more easily visualised in a 3D context. It’s a way we can ensure that public concerns, values and aspirations are informing planning decisions.
The platform is enabling a future-ready, smart and sustainable Victoria and City of Greater Geelong.
Benefits for our city and citizens
Developers and engineers have free access to a digital model of the city including building dimensions, pits and underground pipes. This significantly reduces time, cost and effort involved.
3D, coupled with VR (virtual reality), makes it easy for anyone to view and comment on new development plans without special skills, enabling us to gain richer feedback from community and other stakeholders.
Digital Twin Victoria
The Digital Twin Victoria (DTV) platform, launched in 2022, was built in partnership with Data61- the digital arm of Australia’s National Science Agency CSIRO, as part of the Victorian Government’s $37.4 million program.
The platform brings together masses of 2D, 3D and live data into a single online location, open for anyone to utilise.
3D Building and Object Models
The City has released detailed 3D models of buildings for
the areas of Geelong, Geelong West, Belmont, and Highton, which you can access
through the Geelong Data Exchange.
These 3D models were created with the help of a grant from the Victorian
Government and show detailed roof models while keeping the building sides simple for
easier use.
Additionally, a 3D tree dataset is available, derived from
the Urban Forest Dashboard.
More than 110,000 trees on public land across 34 suburbs were carefully
positioned on the 3D terrain and represented using a best-fit to 96 different
species. These 3D models provide a robust tool for urban analysis and
environmental visualisation across the Greater Geelong area.
You can find instructions on how to view these 3D models on
the Digital Twin Victoria Platform or by following Lesson Six below.
Using the Digital Twin Victoria Platform
We have developed a series of lessons to guide new users of the DTV platform.
Focussing on key capabilities we hope to build understanding and encourage people to utilise and benefit from the tool: