A Visual engagement of planning processes: An interactive web-based urban development plan

Abstract

This paper presents a pilot system for the presentation of development control information for Adelaide, a major Australian capital city. While many researchers have focused on participatory systems for plan-making, this system focuses on plan-explaining using an interactive web-based visual format. Current planning information presented on the internet by relevant authorities in Australia consists mainly of electronic replications of paper-based material. Little advantage has been taken of the potential of digital media to improve communication of the content. Our pilot system seeks to engage with the possibilities of a web-based format not only to improve the communication of content but also to assist all stakeholders to understand planning objectives and rules. Many issues have arisen during the creation of the content-rich online visual planning communication system, VisualCityPlan (accessible at visualcityplan.arch.adelaide.edu.au). This paper discusses several of these issues, and responses to these issues to date, and concludes by summarising further opportunities to create tools to extend the application of the interactive guide to other areas of planning practice