Developing a city skyline for Hong Kong using GIS and urban design guidelines

Hong Kong is a metropolis with a dense population. The need to cope with rapid population growth under the constraint of limited amounts of developable lands has resulted in a concentrated development of high-rises. Enterprising developers have clearly exploited such behaviors in the urban development of Hong Kong. Buildings have been constructed to maximum heights whenever a height restriction was not specified in the authorization to build, or stretched to their limits sideways if given a height restriction. Both of these situations have given rise to either repetitive and monotonous roofscapes or walls of regimental building flanking the harbor front. The objective of this research is to evaluate and redesign the city skyline of Hong Kong based on Urban Design Guidelines established by the Planning Department. The study makes use of the Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and its 3-dimensional (3D) modeling functions to construct, assess, and analyze the city skyline.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Assessing the applicability and effectiveness of 3D visualisation in environmental impact assessment

Computerised 3D models are more intuitive and rich in landscape detail. They are considered an essential visualisation method for the presentation of environmental data with spatial contents. The 3D technology has been increasingly applied in environmental impact assessment (EIA) and urban planning to view and better appreciate human impacts on the environment. Their uses are not restricted to the professionals. Because of their great likeness to the natural world, 3D representations have also been employed to convey information to the general population through public hearings, workshops, and the Internet. The use of 3D visualisation in EIA applications is not without problems, particularly for those without the necessary skills in computer operations and map comprehension. This paper is an assessment of the applicability and effectiveness of 3D visualisation in EIA. First we illustrate different scenarios of 3D portrayals in environmental management. This is followed by a discussion about the problems and concerns of using 3D visualisation in presenting environmental data. These issues are examined in greater detail to highlight various technical considerations and types of data suitable (or not suitable) for the implementation of 3D models. A reference is made to the potential incorporation of feedback mechanisms in a 3D system intended for public participation. © 2010 Pion Ltd and its Licensors.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

A Public Learning and Web-based GIS System for Analysing Visual Impacts of Reclamation Works in the Victoria Harbour of Hong Kong

We have developed a web-based GIS platform to amass reclamation information in assisting laymen to understand issues addressed in Environmental Impact Assessment reports