Integrating 3D Visualisation in Landscape Design and Environmental Planning

Information is a key element in environmental decision making. In landscape and environmental planning, information can be presented in a number of ways, ranging from texts and statistics to realistic representations such as 3D visualisations. We assume that 3D visualisations of scenarios for landscape changes are a key element for informed decision making. In order to assess the role of 3D visualisation in the planning and decision making process, we have examined three case studies related to generating energy (i. e., hydro power, reclamation of a brown coal surface mine, and wind turbines). In the early 1990s when 3D visualisation technology was just becoming more widely available, the application was typically limited to large infrastructure projects that were often subject to an environmental impact assessment. At that time 3D visualisation was only used to show the results of the planning and decision making process. There are indications that this is now changing towards integrating visualisation already in the earliest planning steps. Such integration allows both planning experts and the public to engage on equal footing in the entire planning and decision making process.