A new wave of recently developed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software provides for higher levels of analysis, modeling, and visualization for community development and planning. Beyond the typical 2D static map produced through most GIS software, more recent developments allow for much more detailed 3D visual graphics. CommunityViz allows for predictive modeling, data integration, and 3D visualization. It is the utility of this last capability that is examined in an Extension pilot program in an Iowa community. Based upon this application, the potential of this type of software for Extension education is discussed.
Suen et al. (Wed,) studied this question.