This research investigates the potential of 3 dimensional, digital, interactive, multilayered information models, to enhance users’ understanding of sets of geographic and building information, allowing them to make quicker and more informed decisions, than when using alternative 2 dimensional methods.  The research aims to quantify the benefit or otherwise of 3D methods of information interrogation over 2D methods, using the examples of user groups and decision making within the Urban Planning industry.  The underlying purpose of the research is to examine the human ability to interact with and understand datasets of information which are represented in the digital world.

3 dimensional digital models are a powerful way to communicate information to people and often allow them to comprehend and understand the information in a different way, due to the 3rd dimension – “spatial awareness.”  The assumption that 3D interactive environments allow better comprehension of space, depth and height, than alternative 2D methods is evaluated in this research by comparing the two methods using identical tasks.  The ability of a single multilayered 3D model to meet the needs of multiple end-user groups within a single industry is also examined by involving City Council Urban Designers, and Professional Property Developers from the Urban Planning industry.

The case for a single 3D model was initially evaluated through a simple prototype model of Wellington City, New Zealand, created in 2005.  The research proposed that a single core 3D digital model of a city, to which many different information systems could be linked, is a better approach to the needs of the city than many individual models optimised for each information system.  It presented four different potential information layers within a small block of the city: a rendered visualisation of building textures; Wellington City Council District Plan height restrictions expressed as interactive 3D extruded blocks of building sites; daylight and shadow analysis integration; and colour coded “plots” of property values.  The development and delivery of the prototype model was analysed in regards to how complex, costly and time consuming it may be to exploit one base model for several purposes; and also therefore how beneficial, affordable and potentially successful a single model may be.  While the research revealed huge potential for the development of such a model and confirmed positive feedback from prospective user-groups, it did not focus on where the benefit of these 3D methods lies over alternative 2D methods.

This research plays an important role in filling a gap in the field – quantifying the benefit of 3D over 2D.  The research approach adopted is to develop and present functional prototype models to sets of end-users in a series of focus groups, involving hands-on interactive comparable 2D and 3D tasks, individual feedback surveys and group discussions.  This paper specifically focuses on the research design, outlining the evidence for using the focus group approach and discussing the use of a pre-focus group survey to establish the “language” of the industry, to design a solid methodology that it can be applied to additional user groups in future research.