Bricker, S, and Webb, S. 2016. City spatial planning and modelling - hidden depths: workshop report. British Geological Survey Internal Report, OR/16/014.
Having gained an understanding of the main challenges for city spatial planning and having reviewed the tools available to help tackle these challenges, experts at the workshop co-developed ideas for tools and solutions focussed on specific use cases. The following example was presented to the group to aid discussion on potential solutions and what needs to be considered when developing a use case.
Example
City Information Model: 3D city BIM-style model that provides integrated data and info for your site and surrounding area.
Features of the model:
Identifies planning constraints
Identifies utility services, capacity in the system and opportunities for linked services
Uses environmental info to inform the design of the building
Provides an interactive 3D view of the development and relationships with existing buildings and e.g. lines of sight.
Things to consider:
Who will use this tool?
What will it be used for?
Why it is needed?
What technology/innovation is needed?
Who would develop it?
What is the business model?
i) City Information Model:
What is it?
A platform that provides decision support systems by bringing together different city datasets using interoperable software.
Capability for live data feed into the model.
Open data and restricted access options e.g. secure delivery outputs.
A centre datastore for data collected during new development.
Includes metadata – information on accuracy and usability of data.
Why is it needed?
Allows safe planning and decision-making with a robust evidence base.
Current planning approaches don’t take full advantage of existing datasets or emerging digital technologies.
Collective access to standard/approved data.
Facilitates more rapid prototyping of new tools and data services as all the data is in one place.
Who will use it and how?
All city practitioners including private sector (utilities) and public.
Decision making based on multiple spatial datasets and timeseries ‘live’ data.
Web interface and data portal which brings info together on demand.
Mobile functionality through apps linked to central model.
How could it be developed?
Collaborative partnership between government agencies and city organisations with a remit for city planning, regulation and service provision.
ii) Complete City Mapping Platform:
What is it?
An integrated city mapping system for the collection, archiving, release and visualisation of data across the whole 3D form of the city (full height and depth above and below ground).
Brings together existing data standards for e.g. AGS, BIM, CityGML).
Cross-organisational responsibilities are addressed e.g. OS surface mapping, utility data information, BGS subsurface geological mapping.
A digital platform which allows all mapping data to be integrated.
Development of apps and tools that are developed using the digital platform.
Why is it needed?
City mapping is still largely 2D, the 3D physical form needs to be considered when planning future development in the city e.g. roof and wall gardens; management of urban underground space.
There is no shared standard for mapping underground infrastructure and no one organisation with a mandate to take ownership of this issue.
Coordination of utility information above-below ground to prevent conflicting use of space, unnecessary road works, cable strikes and damage to underground infrastructure, maximise multiple use of space e.g. buildings & green infrastructure.
33% cut in project costs sought by government for construction and whole-life cost.
Who will use it?
City local authorities; utility companies; developers to assess where city infrastructure exists (current and planned) so new development can be maximised without compromising existing assets and functions.
How could it be developed?
Partnership between the Ordnance Survey, 3D city modellers, British Geological Survey, British Standards Institute, Utility Companies, Future Cities Catapult, Land registry.
iii) Underground space assessment and planning tool:
What is it?
A 3D assessment of the urban underground space which includes i) the natural ground conditions to inform potential hazards and potential resources (e.g. ground heat and water), and ii) underground infrastructure e.g. basements, tunnels, pilings.
A spatial assessment of ground with favourable conditions for different activities can be identified.
Land that is likely to be more cost-effective for development is highlighted.
What if scenarios (e.g. planned pipelines) can be run to highlight hazards and opportunities in a low-risk pre-development stage.
Why is it needed?
To de-risk investment and unlock potential resources.
Physical ground constraints: Late stage awareness of ground properties and physical constraints to planned development is costly — Ground risks are one of main causes of project delay (50%), and of Insurance claims on completed projects.
Alignment of Crossrail was influenced by the need to avoid over 200 existing obstructions and Crossrail2 is to be re-routed via Balham because of geological concerns.
In 2013/14, three water companies in the UK spent an additional £80 million in responding to the impacts of groundwater infiltration into the water pipe network.
76% of London’s total heat demand could be met by secondary sources (heat air; water treatment works and ground heat).
Increased use of open-loop ground source heat systems is causing localised warming of groundwater.
Applications for 450 basements in Kensington & Chelsea in 2013.
Who will use it?
Developers, city planners and government agencies to look at the subsurface constraints and geological opportunity to inform site-specific planning and development and strategic city plans (e.g. energy and water resource supply and infrastructure).
How could it be developed?
Collaboration between city authorities, British Geological Survey and owners of underground assets.
