Smart Geo-Spatial Analytical Tool for Urban Development and Management

Abstract

Urbanization and especially suburbanization are increasing challenges to urban planner around the world. These processes occur at faster pace than regulatory bodies manage and the use of smart geo-spatial tools and techniques has become a must if we want to have any chance for a rational planning process. In this paper, a part of a broader question can a 3D geo-spatial tool support urban planners in obtaining a greater understanding of a given urban problem and manage urban development efficiently? is explored. A 3D information rich model (3D-IRM) of case area (Kannadasan Nagar, Chennai) is generated using ArcGIS and ArcScene with the information such as, land-use, road width, permissible floor space index (FSI), height of the building, setbacks, building use etc. 3D-IRM is then classified based on local zoning regulation to check for the development code compliance three-dimensionally. Upon strict adherence with local codes of development and zoning regulation, the buildings of the case area be classified under three types, ordinary buildings (OB-77%), special buildings (SB-20%) and multi-storied buildings (MSB-3%), whereas the primary survey carried out shows the actual development as OB-75%, SB-4% and MSB-21%. More than 20,000m2 of built-up area is added under MSB typology which has gone unnoticed by the development authority. With growing technological advancement, urban planners and decision makers must be equipped with smart proactive decision support tool so as to enable desired development. Results suggest that smart advanced geo-spatial tool such as 3D GIS help urban planner in enhancing the decision making processes and the implementation of zoning regulations.