The Potential of Geospatial Tools for Enhancing Community Engagement in the Post-disaster Reconstruction of Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract

The Christchurch, New Zealand, earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 provide ample opportunities to trial new geospatial technologies in the reconstruction of the city. These earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.1 and 6.3, resulted in severe damage to housing and building stock. An estimated 75% of residential buildings suffered some form of damage, with 7.5% collapsed or requiring demolition. These impacts were felt most severely in mid-suburban areas closest to the sea and in commercial buildings located in the CBD, where 90% of buildings have now been demolished. The severe damage in these areas has put pressure on housing, retail, and commercial premises throughout the city. Additionally, therehas been great pressure on the below ground infrastructure, transport networks, and social services and amenities; all of which have had to change due to large population and activity movements. This has extenuated longer-term socio-demographic trends in housing and building demands. As a response, a major reconstruction effort is underway. This research looks for ways to integrate new geospatial technologies to promote better community engagement in the decision-making process. The geospatial planning tools being trialled, Envision and ESP (Envision Scenario Planning), assess optimal redevelopment opportunities, identify suitable redevelopment areas, model different scenarios as variables and 3D visualisations, and assess different precinct style design typologies. The tools, developed by “Greening the Greyfields” research teams at Swinburne University of Technology (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) and Curtin University (Perth, Western Australia, Australia), were utilised in the regeneration of mid-suburban areas in Australian cities, and now the implementation has been extended to post-disaster Christchurch. It is anticipatedthat this will improve communication within communities and enhance development outcomes through greater consensus between residents, developers, planners, and other stakeholders.