In a country where nearly 90 percent of residents live or work in cities, thoughtful urban planning is crucial to community health and well-being. That\u2019s why the Department of Transportation and Planning (DTP) in Victoria, Australia, has turned to location intelligence to enable smarter decision-making in its transportation, land development, and policy planning.<\/p>\r\n
DTP has leveraged the Esri technology stack\u2014including ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Enterprise\u2014to drive innovation in its use of spatial technology. Additionally, the department has employed an array of capabilities, from data-driven visualization to 3D client-side analytics, to develop custom web apps that have enabled staff to streamline processes and reduce manual work, significantly improving the organization\u2019s overall efficiency.<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":759862,"image_position":"right","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
DTP\u2019s spatial services team consists of experts from diverse backgrounds, including urban planning, cartography, and spatial analysis.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThe members of my team share one thing: a passion to do great work with the spatial technologies we have available,\u201d said Justin Madex, a spatial services manager who leads a team of software engineers at DTP.<\/p>\r\n
Spatial analysis plays a pivotal role in many of DTP\u2019s key projects. It helps staff calculate new buildings\u2019 potential to cast shadows on existing infrastructure; guide the development of affordable housing across the state; and design what are called 20-minute neighborhoods, where essential services are no more than a 20-minute walk away.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cSpatial technologies are empowering planning for Victoria\u2019s future,\u201d said Madex.<\/p>\r\n
His team provides many forms of spatial services and support to the planning group. For example, team members are responsible for collaborating with local councils across Victoria and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the spatial dataset associated with the state\u2019s planning scheme\u2014a legal document that details the policies and provisions for land use and development. Victoria\u2019s planning scheme includes 44 planning zones and 27 overlays. The dataset is extensive.<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":759872,"image_position":"left","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
\u201cVictoria is only half the size of California, but we have to work closely with all 79 counties across the [state] as they submit updates or amendments to the department,\u201d said Madex. \u201cAnd since not all councils use spatial technology at the same level, amendments can be submitted a lot of different ways.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
Until 2018, this meant that DTP had a group of staff members dedicated to processing these amendments and continually managing the planning scheme dataset.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cSince then, we\u2019ve invested significant time in improving our operations,\u201d said Madex. \u201cIt started with the introduction of the Esri technology stack.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
DTP integrated Python scripts, built add-ons to ArcGIS Pro, and implemented topology rules across the datasets with the goal of streamlining the process and reducing the amount of manual work that had to be done.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWe now spend far less time managing the dataset, thereby improving the team\u2019s overall productivity,\u201d said Madex.<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
DTP has taken significant steps as well to enhance its development of web mapping apps to support urban planning. In-depth market research and a successful proof of concept revealed that ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript was the best fit for the department\u2019s needs. The team\u2019s decision was further solidified by the SDK\u2019s road map for development, detailed documentation, extensive sample library, and strong user community\u2014all of which aligned well with DTP\u2019s objectives.<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":759882,"image_position":"right","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
\u201cInteractive mapping applications are one of the most powerful tools we have for depicting complex scenarios and modeling,\u201d Madex said. \u201cApplications built using the JavaScript Maps SDK are empowering us to put the spatial in the hands of our users who are traditionally nonspatial.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
Using JavaScript Maps SDK, the department has produced modern custom web mapping apps that are user-friendly and highly functional. The apps are designed to handle large volumes of data and allow users to seamlessly integrate and visualize spatial information in real time. The various data layers that the apps support\u2014including zoning, demographic, and environmental information\u2014are all essential for comprehensive urban planning.<\/p>\r\n
For example, the team used JavaScript Maps SDK to create an intuitive web mapping app for the Victorian government\u2019s Future Homes program, which offers a streamlined planning pathway to develop three-story apartment buildings. The app simplifies the process of determining eligibility for the program. The team also developed a web mapping app that helps modernize the approval process for new renewable energy projects. It allows planners to review and manage the progress of their permit applications and, ultimately, provides a view of renewable energy projects across the state of Victoria.<\/p>\r\n
These and other apps are crucial for engaging with the community. They provide a transparent platform for stakeholders to view and interact with planning proposals. And their interactive nature enables users to simulate different planning scenarios that show potential outcomes and facilitate more informed decision-making.<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":759892,"image_position":"left","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
One of the most innovative apps that DTP has developed is Vic3D, an app that provides 3D and augmented reality (AR)-based visualizations of Victoria\u2019s urban landscapes. In the sophisticated arena of urban development, this app ensures that the state\u2019s distinctive landscapes are deeply integrated into the planning process.<\/p>\r\n
Vic3D, developed with JavaScript Maps SDK and supported by ArcGIS Enterprise, leverages several key capabilities of the software development kit (SDK), including the ability to import textured and untextured realistic photo meshes; employ 2D datasets; perform viewshed analyses to calculate a new development\u2019s potential to overshadow existing built forms; and assess shadow accumulation using out-of-the-box widgets.<\/p>\r\n
The app empowers planners to analyze diverse 3D datasets, such as those related to building models and topographic maps. These are crucial for evaluating\u2014without technical assistance\u2014the impacts of proposed developments on a city\u2019s cherished vistas and heritage sites.<\/p>\r\n
Vic3D can also help stakeholders review planning permit models alongside existing structures, offering clear and tangible perspectives on new developments. This is vital for projects that might affect key landscapes and historical sites, since all new structures must harmonize with Victoria\u2019s stunning natural environment and vibrant city scenery. Moreover, the app integrates AR to give users an immersive experience that brings proposed changes to life.<\/p>\r\n
This innovative approach to viewing possible future developments enhances public consultations and enriches the decision-making process, allowing stakeholders to get vivid visualizations of potential impacts.<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":759902,"image_position":"right","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
By strategically employing Esri technology to its existing workflows and processes, DTP exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban planning.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cLeveraging the web mapping technology available across the ArcGIS technology stack has not only enabled us to provide powerful decision-making spatial data to our users in an intuitive manner, but it has also uplifted the overall spatial intelligence of the department,\u201d Madex said. \u201cMore than ever, we have people across the department coming to us asking to leverage the platform for new and exciting projects.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
DTP\u2019s innovative and adaptive use of spatial technologies has enhanced collaboration, efficiency, and accuracy across its planning processes, as well as enriched the quality of life of Victoria\u2019s residents.<\/p>"}],"references":null},"yoast_head":"\n