3D City Models as Participatory Tools in Urban Planning

Abstract

This thesis explores 3D geovisualization tools in participatory urban planning, focusing on user experiences of using a screen recorded 360° video of Tampere railway station’s 3D city model. While the use of 3D geovisualizations by planners in Finnish municipalities is widespread, their participatory applications remain relatively limited. This study responds to identified gaps in the literature by conducting three semi-structured interviews, where participants engaged with the 3D model, aiming to understand how such tools influence perceptions, engagement, and trust in planning processes.

To analyze the transcribed interviews, thematic analysis was utilized. The data was handled and interpreted using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive inductive six-phase framework. Through manual coding, the following five recurring themes emerged: usability and accessibility, spatial perception and navigation, participatory engagement, trust and realism, and emotional resonance. These themes were further grouped into two over-arching themes, which revealed two key dimensions of 3D-assisted participatory planning: (1) usability as a facilitator of access and inclusive participation, and (2) emotional resonance through realism and spatial experience.

Findings suggest that emotional engagement is intimately tied to the realism and navigability of the 3D model, while an intuitively accessible tool may broaden the demography of participation to include new participants. The study contributes to a deeper conversation about how digital tools can: support more inclusive and affective forms of public participation and be tailored to fit the planning case and project goals, while avoiding aimless technological development. Through this consideration, this paper highlights the importance of transparent communication and human-centered design in the advancement of participatory digital tools and their applications.