Visualization Tools for Simulation Results Based on 3D City Models: An Urban Planner-Focused Study

Abstract

Environmental simulations are increasingly used in urban planning to assess parameters that influence adequate living conditions in densification projects, such as daylight access, noise exposure, wind comfort, and flood risk. These simulations rely on geospatial data and on the representation of the urban environment through 3D city models. However, in current planning practice, simulation results are still predominantly delivered to urban planners in static PDF-format, which limits interactivity and effective analysis.
This thesis investigates how environmental simulation results linked to semantic and standardized 3D city models can be visualized to better support urban planning processes. The study focuses on the use of standardized 3D city models, based on the CityGML standard and the Swedish 3CIM specification, stored and managed in a database environment using 3DCityDB. Starting with semi-structured interviews with urban planners to define requirements for visualization tools. Based on these requirements, existing visualization platforms were evaluated, and a web-based visualization tool was designed and implemented.
The developed tool integrates simulation and interactive visualization through CesiumJS and 3D Tiles. Key functionalities include scenario comparison, filtering and access to simulation metadata. The tool was evaluated through a case study in Malmö, Sweden, using simulation results for daylight, noise, wind and flood.
The results indicate that linking simulation outcomes to standardized semantic 3D city models stored in a database improves data integration, consistency, and reuse. The storage of simulation outputs within standard 3D city models in 3DCityDB proved to optimize interoperability and the creation of intuitive, user-friendly visualizations.
Interactive 3D visualization enhances urban planners’ ability to analyse, compare, and communicate simulation results, improving simulation-based decision-making in urban planning. Future work could include integrating a broader range of simulations and scenarios and further developing standardised workflows to incorporate this tool in the urban planning process.

Popular Abstract

Cities are growing denser, and urban planners must ensure that new buildings still provide good living conditions. This requires understanding how developments affect daylight, noise, wind, and flood risk, which is done using environmental simulations. These digital models can predict how a city will behave under different conditions.
Despite their potential, simulation results are often delivered as static PDF reports, which limit the exploration of scenarios, comparison of alternatives, and understanding of urban change. This gap between advanced simulations and practical planning tools inspired this project.
The aim of this thesis was to explore how environmental simulation results can be visualized in a more interactive and useful way for urban planners. The project builds on standardized 3D city models, which are detailed digital representations of cities that include both geometry and meaning.
The work began with interviews with urban planners to identify key requirements. Existing software platforms were reviewed, and a web-based 3D visualization tool was then designed and developed.
The result allows planners to explore simulation results directly on a 3D model of the city. Users can switch between different planning scenarios, compare alternatives, filter information, and access data about each simulation. The tool was tested in a real-world case study in Malmö, Sweden, using simulations for daylight access, noise levels, wind comfort, and flood risk.
The findings show benefits. The visualization tool supports clearer and more intuitive visualizations. Most importantly, interactive 3D views help planners better understand complex information, compare design options, and communicate results to colleagues and stakeholders.
In short, replacing static reports with interactive 3D visualizations can improve how environmental simulations are used in urban planning. With further development, this approach could become a part of everyday planning practice, helping urban planners make more informed decisions and build a smart city for everyone.

• author: Santos Motta, Amanda
• supervisor: Lars Harrie; Karolina Despoina Pantazatou
• organization: Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (MGeo)
• course: GISM01 20252
• year: 2026
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Earth and Environmental Sciences
• keywords: Geography, Geographical Information System, 3D City Model, Environmental Simulation, Visualization Tool
• publication/series: Master Thesis in Geographic Information Science
• report number: 206
• language: English
• additional info: Collaboration: Sweco (Digital Services)
• id: 9223040
• date added to LUP: 2026-02-20 10:36:03
• date last changed: 2026-02-20 10:36:03