Successful implementation requires planning and structure. Here are some tips and tricks. Pick the ones that are relevant to your organisation.
Go for easy wins
- Go for the easy wins to prove value. Try and gain experience. Do not wait for the perfect strategy and process. Technology and data will be improved over time.
Inform and prove value
- Do not hide in the dark, instead create a nice reference project. Success is the best promotion. Pick one key development project and make an attractive implementation in OpenCities Planner.
- Promote references internally, on the web, in meetings, and in public places – e.g. reception areas.
- Discuss the monetary and soft values of improved citizen dialogue, reducing misunderstandings, receiving less complaints, and less site visits as the result of using OpenCities Planner and 3D.
- Make 3D a commodity – easy to access throughout the organisation. Create a web 3D map with: Relevant layers for environment, services, and planning. An overview of all development projects in the city using information points with images, links to websites and resources, and videos. Uploaded CAD models, where available.
Training and competence
- Appoint one person to act as the conduit for user support.
- Organise training at different levels for planners, GIS-staff, visualisation experts, and communicators.
- Inform the rest of the organisation about the possibilities and values.
Process and support
- Create relevant background options 3D maps for different purposes – e.g. textured and non/textured.
- Avoid time consuming data cleaning and conversion. Get the relevant data from consultants and architects by establishing rules and requirements for delivery of GIS data and CAD models to the city. Ask Agency9 for support.
- Develop consistent internal terminology for the naming of projects, backgrounds, and data.
- Collaborative city development involves teams across organisations. Create reference groups between GIS, Planning, exploitation, and communication.
The keys to long term success
- Establish a 3D strategy defining the ambition level for 3D visualisation in the planning department – e.g. 75% of local plans shall be visualised.
- Anchor the 3D strategy in the management team. If management is not engaged, the initiative will never fly.
- Allow staff to spend time on visualisation and citizen dialogue. Also establish support resources to help out with expertise.