3D-GIS Parametric Modelling for Virtual Urban Simulation Using CityEngine

ABSTRACT Modelling and visualization of three-dimensional (3D) models for cities is a great challenge for computer software and graphics. Recently, 3D city modelling has grown due to advances in applications accompanying the information technology revolution. 3D Geographic Information Systems (3D-GIS) have evolved enormously due to the availability of large-scale 3D modelling techniques. These technologies have become very important in representing large cities and conducting various analyses in the city’s virtual environment to support urban decision-making. CityEngine is one of the most recent 3D-GIS modelling applications. CityEngine can be described as parametric modelling using Procedural Modelling (PM) to create 3D urban elements through macros and routines. This paper highlights the importance of 3D Procedural Modelling (PM) of cities in the GIS environment using ESRI CityEngine and presents a parametric concept for designing urban spaces. This issue has been addressed in three respects. First, discuss the concept and strength of parametric design. Second, the concept of procedural modelling and its power to generate complex 3D models using a set of rules is discussed. Finally, CityEngine was evaluated through a real-world case study of a neighbourhood in the new city of Beni-Suef, Egypt. The results confirm the effectiveness of CityEngine as a 3D-GIS modelling software that generates dynamic 3D models from 2D spatial data. While the results are promising, it is important to investigate more complex cases. The CityEngine modelling approach enables comprehensive urban analyses such as sequence vision, façade studies, urban fabric and character, and statistical operations based on attribute database.