A 3D virtual model of Tel Aviv was created to enable city planning activities, as well as allowing general environment cognition research like way-finding and navigation.

The basic data for its construction included a DTM, on top of which an orthophoto was draped. Next, SiteBuilder 3D was used to automatically projects 3D models of buildings constructed with MultiGen Creator.

The entire area, which covers 216 square kilometers, was then divided into 1 square kilometer tiles. Next, the tiles were loaded into Vega, with its LADBM module for rendering. 3DRoads were built using MultiGen Creator's Road Tools option. To highten realism, digital pictures of landmark buildings in the city were extensively used

The model was designed for several purposes: as a planning tool, as a research tool and as means to increase public participation in planning. As such, the model can be utilized by a city planners or citizens to interactively place buildings and other urban elements and then fly, drive, or walk in the virtual environment to assess the impact of a new project on both its immediate environment and the city as a whole.

Another feature of this urban simulation is to display information by using colors for the tops and sides of buildings. In this example, the population characteristics are represented by color.

The Environmental Simulation Laboratory
Department of Geography/The Human Environment
Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv, ISRAEL
eslab.tau.ac.il

Team:
Prof. Juval Portugali
Dr. Itzhak Benenson
Yael Perez
Ran Sarig