How Helsinki is using 3D models to assist urban planners and citizens

Helsinki has launched a new communications platform for its residents based around its pioneering work with 3D modelling.

The new platform mallikaupunki.fi/oulunkyla shows aerial shots of Oulunkylä, a northern suburb of the city, where a light rail line and other developments are planned so that residents can express their opinion on the vision for the area's development.

The platform is based on the Finnish capital’s long-term work with modelling tools that were originally used for architectural competitions. Since the late 1980s, the city has developed two models: one city information model (CIM) which connects all the asset data within the city’s infrastructure based on an industry open...