The South Australian government is creating a digital 3D model of the Adelaide CBD and surrounding suburbs which it says will assist in planning the growth, vibrancy and liveability of the city.  

This $2 million model, funded within the 2017/18 state budget will be a 3D interactive replica of the city’s inner ring and extending west to the coast.

The idea is that the model will be accessible online to allow suburb, precinct and individual site level reviews of urban planning strategy and property development.

The 3D modelling will be specifically aimed at assisting in the development of higher urban density developments in the Adelaide CBD.

While the South Australian government has not yet officially chosen who has won the tender for the 3D mapping work, state planning minister and deputy premier John Rau says the modelling will be both highly accurate and will assist with high quality urban design.

“A virtual city model builds on the transition to e-planning, which will make our planning system more efficient and accessible,” says Rau.

“3D modelling is used around the world with great success, and will allow the public to visualise a proposal and how it will fit with the existing streetscape.”

“Traditionally, developments have been planned and assessed with two-dimensional plans, and engagement with the public has relied on “artist impressions” to visualise the impact,” says Rau.

The first phase of the project involves the mapping of the CBD and key development corridors, which is expected to be completed this financial year. 

According to the initial plan, over the following two years, the mapping base will extend to the inner ring of Adelaide and west to the coast.

“A virtual city model builds on the transition to e-planning, which will make our planning system more efficient and accessible,” says Rau.

Working in tandem with the 3D modelling proposal, a $7.6-million gigabit network- known as the Gig City initiative - is currently being installed in Adelaide to foster more businesses.

Adelaide is also the first city outside of the United States to join Smart City initiator and internet application development organisation US Ignite.

The Gig City initiative is part of the SA state government’s $80-million investment to help transform South Australia from a traditional manufacturing and agricultural base to a much more innovative economy.