Combining 3-D modeling with GIS, so communities can experiment with urban designs and see
quantified environmental and fiscal impacts. (page 1 of 3)

The Environmental Simulation Center, a non-profit laboratory that was incubated at New York City's New School for Social Research, combines computer imaging, policy simulation, and computerized impact analysis. It is directed by Michael Kwartler, an urban designer with extensive experience in resolving planning-related citizen disputes. The Center employs PC-based software that allows citizens to model various site-specific development scenarios in a manner similar to the well-known Sim-City software program.

It accomplishes this by linking two and three-dimensional visual representations of places with databases and spreadsheets. Changes to the visual "environment" are instantly assessed in terms of impacts. Design issues can be explored in the model by moving urban elements and buildings of different designs. The software was initially created to help resolve community disputes, but is increasingly used to promote proactive community vision plans.

When citizens feel that they are "in charge" of the planning process–that growth is not simply something that is going to happen to them – they are much more willing to accept and even embrace change in their communities.

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