Virtual Planning - Research & Enterprise Group
Virtual Planning is working to produce a better urban environment by the deployment of technologies we are developing in the field of urban data modelling and visualisation. Our research has won funding from the EU, UK Government and the US National Science Foundation (NSF).
Founded in 2004, as part of the School of the Built Environment (a top rated research led School and the UK's largest research institute in the Built Environment). We specialise in creating virtual environments using LIDAR scanning technology to produce highly accurate 3D Models (accurate to 5mm). Using powerful modelling software and our own data integration techniques we can manipulate these models to become highly realistic interactive environments that encourage further engagement with, and understanding of, the world of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
…Over 120 journal papers, refereed conference papers, research project and consultation reports…
A selection of projects we have recently worked on includes:
Manchester Town Hall: 3D thermal scan first
Working out how to save energy in an historic building like Manchester Town Hall is a challenge. How energy is lost from the building needs to be analysed. It is possible to use a thermal camera, but this only gives 2D photos of a complex 3D shape. 3D models of buildings can be made using 3D laser scanners, but until now these models have lacked thermal information.
Gorton Monastery
Virtual Planning is currently working to produce a 3D scan of Pugin's architectural masterpiece, Gorton Monaster, as a part of the SURegen (Sustainable Urban Regeneration) project.
SURegen (Sustainable Urban Regeneration) (2008-12)
Government policies on urban regeneration aim to bring about economic, social, physical and environmental improvements to urban areas. But a skills-gap amongst built environment professionals, planning authorities, developers is hampering change. The Virtual Planning Group joined with other SURegen researchers to tackle this problem head on in 2008 with an ambitious vision of developing a workbench to help regeneration professionals in their day-today decision-making.
Other Research
Click above to find out about other research projects we have been involved in, such as the INTERREG IIIB North West Europe Programme VEPs and major European Framework projects such as IntelCity and IntelCities.