Using 3D Visualization Tools to Engage Public in the Process of Planning Highway Noise Barrier – A Practical Hong Kong Experience

摘要

Engaging public in the process of planning highway noise barrier is a critical element for asuccessful project. For an effective public engagement in planning stage, it is essential topresent noise information in such a way that it is easily understood by the public. Thetraditional presentation approach by means of tables and numerical figures on maps would notbe easily understood by the public or even professionals such as environmental consultants andengineers, especially for a project in a complex high-rise metropolis like Hong Kong. Thispaper describes practical experience from Environmental Protection Department (EPD) ofHong Kong Special Administrative Region Government using three-dimensional (3D)visualization tool to engage the public for a project retrofitting barriers on a trunk road in HK.The tool provides a 3D interactive virtual reality environment, for the public to walk and flythrough the future 3D space to grasp the noise information and effectiveness of proposedbarriers. The tool is developed by using geographic information system (GIS), 3D digitalmodel technology and large-scale noise model application for noise mapping. A pilot study onusing World Wind technology from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)to disseminate the 3D interactive virtual reality environment via network will also be presented.