October 1, 2009: The first phase of a project to create a comprehensive digital three-dimensional model of downtown and waterfront buildings has been completed. During the summer of 2009, the City of Burlington Planning and Zoning Department hired Champlain College Emergent Media Center (EMC) students to create the digital 3D models of downtown and waterfront buildings using Google SketchUp. The first phase of the project is now complete and over 150 models have been developed along Main and Church Streets.

The Visualize Burlington in 3D project, once completed, will present an effective planning tool. In fact, 3D modeling gives context to geospatial data, helping users better visualize and understand the relationship of buildings and infrastructure within the physical landscape.

Here are some of the applications how these models could be used in Burlington:

• Long-Range Planning: Visualize complicated urban planning policies and regulations in 3D to be easily understood.
  
  
• Development Review Aid: Simulate proposed urban development plans in the downtown and waterfront areas in relation to their surroundings.
  
  
• Environmental Assessment: 3D modeling of proposed developments can support shadow, noise, and wind-tunnel analyses for environmental impact assessment.
  
  
• Economic Development: Visualizations depict future growth and emerging development areas. Tourists can access business information from the web or cell phones.

View the Project on Google 3D Warehouse and Google Earth.

View the September 29, 2009 Presentation of the project taped by Channel 17.