3D Geovisualizations and Participatory Land-Use Planning – Planners’ Perspectives from Finland
: Linkola, Hannu; Fagerholm, Nora; Eilola, Salla
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
: ABINGDON
: 2025
: Planning Theory and Practice
: Planning Theory & Practice
: PLAN THEORY PRACT
: 18
: 1464-9357
: 1470-000X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14649357.2025.2489948(external)
: https://doi.org/10.1080/14649357.2025.2489948(external)
: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/491826634(external)
Our article discusses the use of 3D geovisualizations in participatory planning in Finnish municipalities. The data from a survey and interviews among the municipality-level planners is analyzed from the perspectives of three discursive spaces: representational, experiential, and institutional. Our study shows that 3D geovisualizations are regarded as attractive tools, but their usage is sporadic, and the benefits are mostly evaluated on the basis of technical and representational qualities. Rather than increasing the role of citizens in planning, the new technologies partially reinforce the role of planners, albeit entailing the potential to support interaction with citizens.
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The study has been funded by the Academy of Finland (Wellbeing benefits of urban green infrastructure mapped through participation and 3D virtual landscapes [GreenPlace], grant number 321555). The contribution by Fagerholm has additionally been funded by the Transformative Cities project (European Union – NextGenerationEU instrument and Research Council of Finland grant number 352943).
