Learning through visual systems to enhance the urban planning process

The number of web-based systems for urban planning using virtual reality (VR) and/or geographical information systems (GIS) is increasing rapidly. With increasing Internet access, a majority of the urban population will be potential users of urban planning systems in the near future. In this paper, we describe a methodology for analysing these systems. Our particular interest is the potential for such systems to be agents for change in attitudes and decisionmaking in urban lifestyles and urban policy. Our premise is that such change will come about only through widely held consensus. The building of this consensus is seen as a learning process. Thus, the construction of our methodology relies on well-established theories of learning. We also relate aspects of learning systems to the features of Internet, VR, and GIS technologies used to build models. We assess these models as virtual city models and models for public participation. We reflect on the potential of future models to build up a 'learning society' equipped to understand and act on complex urban problems such as sustainable development.