Geo-data visualization has always been an important tool in the urban planning process. Recent trends in geo-information technology are, however, offering additional opportunities for the development of new visualization tools. In parallel, developments have also taken place in the field of urban planning, which has evolved from the rational planning model towards a more strategic planning process with a greater emphasis on collaboration and inclusiveness. This study investigates how an innovative geo-data visualisation tool can be used to develop more inclusive and participatory planning processes, and it tests this approach by means of a case study in Tripoli, Lebanon. The study compared two geo-data visualization techniques regarding their potential for an increased involvement of different types of stakeholders in the urban planning processes: The first technique employed coloured printed transparency maps of the present land-use and the 2000-2020 Master Plan, both geo-referenced to a mosaic of QuickBird satellite imagery used to assist the participant’s orientation. The second technique was the Lenticular Foil Display (LFD) using the so-called flip effect, also based on the geo-coding of the same three “layers”. By tilting this product the observer was easily able to interpret the changes between present and planned state. The LFD technology is particularly useful for true-3D (auto-stereoscopic) viewing. Statistical evaluations of questionnaires concerning sociological and perception-scientific aspects revealed interesting details regarding the role of the new visualization method in the participatory city planning process. The result of the interviews revealed that all stakeholders were readily able to participate in the planning process and to contribute their ideas by sketch-map drawing and writing, using the LFD technology. Regarding the possibilities to stimulate the participation of different stakeholders in the planning process, the LFD was found to be more effective than the conventional approach using transparencies overlaid over orthophotos. Non-experts, in particular, preferred the LFD technology to the transparent overlays which were, however, the preferred approach for the professionals and experts familiar with Master Plan map-reading. One conclusion of the present study is that an efficient participatory urban-planning process should explicitly consider the level of map-reading skills of the stakeholders. Geo-data visualization products like the Multi-Flip-LFDs and other innovative approaches offer possibilities to improve stakeholder participation. The monograph closes by making concrete suggestions for further research into the development and optimization of LFDs.

Geo-data visualization has always been an important tool in the urban planning process. Recent trends in geo-information technology are, however, offering additional opportunities for the development of new visualization tools. In parallel, developments have also taken place in the field of urban planning, which has evolved from the rational planning model towards a more strategic planning process with a greater emphasis on collaboration and inclusiveness. This study investigates how an innovative geo-data visualisation tool can be used to develop more inclusive and participatory planning processes, and it tests this approach by means of a case study in Tripoli, Lebanon. The study compared two geo-data visualization techniques regarding their potential for an increased involvement of different types of stakeholders in the urban planning processes: The first technique employed coloured printed transparency maps of the present land-use and the 2000-2020 Master Plan, both geo-referenced to a mosaic of QuickBird satellite imagery used to assist the participant’s orientation. The second technique was the Lenticular Foil Display (LFD) using the so-called flip effect, also based on the geo-coding of the same three “layers”. By tilting this product the observer was easily able to interpret the changes between present and planned state. The LFD technology is particularly useful for true-3D (auto-stereoscopic) viewing. Statistical evaluations of questionnaires concerning sociological and perception-scientific aspects revealed interesting details regarding the role of the new visualization method in the participatory city planning process. The result of the interviews revealed that all stakeholders were readily able to participate in the planning process and to contribute their ideas by sketch-map drawing and writing, using the LFD technology. Regarding the possibilities to stimulate the participation of different stakeholders in the planning process, the LFD was found to be more effective than the conventional approach using transparencies overlaid over orthophotos. Non-experts, in particular, preferred the LFD technology to the transparent overlays which were, however, the preferred approach for the professionals and experts familiar with Master Plan map-reading. One conclusion of the present study is that an efficient participatory urban-planning process should explicitly consider the level of map-reading skills of the stakeholders. Geo-data visualization products like the Multi-Flip-LFDs and other innovative approaches offer possibilities to improve stakeholder participation. The monograph closes by making concrete suggestions for further research into the development and optimization of LFDs.