Reality Capture for Planning
PAS QuickNotes 114
By Andrew Buck, AICP
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Reality capture technology is transforming how planners document and visualize the built environment. These technologies leverage a combination of data and images from both cameras and drones to create 3D models of sites and communities. Reality capture allows planners to efficiently collect data, assess potential impacts, and create visually compelling materials. It can facilitate clearer communication with diverse stakeholders and provide accurate modeling of the built environment to better inform planning, design, and construction decisions. By making digitalization and 3D representation of buildings, infrastructure, and landscapes a more efficient and cost-effective process, reality capture can support and transform local planning and decision-making.
This edition of PAS QuickNotes describes the many applications that reality capture has for planning practice, including community co-creation, and offers considerations for planners in adopting this emerging technology.
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About the Author
Andrew Buck, AICP
Andrew Buck is a Senior Urban Planner and Technologist at VHB with over a decade of experience in urban planning and design. He specializes in integrating digital technologies to address complex community challenges, including decarbonization, climate adaptation, and infrastructure modernization. Andrew began his career in Asia and now leads projects across the New York Metro Region and the East Coast, focusing on smart cities and climate planning. An active member of the American Planning Association, serving both the Tech Division and NYM Chapter, he champions sustainable, technology-driven urban development with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and equity.