Ultra-real or symbolic visualization? the case of the city through time

The distinctive character of digital technology has created new conditions of approach and processing. The city as the object of visualization has its own peculiarities as a separate object, notwithstanding the demands imposed by these new conditions. The medium's interactivity, the requirements of digital distribution, the necessary compromises and prerequisites, shape a special state of 3D modeling. This paper researches on the one hand the conditions for data collection, the state of data, its documentation and the production of the 3D model and on the other a theoretical framework of simulation and reproduction of the model of the "city" based on reality. Man has never stopped creating works of art. The history of art testifies to this, but what we seek is the creation of a model with the qualities of reality. Through the excellent possibilities that digital technology has made available for the production of an ultra-real model, we have managed to make the model of the city come alive. The conclusions result from the applications used employing popular software programs (AutoCAD, ArcVIEW (3D analyst), 3D Studio MAX). This experience led to the formulation of a 3D model creation framework which allows for a greater degree of realistic re-creation without coming into conflict with scientific ethics, but in fact, demonstrating them. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved