A conceptual framework for automatic modelling and conflict detection of 3D land-use regulation restrictions to support issuing planning permits

There are a wide variety of Land-use Regulation (LuR) restrictions, ranging from those that need simple 2D spatial analyses to be verified (e.g., area calculation), to those that need complex 3D analyses (e.g., overshadowing and overlooking). Assessing LuR restrictions to automatically detect LuRs’ potential conflicts with physical objects, such as building elements, could be a challenging task in 2D land administration systems relying on 2D drawings and 2D representations, especially when 3D/vertical analyses are required. Land administration systems can include 3D representations of LuR restrictions to identify their impacts on land parcels and vice versa since the LuRs contain legally binding restrictions for all parties including governments and citizens. As part of the transition from the 2D representation of LuR restrictions and manual conflict detection between LuR restrictions and physical objects such as building elements towards a 3D digital representation and automatic conflict detection, this paper proposes a three-stage conceptual framework for automatic 3D modelling and conflict detection of 3D LuR restrictions. The three-stage conceptual framework, as a generic approach, proposes required principles and procedures to automatically (1) model 3D LuR restrictions (called 3D CityLuR), (2) combine them with other sources of information (e.g., zoning maps, 3D city models, and BIM), and (3) detect LuRs’ potential conflicts between the modelled LuRs and physical objects (i.e., proposed/existing building elements). For modelling and verifying 3D LuRs automatically, the framework organises all the required information for IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) as the proposed building, CityGML as the existing buildings, and most importantly, the planning and zoning requirements. It proposes two categories of required information as “level of information need” for (1) modelling and combing 3D CityLuR with other sources of information automatically and (2) automatically detecting potential spatio-semantic conflicts between LuR restrictions and physical objects such as proposed/existing building elements. Based on a case study in Victoria, Australia, 3D LuR restrictions subject to planning approvals and building subdivisions are investigated. The paper concludes with a discussion arguing the feasibility of automating the verification of LuR restrictions to support decision-making in planning permit applications and building subdivisions.