Analysis of Coastal Urban Skyline Development Using Digital Tools: The Case of Swinoujscie (Poland)

Purpose: The aim of the article is to analyse the directions and nature of the transformation of Świnoujście’s urban skyline in the context of increasing building density and vertical pressure. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research utilises orthophotomaps from various time periods and point cloud data acquired through geographic information services (GIS). Based on this, a digital model and BIM software were used to analyse urban silhouette development trends and determine the directions of vertical expansion and urban densification in the context of current planning assumptions. Findings: The observed increase in building intensity in Świnoujście is largely concentrated within a single skyline unit, dominated by the Radisson Blu high-rise. This structure redefines the proportions of the panorama, making subsequent lower-rise developments appear visually insignificant. This creates a false sense of compositional stability and highlights the need for localised visual analyses, rather than relying solely on averaged statistical indicators. The study applies a segmentation method that enables a more precise assessment of new developments in their immediate spatial context. Practical Implications: The results may inform local urban policies and spatial planning strategies, particularly regarding the balance between tourism development and protection of the urban landscape. The adopted methodology can be replicated in other coastal cities experiencing rapid spatial and functional transformation. Originality/Value: The originality of the article lies in its combination of 2D (historical orthophotomaps) and 3D (LiDAR/BIM) data within a single analytical model, enabling simultaneous tracking of vertical and spatial densification processes. Working in the ARCHICAD environment, the study creates an interactive BIM platform that supports visual analysis, zoning scenarios (LDPs), and automated generation of quantitative data. The segmentation approach eliminates distortions caused by dominant high-rise structures and simplifies landscape assessment to three spatial categories: sky, built-up area, and greenery. Additionally, the use of original indicators—built-to-sky (BS) and built-to-greenery (BG)—provides an innovative tool to evaluate verticalisation pressure and loss of the natural buffer zone in coastal urban areas.