Development of Spatial Decision Support System ...

Development of Spatial Decision Support System Using Web-based 3D Visualization for Urban Streetscape Improvement Case study in Malang, Indonesia *

Herry Santosa 1, Shinji Ikaruga2 and Takeshi Kobayashi3 1

Doctoral Student, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamaguchi University, Japan 2 Professor, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamaguchi University, Japan 3 Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamaguchi University, Japan

Abstract This study is a further stage of a previous research on the visual evaluation of commercial areas in the Kayutangan corridor in Malang, using the method of field survey and user preferences. The current study is focused on the development of an interactive 3D visualization system to support decision-making to improve the quality of the Kayutangan streetscape. The utilization of Virtual Environment (VE) technology is important to develop a virtual world of urban streetscape and present various alternatives for landscape changes. Considering that the implementation of this system is new and has not been widely used by the Malang society and to reduce the virtual shock effect and psychological pressure of using the system, this paper proposes four development strategies for designing a user interface. These strategies constitute familiarization of local wisdom, a user-friendly interface, an interactive level hierarchy of 3D visualization, and periodical workshops to encourage online participation. This paper also emphasizes the importance of using the combination of Google SketchUp and the Adobe Director software in order to produce an effective interactive 3D visualization. Keywords: Virtual Environment (VE), Interactive 3D visualization, User interface design, Urban streetscape, Malang

1. Introduction 1.1 Strategies Approach of Virtual Shock Reduction Indonesia is one of the developing countries that desperately requires expert help and better techniques to create and design a city plan more effectively and appropriately. The urban landscape has grown rapidly and uncontrollably, especially in developing cities such as Malang. The rapid population growth and technological advances have led to a significant change in the urban landscape. The government must be responsive to anticipate urban growth through proper urban planning. Further, the community requires delivery of design ideas through the process of public participation via a medium that is easily understood by the community (Laing, 2011)3). Public participation activities should be conducted in the initial stages of the planning process and urban design. The earlier and more intensively the people are involved in an urban planning project, the more likely the project will succeed (Wu et al., 2010) 12). Hence, governments require proper advice and an effective response from the society against any efforts of city spatial planning. The government appoints architects and urban planners to accommodate the creation of urban spatial spaces that can ensure an experience that is comfortable and satisfying for the * Contact Author: Herry Santosa, Doctoral Student, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamaguchi University, 2-16-1, Tokiwadai, Ube, Yamaguchi (755-8611) Tel: +818030516961 Fax: +81836859701 e-mail: [email protected]

community. Because the evaluation of the urban image is related to the people and environment (Nasar, 1998)5), it is important to include public participation in the urban planning process in order to evaluate and ensure the achievement of a valuable aesthetic experience. According to Paar (2006)6), the demand for 3D visualizations for landscape and environmental planning depend on country-specific planning procedures, the economic situation, and the level of public participation. Computer visualization can be optimally used in the planning process to build an environment through community involvement, with the condition that the method is popular in the community and that these technologies can be easily accessed. In fact, the conventional method of urban planning that involved direct meetings with the public was perceived as incapable of following the rapid growth of Malang, extremely time consuming, and costly. The growth of computers and web technology has quickly spread to the entire Malang society. This phenomenon is an opportunity for the development of community participation in urban planning through the web. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a 3D interactive simulation system for urban planning that can be distributed via the web. This method is expected to help establish cultural communication between the communities and the government in a fast, precise, and more efficient manner in order to support decision making in various models of urban spatial planning. Obviously, the use of web-based 3D visualization to facilitate public participation in Malang is a genuinely new approach. This system has not been widely applied in

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Indonesian countries and it has been reported that only a few pilot tests were conducted in several cities. Therefore, it is important to note that this system will most probably be, to the best of our knowledge, the first one in Malang. In addition, the participants most probably have never seen and used a similar system. Hence, in order to avoid the occurrence of a "virtual shock" for participants, we propose four strategies in the development stage of the system that consist of interface familiarization with the local wisdom, user friendly interface, an interactive level hierarchy, and periodical workshops to encourage online participation. 1.2 Optimizing 3D Visualization Presently, the development of a virtual-reality modeling language (VRML) has a significant influence on the development of methods for planning and designing the environment that leads to the formation of a more interactive visualization. The adoption of the VR system enables the planner to evaluate the planning decisions with respect to urban re-organization, such as new modes of intervention in the pre-existing urban landscape (Ceconello & Spallazo, 2010)2). Moreover, according to Langendorf (1999) as cited in Shen (2010)9), the virtual image’s persuasive powers build trust more effectively than traditional measures such as planning documents. Reviews from many literatures and discussions suggest that if a more realistic visualization can be achieved, then it is easier to understand for a lay audience. The degree of realism provides a significant contribution to the comprehension of a model by lay participants (Al-Kodmany, 2000)1). Various consequences arise in the process of 3D visualization. On the one hand, the fulfillment of a high level of detail will increase the size of the file and this will affect the speed of access and interaction. On the other hand, in order to interact with data visualization in an easy and fast manner, the 3D geometry or level of detail has to be decreased. Further, it has been widely discussed that the reduction in the level of detail or 3D geometry can lead to file size reduction; however, consequently, it reduces the level of accuracy and degrades the real impression (Schauppenlehner,___)8). A wide range of strategies has been introduced to overcome this problem, one of which is using a combination of texture mapping and photo image capturing to simplify the 3D geometry (Shiode, 2001)10). 1.3 Development of an Effective Navigation Most members of the general public are not urban planning professionals, and therefore, well-designed visualizations and interactive tools can help extend their participation in the urban planning processes (Wu et al., 2010)12). In order to make an interactive virtual environment (VE), developing effective navigation is necessary to assist participants that have a good spatial orientation. Moreover, navigation in a VE can be defined as the process of determining a strategy, direction, and course (wayfinding) while controlling the movement using some aids to achieve a desired goal (Volbracht and Domik, 2000)11). Therefore, the participant should have an understanding of the three types of spatial knowledge, i.e., landmark, route, and survey knowledge. If this knowledge is well understood, users can easily create a cognitive map in the VE. The user interaction capability of navigation in a VE is essential for assessing the spatial qualities developed in a VE.

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From the beginning of the process, it should be ensured that all participants already have basic knowledge about the interaction techniques in the VEs. The process of testing the system in several replicates is recommended to avoid a virtual shock to the user. 1.4 Consideration of User Interface Design Recently, 3D visualization technology has grown to a level of 3D visualization explorations, and it has been directed to achieve reality visualization. Obviously, these explorations become a considerably encouraging development, especially for planning and designing activities of the built environment. Further, the development of computerized technology is strongly supported by the development of communication technology, in particular, in the production of various types of web-based gadgets. This further strengthens the important role played by the development of computer visualization in social life. According to many studies on web applications, the user interface design is considerably important for successful user interaction. Some principles of a good user interface design are user compatibility, task compatibility, workflow compatibility, consistency, familiarity, and simplicity. Failure to understand the design of a good user interface will increase the psychological pressure on the user and the system will no longer be enthused. Therefore, considering the importance of web application usage, the design aspects of the user interface should be an important concern to encourage online participation in the city planning activities. 2. Early Studies: Visual Evaluation of the Kayutangan Streetscape The study focuses on a commercial building streetscape in the historical district. One of the important historical districts is the Kayutangan Street corridor, which is the starting point for the development of streetscape commercial areas in Malang since 1914, in the Dutch colonial period. The rapid growth of urbanization has led to the growth of commercial sectors throughout Malang. Indeed, city planning should be based on the history of urban planning to establish a sustainable city plan. The Kayutangan Street corridor should be preserved as a valuable asset of the historic urban space. Fig.1. Map of Kayutangan Street

Currently, the present historic building’s streetscape in Kayutangan Street is gradually being superseded by new buildings owing to the lack of historic structure preservation regulations. The rapid and uncontrolled development of the new commercial street corridor has led to the construction of a city streetscape simply for economic interests and has disregarded structuring a qualified urban space. Hence, the reflection of the historical urban space is necessary to be the basis of city planning and designing.

Herry Santosa

operation. The system should be easy to use, operate, and understand. We propose creating an interface design that is clear, simple, and effective and an aid for text messaging and providing assistance tooltips in order to simplify and reduce the psychological pressure experienced by the user.

Fig.2. Comparison of the quality of urban space in part of Kayutangan Street around 1936 with the current conditions According to the result of previous studies on the visual evaluation of urban commercial streetscape in the same case study, there are three types of judgments implied from the comparison of the field survey and building owners’ preferences7): 1) Agreement: Building owners imply a similar agreement on existing conditions regarding the facade detail (no ornaments), texture (smooth), finishing (painted), and the form of the commercial sign (a combination of text and images). 2) Disagreement: Building owners imply a similar disagreement on existing conditions regarding the placement of commercial signs. 3) Desire: Building owners imply a similar desire for existing conditions regarding tree height (medium), façade shape (simple), façade detail (no ornament), façade texture (smooth), façade finishing (painted), the color theme of façade (analogous), shape of commercial signs (text and image), and placement of commercial signs (combination). Moreover, all building owner preferences for the Kayutangan Street area are nearly the same according to the existing conditions. The interesting preferences from the Kayutangan’s respondents show that the majority of respondents prefer the Indonesian façade style. This may lead to the assumption that the building’s owner is considered to have an adequate role in the modification of the Kayutangan streetscape formation. 3. Method of system development Based on the reviews of previous studies and taking into consideration important issues in an effort to improve the quality of urban space in the Kayutangan streetscape, it is necessary to employ four strategies as follows: 3.1 Familiarization of Local Wisdom Because only a few people in Malang know and understand the Decision support system and the diversity in the level of public understanding of the virtual world, we propose familiarization of local wisdom that will be inserted into the system. Familiarization is intended to construct a user-friendly web interface that is adapted to the local culture of Malang in particular and Indonesia’s culture in general. Familiarization can be achieved by using local languages and cultural symbols. Therefore, we utilized Indonesian languages and various cultural symbols of Malang. 3.2 User-friendly Interface The system should utilize a user-friendly interface and

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Fig.3. Interconnection between the content and assistance services 3.3 Interactive Level Hierarchy The development of interactive level hierarchy on the decision support system is based on the fact that the participant has a diverse level of knowledge and understanding of interactive simulation systems in the VE. We also strive to create a gradual learning concept for people to utilize the decision support system for urban landscape improvement. Thus, the participant is allowed to use the system that can be easily adjusted to the level of each understanding.

Fig.4. Scheme of interactive level hierarchy This interactive hierarchy also serves the purpose of evaluation for system designers to determine the appropriate type of interaction for each level. Even if participants operate the system at any level, the optimal results for the decision-making system can still be attained. This concept is based on the fundamental consideration that every human being has seven different dimensions of intellectual abilities that are intelligence figures, verbal understanding, perceptual speed, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, spatial visualization, and memory. In addition, we also consider the differences in the verbal and non-verbal communication ability of each individual. Therefore, we attempt to accommodate the level of human interactive ability in three levels and provide an opportunity for each participant to operate the system at any level.

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3.4 Encouraging Online Participation The idea of online participation in city planning activities is new for most people in Malang as well as in Indonesia. Urban panning based on the use of these systems in developed countries has reported many advantages compared to the traditional method. Some advantages of online participation are low cost, ease of engaging a diverse group without interfering with daily activities, and reduction in the occurrence of direct conflicts between opposing parties. In order to encourage online participation, the various parties such as the government and academic parties, help promote this system to the public continually. In the early stages of socialization, a workshop should be conducted to introduce and test the system. The results of this workshop will be evaluated together to implement a better system. A feedback from participants is necessary for designing an interactive system, because the peculiarities of the participants’ characteristics will affect the manner and ease of interaction with the system. 4. Six Stages of 3D Visualization Development

Fig. 5. 3D visualization stages 3D visualization development for the Kayutangan streetscape requires at least six important stages that consist of 3D simulation scenario, data collection, 3D modeling, geometry optimization, texture application, and the entity object . 3D simulation scenario is the fundamental step in preparing the basic concept of creating 3D visualization. There are four essential concepts that should be taken into consideration, namely 3D visualization concepts that relate to the modeling strategy, level of detail geometry that is associated with visual realism, interactive concepts that determine interactive types that will be constructed, and the navigational concepts that determine the navigation control system for handling interactions on the VE. 5. Utilization of 3D Lingo Script In this paper, to the best of my knowledge that there has been no research that emphasize the importance of the combined use of the software Google SketchUp and Adobe Director to produce a 3D interactive simulation. Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling software, which is more practical and effective than other 3D modeling software, such as 3dsmax. This software has

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many practical plugins to support and accelerate the production of 3D models and 3D simulations. Further, the Adobe Director software develops and creates an interactive media that is supported by a variety of media elements such as streaming Real Media, Macromedia Flash, MP3, QuickTime, bitmaps, vectors, text, and shockwave3d. The recent releases, Adobe Director Versions 11.5 and 12 can directly import SketchUp files from Google SketchUp Version 7.

Fig.6. Development process of 3D interactive simulation An interactive interface was developed within Adobe Director by combining passive and interactive 3D simulation. In order to perform an interactive 3D simulation, 3D navigational aid systems were developed as a user interaction tool for 3D modeling. Development of a 3D navigation system was supported by 3D Lingo script, JavaScript syntax, and 3D script plugins. Strategies of the navigation system should consider the type of user interaction that will be encountered in a virtual environment. The system must be easy to use, should not confuse the user and must be customized for the user interaction. 6. Development of the Web Interface

Fig.7. Scheme of the user interface design The final production stage of interactive 3D modeling was the integration with the web interface. The web interface is used as a media solution that is designed for communication tools with users globally. Through the web interface, public participation activities are expected to attract more people and elicit more contribution and inputs for urban planning.

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building (see fig. 12). Other tests were conducted by setting the presence of billboards. The results show that, indeed, the presence of billboards interferes with the appearance of the strong character of the building (see fig. 13).

Fig.8. User interface design of public zone Fig.11. Scheme variable settings of public zone

Fig.9. User interface design of private zone 7. Evaluation of the System Due to the large number of buildings and variable settings for each element, the interface panels constitute many navigational aids. Clearly, this will result in reluctance to operate the system, especially for lay people. Therefore, the button designs and other navigational aids should be made more interesting and easy to understand. The evaluation of the interactive 3D simulation system is accomplished by testing the system through interactive variables that have been built into the system. The decision on the Kayutangan streetscape assessment is divided into two zones: the public zone and private zone. Elements of the public zone are elements of the street, sidewalk, street lighting, trees, and billboards. The private zone element is a building along the street corridor. Testing the system in the public zone was performed by featuring a choice of four types of street profiles (see fig.10). Each of these types was tested by changing the settings on each element in the public zone (see fig. 11).

Fig.10. Four choices of street profile One of the tests performed on the tree height settings on each street profile shows that the low tree settings will strengthen the appearance of the character of each building, while setting a high tree will weaken the appearance of the character of each

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Fig.12. Examination of changes of tree heights

Fig.13. Examination of the presence of the billboard Testing on the private zone is directly related to the building and its façade elements. Building element variables consist of building height, building setback, and the presence of the building itself. In addition, the variable elements on the building facade are the color compositions that make up the façade. The color composition can be set in two ways, i.e., maintained or replaced.

Fig.14. Scheme variable settings of private zone Testing conducted on the building height adjustment showed significant changes in the space volume of the sky, which

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causes changes in the form of the building’s skyline. While testing, the building setback settings showed a significant change in the volume of the street corridor. Setting a constant building setback along the street side will strengthen continuity of pedestrian space, but can also lead to a monotonous space.

Fig.15. Examination of changes of building heights and building setback

simplify and reduce the psychological pressure experienced by the user. Creating a hierarchy of interactive levels is aimed to implement a gradual learning concept for people to utilize the decision support system for urban improvement. The participant is allowed to use the system that easily adjusts to the level of each individual’s understanding. Moreover, this strategy is expected to avoid the occurrence of virtual shock for the participants. For ensuring the sustainability of the system, online participation should be encouraged by conducting periodical workshops. At a later stage, this system will be piloted and applied to the local communities in Malang, Indonesia. This activity begins by conducting workshops that present the urban planner, architect, the experts, and the local community. The results of the workshop will be used as the evaluation for the improvement and development of the system. Since this system was developed on the basis of providing gradual learning for the general public against VR interactive technology, it is possible that this system could be applied to local communities in other areas.

References

Fig.16. Examination of changes of color composition Testing on the building façade elements is conducted by setting the color composition of the façade. For the selection of color composition variables, three groups are provided, i.e., Dutch color style, Indonesian color style, and Modern color style. The third color style is obtained from a variety of color styles that appear on the Kayutangan street corridor. Testing with the use of the Dutch color style created a harmonious environment with the character of historic buildings such that it appears in the nascent stages of commercial buildings in the Dutch colonial period. Testing with the use of modern color style tends to create a contrast with the surrounding buildings. Meanwhile, testing with the use of Indonesian color style is capable to produce the harmony impression with the surrounding buildings and impress a natural color. 8. Conclusion and Future Work In summary, the development of a decision-making system for the improvement of the urban streetscape through the development of an interactive 3D visualization is essential to include public participation. This system developed four interactive strategies that consist of familiarization of local wisdom, user-friendly interface, interactive level hierarchy, and encouraging online participation. Familiarization is intended to construct a user interface that adapts to the local culture. A user-friendly interface focuses on creating an aid for text messaging and providing assistance tooltips, in order to

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