MiljöVIS - Visualisering av osynliga miljömässiga och sociala faktorer i digitala modeller

Report, 2025

The Swedish Transport Administration uses object-oriented information models (3D coordination models) to visualize large and complex infrastructure projects. However, the requirements for how to visually represent objects in these models are often vague, which leads to projects showing the same type of data in different ways. In addition, not all data related to environmental and social aspects is included, which makes the overall content of the model difficult to understand for users.

Through an intuitive and accessible design, different target groups can better understand the complexity of the project proposals and the consequences of different planning alternatives. Using a uniform design language for visualization in the models can contribute to a better overall view, improved quality assurance and more efficient decision-making, which can ultimately facilitate more sustainable solutions.

Air pollution and noise are examples of invisible environmental factors that have a major impact on both the environment and human health, and which are in turn affected by urban development projects. Since they are invisible, such parameters can be difficult to understand. In this research project (MiljöVIS), a collaboration between Chalmers University of Technology and the Swedish Transport Administration, we have studied how to best integrate and combine different visualization solutions for the environmental areas of noise and air, and their connection to social effects.

A design-based iterative approach has been applied, involving researchers, designers, programmers and users. The methods include 1) inventory of target groups and their needs, 2) identification of design solutions for air, noise and social impacts, 3) development of two test platforms (a sandbox model and a large-scale model), 4) development of design concepts and 5) user testing through focus groups, workshops and interviews.

The project shows that there is a need for more standardized visualization when it comes to representing data in 3D. Future requirements may, for example, facilitate quality assurance, help identify conflicts of interest, and minimize uncertainties and risks. The project has therefore developed a method for more uniform visualization in the form of strategies and principles that can be adapted to different needs.

In summary, the project contributes knowledge about how visualization of invisible data can play an important role in increasing awareness and understanding of the complexity of urban development. The report is primarily aimed at specialists and urban planners at the Swedish Transport Administration, as well as researchers and professionals in the visualization field. The project's results are ultimately intended to benefit communication with the public concerned.