Data visualization - best software?

[developmentguru]

I've seen a couple of mentions of CommunityViz in the forums from some time ago, but I'm wondering specifically about planning professionals' experiences with any/all of the following:
CommunityViz
SketchUp
Community Analyst

Any advice/experience you can offer in utilizing these in the preparation of ordinances, planning documents, and Capital Improvement Planning?

[The District]

all of these applications do perform data viz, but that's not their primary focus, so i'd be interested to hear why you're considering these. it sounds like you're really looking for something that can visualize different planning scenarios and alternatives, in which case, all of the options you mentioned would be useful.

[developmentguru]

That would help "illustrate" the matter, wouldn't it? haha

Well, one of our biggest issues is that we generally have is a lack of understanding of alternative ways to develop sites other than the huge sea of parking in front or the big box retail. Being able to help folks visualize different ways of making design principles work on sites within our city - whether those folks are property owners, elected officials, local design folks, etc. I can also see it helping us when readying for a large-scale zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance overhaul - illustrating the bad design our poorly written rules encourage and promote and helping our officials/staff understand this utilizing visualization aids so that we can lead the charge of encouraging good design based upon visual preferences that are widely shared. Also, with the increasing limitations on spending for outside consulting groups for small area planning and the like - we would have a tool to help produce the types of graphic elements for these documents that we typically get via these contracts. Just some initial thoughts. I've got a CommunityViz book I purchased outlining all the ways this can assist planners, but I haven't had an opportunity to read it yet.

[The District]

sketchup is good as a free tool for visualizing bulk, setbacks, etc. communityviz is built to do much more, but may be overkill based on what you're describing. in addition to looking at buildings on a site, it's also meant to run impact calculations and other numerical analysis. same could be said for community analyst. i would say that sketchup should suit your needs just fine without adding unnecessary complexity.

[developmentguru]

Sounds like you've hit the nail on the head, and I thank you for your feedback! Really appreciate you taking the time to respond, and I will work it into my budget for next year.

Do you recommend any companion pieces? I know I've sat through a few demos that really push combining SketchUp with the Adobe Suite, for example.