In May 2006, Alcatel Alenia Space unveiled a scale 3D model of the city of Cannes, the first of its kind in Europe. This revolutionary decision-making tool for regional development is already transforming urban planning.
"3D models make it possible to view realistic models of new buildings and installations to measure their architectural impact," says Bruno Serra, 3D Mapping Project Manager, Alcatel Alenia Space. "This gives local populations an opportunity to visualize them prior to any investment. For the City of Cannes, an active dialogue with constituents will likely lead to a much smoother decision-making process."
3D modeling is the most future-proof and scalable solution to support decision-making and involve citizens in the development of their city. Alcatel Alenia Space has been working on similar types of projects for more than 20 years. In 2004, the City of Cannes turned to the company to put together its own 3D modeling project. As prime contractor, Alcatel Alenia Space coordinated work by several firms. The first model was unveiled at the Imagina tradeshow in Monte Carlo in February 2006.
The monitoring and prevention of environmental risks is another key area where 3D modeling stands to make significant contributions, especially at European level. The activities of Alcatel Alenia Space mesh perfectly with this type of undertaking, as it involves managing data gathered by satellites and earth- or sea-based sensors. This information is then sorted and correlated for the study of climates, ocean currents and other environmental patterns.
"Among other projects, we work in partnership with the European Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) program," says Joël Chenet, Director for Strategy and Development, Alcatel Alenia Space. "Its aim is to prevent
pollution,
depopulation,
floods,
land slides and
forest fires. Currently, we are developing applications to facilitate the management of
risk exposure planning. Three-dimensional digitization is just one example of the realistic simulation models that we are capable of producing from hard data."