1. 3D City Planner.

3D city planning is a software solution designed to help urban planners and cities develop a more accurate and realistic view of existing cities, towns, and areas. 3D city planning software goes beyond traditional 2D city planning software. By utilizing three-dimensional modeling, planners are able to create a realistic view of the world around them. This is especially beneficial for urban planners because it allows them to develop a better understanding of the needs of their communities, including how much work is required to bring new buildings up to code or make repairs on existing structures.
Key Features of 3D City Planner:
- Automatically generates 2D and 3D maps of urban environments.
- Enables you to add new objects by dragging them from the object palette into the map or model. (You can also remove objects by dragging them back into the palette.)
- With 3D City Planner, you can also perform analyses on the impact of different types of infrastructure changes. For example, if you're building a new subway line and wanted to understand how that will affect the ability of people in certain neighborhoods to access the rest of their city, 3D City Planner could help you do that.
- With 3D City Planner, you can also perform analyses on the impact of different types of infrastructure changes. For example, if you're building a new subway line and wanted to understand how that will affect the ability of people in certain neighborhoods to access the rest of their city, 3D City Planner could help you do that.
- 3D City Planner allows you to generate reports that can be used in processes around urban planning: zoning requests and reports, city council reports, and more.
Pricing For 3D City Planner:
The pricing for 3D City Planner starts around $53.00 /month, but can also vary depending on what you need from a solution.
Try it out2. LotWorks.

LotWorks is a cloud-based solution that allows planners to easily organize, manage and share large amounts of spatial data. The software integrates with the client's existing GIS system, allowing the planner to develop maps and perform analysis directly in the client's GIS environment. The data and analysis can then be exported to LotWorks' web service, where they can be shared with other users in real time, while being tracked by LotWorks' automated workflow system.
Key Features of LotWorks:
- Automatically generate lots, including all relevant data points, such as house types and lot sizes.
- Manage documents and approvals within the application.
- Create shareable links to allow clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to view and comment on plans before they're finalized.
- Create shareable links to allow clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to view and comment on plans before they're finalized.
- Its facility management tool can calculate square footage per floor, so that users can estimate how much space each floor will take up.
Pricing For LotWorks:
The pricing for LotWorks varies greatly depending on your needs.
Try it out3. Sketchup.

So what exactly is SketchUp, and how does it work? In a nutshell, SketchUp is an intuitive 3D modeling program that lends itself to fast visualizations. Think of it as a miniature version of AutoCAD for the non-tech savvy, or more aptly, "the pencil" for architects and urban planners. Certain intricate details need to be left out for the sake of quickness when using SketchUp, but many key architectural components can still be realized.
Key Features of Sketchup:
- Sketchup is best known among urban planners as a way to visualize city plans without resorting to expensive computer modeling or hiring out artists just so they can make models of what their vision looks like.
- For collaborative projects, SketchUp provides a variety of useful tools. You can easily share models and solicit feedback from colleagues, clients and friends via email, Dropbox or Google Drive.
- Sketchup is a cost-efficient option for urban planning because it's free to use for at least 30 days, and it's priced much lower than other software on the market today.
- Sketchup is a cost-efficient option for urban planning because it's free to use for at least 30 days, and it's priced much lower than other software on the market today.
- Sketchup is used by many professionals in the AEC industry because of its ability to simulate a real world environment and test out designs from any perspective. As a planner, you can show what ideas look like to relevant stakeholders or visualize a project in 3D before committing resources to it.
Pricing For Sketchup:
The pricing for Sketchup starts around $119/ year, but can also vary depending on what you need from a solution.
Try it out4. ArcGIS CityEngine.

ArcGIS CityEngine software is an advanced modeling solution for the efficient design and planning of urban environments. It is used by urban planners, architects, game developers and 3D artists to create smart 3D city models that are based on real-world GIS data. With CityEngine, you can import, prepare, and analyze multiple sources of data in one step and visualize the resulting 3D city model in real time.
Key Features of ArcGIS CityEngine:
- Access to large amounts of data: ArcGIS CityEngine has access to a variety of different data sets that help urban planners to visualize the cities they are working with.
- Variety of tools for creating 3D models; ArcGIS CityEngine provides users with a wide range of tools they can use in order to create 3D models of cities and other urban spaces.
- ArcGIS CityEngine Software provides access to real-time data from various sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S Geological Survey (USGS).
- ArcGIS CityEngine Software provides access to real-time data from various sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S Geological Survey (USGS).
- Convert that 2D data into 3D models so you can manipulate those models to model new infrastructure based on future plans.
Pricing For ArcGIS CityEngine:
The pricing for ArcGIS CityEngine starts around $2,000/ year, but can also vary depending on what you need from a solution.
Try it out5. Lumion.

Lumion software is a program that allows architects and urban planners to create immersive 3D architectural visualizations. Whether you're working on a large project with a team of people or a small project by yourself, Lumion lets you build high-quality 3D renders in minutes rather than hours or days. The idea behind the software is simple: add content to your scene, adjust the light and atmosphere, apply effects and hit render. Lumion does all the hard work in the background so you can focus on the more creative aspects of your projects.
Key Features of Lumion:
- Easy-to-use interface: You don’t have to be an expert at creating complex 3D models to use Lumion. It has an easy-to-use interface with intuitive controls and a very short learning curve. It also offers a variety of training resources for those who need them.
- Realistic results: Lumion’s built-in library of thousands of materials and objects allows you to create realistic renderings that look as if they were created by professional architects and designers. You can also import your own 3D models into the program to achieve the exact look you want.
- Scenes: You can also create scenes and add effects like rain, snow, or fog easily with Lumion Software. These are especially useful for creating atmospheres for different building types or locations.
- Scenes: You can also create scenes and add effects like rain, snow, or fog easily with Lumion Software. These are especially useful for creating atmospheres for different building types or locations.
- Another key feature of Lumion software is that it allows urban planners to incorporate videos into their presentations. They can incorporate video from an aerial perspective, showing what their proposed construction would look like from above.
Pricing For Lumion:
The pricing for Lumion starts around 1630, but can also vary depending on what you need from a solution.
Try it out