Create and configure an urban model
You will begin the urban planning initiatives for Suva, Fiji by creating a blank urban model. After creating the model, you'll incorporate key data layers for the selected area, including custom base layers, parcel and zoning boundaries, space and building types, and a custom indicator. Integrating custom base layers will provide contextual insights and a detailed perspective of the city's urban structure. Additionally, including context layers that represents minor (nuisance flooding) and major flooding (for example, a 100-year return period tropical cyclones) along Fiji's coastlines will help visualize the impact of climate change.
Create the urban model
You will create your urban model in ArcGIS Online. First, you will change the measurement units to metric units, to match the measurements used in Fiji.
- Sign in to your ArcGIS organizational account.
Note:
If you don't have an organizational account, see options for software access.
- On the ribbon, click your username and choose My settings.
- In the Units section, click Metric.
The changes are automatically saved, and your units are set to metric. You can change the units back to US Standard at any time.
Next, you will create an urban model and add contextual layers. You want to highlight Suva’s unique challenges, including size, resource constraints, and exposure to climate events.
- On the ribbon, click the Content tab. On the Content page, click Create app.
Note:
The menu contains many options for creating various layer types and apps. The available options in your list may be different, as they are based on the licensing for your account.
- In the drop-down menu, choose Urban.
A map appears where you can choose the location of the urban model.
- For Choose model location type Suva City and from the search results, click Suva City, Rewa Province, Central, FJI.
A boundary is placed around the area on the map.
You have successfully located the area for the urban model. Next, you will skip selecting a basemap and coordinate system and choose a template.
- For Template, click the drop-down menu and choose USA Default.
The USA Default template includes a set of configured space uses, building and zoning types, metrics, and ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World datasets as indicators. This template is recommended, even for international models, because it provides a base for starting your work that can be modified and localized, and includes many metrics commonly used to analyze planning scenarios, such as population, housing units, and emissions.
Next you will add a parcel layer, so that your 3D buildings and trees can sit upon a map of local land use regulations.
- For Parcels, click Import from feature layer.
- Click the Filters button, and for My organization, click the drop-down menu and choose All.
- In the search box, type suva. Click the SuvaParcels layer and click Next.
- For step 2, Sublayer, click Next.
A screen appears where you can match fields. You will accept the defaults.
- Click Next to validate features. When the validation is complete and 372 features are validated, click Close.
The parcels are now added to the urban model.
You will leave the Zoning option blank for now and import features later.
- Click the Create Urban Model button.
It will take a few minutes to generate the urban model. When the model is created, it will automatically zoom to the study area.
You have successfully created an urban model and added a parcels layer for reference. Next, you will add zoning information to the model.
Add zoning descriptions to the model
Next you will add the zoning descriptions for the zone boundaries.
- On the ribbon, click the Manage button.
- On the ribbon, click the System of Record drop-down menu and choose Zoning types.
A page showing a list of zoning types appears. You will delete these and add your own.
- In the Zoning types section, click the Delete many button.
- Next to Color, check the box to select all five zoning types and click the Delete 5 button.
- In the Delete items window, click Delete.
Next, you will download a table containing zoning information and add it to the urban model.
- Download the SuvaZoningTable.
- For Add, click the drop-down menu and choose From spreadsheet.
- For Upload File, click the Choose file button.
- Browse to where you saved the SuvaZoningTable, select it, and click Open. Click Next.
Some fields are automatically matched, such as Label and Name, but others are not.
Next, you will match the Description and Custom ID fields.
- For the Description field, click the drop-down menu and choose Name. Repeat the process for the Custom ID field and choose Label.
- Click Next to import the zoning types. Once the ten features are validated and imported, click Close.
You have imported zoning types that are specific to Suva City into the urban model.
- On the ribbon, click System of record and choose Zoning boundaries.
- Click the Add button.
The Import zoning boundaries window appears.
- Click the Filters button, click the My organization drop-down menu, and choose All. In the Search window, type suva zoning.
- Select the Suva zoning layer owned by Learn_ArcGIS and click Next twice.
- In the Fields step, for Fields in source, for both the Zoning type and Custom ID fields, click the drop-down menu and choose Label.
- Click Next.
- When 77 features are validated and imported, click Close.
- On the ribbon, click the Return to overview button.
You have added parcels and zoning information that are specific to Suva to the urban model.
Now your model contains all the required information about existing conditions and regulations that you will incorporate into the plans you create.
Develop a zoning plan
Plans allow you to design and compare different scenarios for long-term development over a larger area. There are two types of plans: land use and zoning. Land use plans allow planners to propose future land use over large areas. Zoning plans usually concern smaller areas and consider zoning regulations. Planners can propose scenarios that consider the existing regulations, or they can alter the existing regulations and propose new ones.
Next, you will create a zoning plan that addresses the current conditions and proposes modifications to bolster resilience. You'll learn how to assess the existing situation and make informed decisions to create a neighborhood that can withstand environmental challenges, while still accommodating diverse community needs.
Create the zoning plan
First, you will create a zoning plan for Suva to improve existing zoning regulations and increase climate resilience within the area.
- In the overview, click the Add button and choose Plan.
The parcel boundaries appear. Also, the pointer becomes a cross hair and shows elevation and area as you move it.
You can draw the study area boundary or import it. You will draw it.
- Draw the boundary area for the plan, clicking along the way to add vertices.
Note:
Your boundary doesn't have to be exactly like the one in the example.
- Double-click to finish the sketch.
- In the Create zoning plan pane, for Name, type Suva Flood Resilient Zoning Plan and click Create plan.
The digitized boundary appears.
- On the ribbon, click Suva Sustainable Zoning Plan and click Configure plan.
- In the Detail card window, enter the following information:
- For Description, copy and paste Urban master plan for a new flood resilient mixed-use neighborhood.
- For Start date, keep the day and month and set the year to 2023.
- Uncheck End date same as start date.
- For End date, keep the day and month and set the year to 2030.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius, released in 2018, highlights the importance of significant emissions reductions by 2030 to have a chance of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Many governing authorities have adopted this as a deadline for specific climate action; it is also a time frame at which these authorities may want to reassess their strategies based on progress to date.
- Under Overview settings, for Featuring, check Featured.
- Under Design Settings, click the edit button.
You will select contextual layers that illustrate the climate challenges Suva faces.
- In the Select plan context window, click the Filters button and set the portal to All.
- In the search box, type suva minor.
- Click the Suva minor and moderate flooding web scene and click Select.
This context scene is added to the plan.
- On the ribbon, click the Return to plan button.
The new zoning plan is added.
Before you modify the zoning for the Suva area, you will analyze the scene to visually identify flood prone areas.
- If necessary, zoom to the study area and explore the parcels closer to the water (higher flood risk).
This area is part of a military installation. Many of the buildings and infrastructure here cannot be moved. This area also carries a lot of flood risk, and for this reason, it's important to prioritize low-impact development. To mitigate flood, you'll want to mitigate development that increases impervious area or contributes to uses that impede infiltration (compaction from heavy traffic, for example).
Analyze elevation and identify suitable areas
Next, you’ll examine elevation change and visually identify areas suitable for increasing density to accommodate potential relocation of businesses and residents in the flood zone.
- On the lower portion of the vertical toolbar, click the Analysis button. On the pop-out toolbar, click the Profile button.
- On the scene, click in the ocean west of the parcels to start the line and continue clicking as you head east to create additional segments.
- Double-click outside near the RB zone to finish the profile line.
- In the chart, move the pointer along the elevation line to examine the elevation change.
The Profile tool displays an elevation profile chart with statistics. You can interact with the chart to display more information.
As you move the pointer along the profile line in the chart, an orange dot moves alone the line that you digitized. Doing a quick analysis like this allows you to get an idea of the elevation profile of the study area, which is important for flooding and if you must relocate any businesses to a higher elevation.
Note:
If necessary, you can move or edit the line horizontally with the handles, and the elevation profile chart dynamically changes.
- Click Done to clear the profile line and chart.
The residential areas and special use areas along the coast experience a roughly 50-meter elevation difference. This residential area is suitable for increased density to accommodate businesses and residents who are further from the coastal flood area.
Next you will analyze the plan to see the current zoning allocation with existing conditions. This will be your first scenario for Suva. Currently the Existing and Scenario 1 scenarios are identical. Before you edit Scenario 1, you will rename it to something more meaningful.
- On the ribbon, click the Configure scenarios button.
The Scenarios window appears. Here, you can change the names of scenarios, add descriptions, and add other scenarios.
- In the Scenarios window, expand Scenario 1.
- For Name, type Flood Resilient Scenario and click OK.
On the ribbon, the scenario name is updated.
As you develop your scenario, you can click the Existing scenario to compare the two scenarios. Next, you will explore the existing zoning allocation within the study area.
- On the ribbon, click the Zoning tab.
A list of zoning appears showing the number of hectares for each.
Notice that a significant portion of the area is dedicated to industrial zoning (CD, CA, CB), housing critical facilities that are integral to naval and industrial operations and cannot be relocated. You will prioritize retaining these essential industrial facilities while simultaneously enhancing the surrounding residential areas for increased climate resilience.
For the residential areas, you will initiate zoning amendments to accommodate residential and retail developments that adhere to heightened climate resilience standards. In addition, where applicable, you will introduce green infrastructure, such as mangroves and other vegetation, along the coastal regions. This green infrastructure will serve as a natural protective barrier against coastal flooding, effectively absorbing floodwater, reducing storm surge, and mitigating other associated risks.
Furthermore, the presence of bus terminals in the area presents an opportunity to enhance resilience to flooding. It is recommend designing these terminals with flood-resistant materials and elevating them to reduce the risk of disruption during flood events. Additionally, implementing advanced stormwater management systems in and around the terminals can help alleviate flood-related issues, ensuring the continuity of essential transportation services during adverse weather conditions.
Perform a flood risk assessment
In this section, you will analyze flood risk for the area by establishing an overlay district. The purpose of overlay districts is to apply more stringent standards to development within the zone and protect the parcels that are in flood-risk zone. Overlay districts address potential flood risks, both minor and moderate. The goal is to preserve existing military and industrial uses, use preservation and managed retreat for commercial and residential areas, and increase resilience of the transportation infrastructure.
The approach you’ll implement involves using results obtained from a Bathtub model, which assesses flood risk in the region. The overlay district will encompass parcels identified as directly susceptible to minor and moderate flooding according to the Bathtub model. You can read more about the NOAA Detailed Method for Mapping Sea Level Rise Inundation..
You will use the following criteria for locating parcels for flood risk mitigation:
- Base—1.302m
- Minor Flood Vulnerability—+0.5m --> 2m
- Moderate-Major Flood Vulnerability—+0.8-1.2m --> 3m
Using these thresholds, you will select all parcels that are susceptible to moderate or major flood.
- On the ribbon, click the Development tab.
- On the vertical toolbar near the top of the view, click the Parcel suitability button.
The Parcel suitability pane appears. Here, you can give the suitability model a name, add criteria layers, and reclassify the data to a common scale.
- For Suitability model, click the Options button and choose Edit name.
The default name becomes editable.
- Type or copy and paste Flood-Resilience Parcel Selection Model.
A suitability model is created.
Now that you have the suitability model, you can the criteria.
- In the Parcel suitability pane, click the Add criteria button.
The Add criteria panel appears.
- For Name type Minor-Moderate Flood Vulnerability.
- For Source, click External layer.
You will add a flood vulnerability layer from ArcGIS Online.
- For External layer, click the edit button. Click the Filters button and set the portal to All.
- In the search box, type suva parcels.
- Click the SuvaParcelsFloodRisk layer owned by Learn_ArcGIS and click Select.
The SuvaParcelsFloodRisk layer appears in the criteria.
- For Intersect with, click Parcel centroid.
- For Field, click the drop-down menu and choose MOD_FLOOD_INT.
- Click OK.
The criteria are added to the pane.
With any suitability analysis, the data that you use may be on different scales. For example, elevation could be in meters and distance could be in miles. Plus, you want to rank areas based on a simple 1-10 scale. A common step in suitability analysis is to get the datasets onto a similar scale. This process is called reclassification. The original criteria values must be reclassified to a common suitability scale between 0 and 10, with 0 being unsuitable and 10 being suitable. You want to identify parcels that fall within the moderate flood vulnerability. These parcels have a value of 1-3m.
- For Intervals, in the second row, for Start, type 1.
Setting an interval's start value automatically sets the same value for the preceding interval's end.
- For the first interval, for Score, type 10. For the second interval, keep the Score value of 0.
- Click OK and click Calculate scores.
The suitability score for each parcel is calculated and the map shows the result.
Suitable parcels display in green and unsuitable parcels in red. Parcels that have been excluded from the analysis are gray.
- On the map, click a green parcel.
A pop-up appears and shows the cumulative score.
- Close the pop-up and on the blue header above the map, click Done.
Now that the parcels are selected, the next step involves the creation of a dedicated overlay district tailored explicitly for flood resilience.
Add an overlay boundary by drawing a polygon
Complete the following steps to add an overlay boundary by drawing a polygon:
- On the ribbon, click the options button. Under Parcel suitability, click the Flood-Resilience Parcel Selection layer to turn it on.
- On the ribbon, click the Zoning tab.
- On the toolbar between the map and the zoning pane, click the Add zoning or overlay boundary button.
A toolbar appears on the view.
- On the blue editing header, ensure the Add new boundary by drawing tool is selected.
- On the toolbar, click the Overlay button. Click the drop-down menu for Coverage overlay and choose Height overlay.
Now you are ready to draw the overlay boundary. For the first few segments of the boundary, you will follow the existing study area boundary.
- On the map, click the southwest corner of the study area boundary to add a vertex.
- Move the pointer to the northwest corner and click to add another vertex.
- Move the pointer to the northeast corner and click to add another vertex. Move the pointer to where the street on the basemap intersects the boundary and click again.
Next, you will go to the west by clicking along the road on the basemap (Edinburgh Drive).
- Use the wheel button to zoom in and click along Edinburgh Drive to add vertices for the overlay boundary.
- Continue clicking to add vertices, heading south along Rodwell Road.
- Continue clicking to add vertices along the road, and when you reach the south end of the study area boundary, double-click to complete the sketch.
- On the toolbar, click OK.
On the map, the overlay boundary appears in purple.
In the zoning pane, in the Overlays section, the height overlay that you created appears.
In a coastal resilience overlay district, parameters related to building height and setbacks are crucial for enhancing the area's resilience to coastal hazards, including sea-level rise, storm surges, and flooding.
The following are some parameters and setbacks to consider:
- Maximum Height Limits—Specify a maximum building height limit of 105 meters (approximately 32.8 feet) to prevent the construction of tall structures that may obstruct coastal views or increase wind resistance during storms.
- Shoreline Setbacks—For parcel edges intersecting the mean highest high water mark (MHHW), provide a minimum 10 meter setback to create a buffer zone, ensuring that buildings are set back a sufficient distance from the shoreline. This reduces the risk of storm surge damage and allows for natural coastal protection.
- Rear Setbacks—Implement a 7-meter rear setback from the MHHW mark of all water bodies to provide additional protection against flooding and erosion. These setbacks can also accommodate green infrastructure, such as dunes or vegetation, to increase onsite detention capacity.
- Side Setbacks—Adjust side setbacks to create more space between neighboring buildings, with a minimum requirement of 5 meters to reduce the risk of wind damage during storms.
- Vegetation Requirements—Require the planting of vegetation within all setbacks to enhance coastal protection. Mangroves, native grasses, and dune vegetation can absorb floodwaters, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife.
- Build on Pilings or Stilts—Mandate the use of pilings or stilts for buildings within setback areas, elevating structures at least 1.5 meters above ground level to minimize flood risks while allowing water to flow underneath.
- Critical Infrastructure Setbacks—A 15-meter setback from the MHHW is required for critical infrastructure such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and emergency response centers to protect essential services from coastal hazards.
- Public Access Setbacks—Ensure that setbacks are designed to maintain public access to the coastline and beaches while safeguarding against erosion and flooding, with a minimum setback of 10 meters.
Another important factor is lot coverage. For all parcels, lot coverage will not increase beyond the following values for each zone:
- Commercial A—80 percent
- Commercial B—70 percent
- Commercial D—50 percent
- Community Development—70 percent
- Designated Use—10 percent
- General Industry—60 percent
- Recreation Space—0 percent
- Residential B—30 percent
- Special Use—70 percent
These specific values for building height and setbacks aim to enhance the resilience of coastal areas to sea-level rise, storm surges, and flooding while considering local conditions and regulations.
Adjust parameters of overlay boundary
Next, you will edit the overlay boundary to include the parameters discussed above.
- On the map, click the overlay boundary to select it.
When you select the boundary, it is highlighted in light blue and a Height overlay pop-up appears.
- In the Height overlay pop-up, click the Modify button.
The Modify overlay window appears.
- In the Modify overlay window, enter the following parameters:
- For Description, type Flood resilience overlay.
- For Height, type 15.
- For Coverage, type 70.
- For Tiers & setbacks, click the Add tier button and click Tier 1 to expand it.
- For Front interior setback, type 10.
- For Front street setback, type 10.
- For Side interior setback, type 5.
- For Side street setback, type 7.
- For Rear interior setback, type 7.
- For Rear street setback, type 7.
- Click OK.
- Click the overlay boundary to select it.
In the Height overlay pop-up that appears, the parameters you entered are listed.
The subsequent phase of the planning strategy focuses on strengthening zoning amendments within residential areas to enhance their resilience against cyclones and flooding. To achieve this, you will address specific parameters such as minimum floor heights, maximum number of floors, and setbacks. These adjustments are essential in ensuring that residential structures can better withstand the impacts of tropical cyclones and floods. By implementing these precise zoning changes, you aim to create safer and more resilient living environments for the community, reducing vulnerability to extreme weather events.
The zoning amendments are as follows:
- Minimum Floor Height—Increase the minimum floor height requirement for new residential constructions located within flood-prone areas. Set a specific elevation standard, such as elevating the lowest floor to at least 1 meter above the base flood elevation (BFE). This ensures that homes are less susceptible to flood damage.
- Maximum Number of Floors—Limit the maximum number of floors allowed in residential structures in cyclone-prone regions. For example, restrict new developments to a maximum of two or three floors or 6-9 meters to reduce vulnerability to strong winds and storm surges.
The property setback amendments are as follows:
- Front Setbacks—Enforce larger front setbacks to create more distance between residential buildings and roadways or waterfronts. Implement an increased setback of at least 5 meters to serve as a buffer zone during cyclones and flooding events, reducing the risk of structural damage.
- Rear Setbacks—Similarly, implement extended rear setbacks for properties backing onto water bodies or flood-prone areas. Provide an additional setback of at least 7 meters to offer more protection against flooding and allow for better stormwater management.
- Side Setbacks—Adjust side setback requirements to ensure adequate space between neighboring buildings, reducing the risk of wind damage caused by cyclones. Consider increased setbacks of at least 3 meters for corner lots or properties in particularly vulnerable locations.
For lot coverage, the goal is to limit the total lot coverage to ensure adequate onsite detention of water. The lot coverage amendments are as follows:
Zone Impervious Area Permitted Commercial A
80%
Commercial B
70%
Commercial D
50%
Community Development
70%
Designated Use
10%
General Industry
60%
Recreation Space
0%
Residential B
30%
Special Use
70%
To implement these amendments, you will modify the residential zoning type.
- Close the pop-up, and if necessary, on the ribbon, click the Zoning button.
- Click the Zoning and overlay types button.
The side panel shows two tabs, Zoning types and Overlay types. The Zoning types tab is open by default and lists the zoning types for the plan.
- Next to the Residential B zoning type, click the Configure button.
The Zoning type: RB - Residential B (existing) window appears.
- Click the Parameters tab.
- Enter the following parameters:
- For Floors, type 3.
- For Height, type 10.
- For Tiers and Setbacks, click Add tier and click Tier 1.
- For Front interior setback, type 5.
- For Front street setback, type 5.
- For Side interior setback, type 3.
- For Side street setback, type 3.
- For Rear interior setback, type 7.
- For Rear street setback, type 7.
- Click OK and Yes on the Modify existing message.
You have edited the parameters of a flood resilience overlay on the map by setting the height and coverage. You also defined the setbacks for the overlay and set the description accordingly.
Locate suitable parcels and add buildings
Create a suitability model
In this section, the objective is to identify parcels within the study area that are situated outside the flood-prone zone. You will prioritize residential parcels far from the flood zone, close to green space, and those that don’t exceed maximum height or lot coverage for development. In these areas, you will increase density and allow for mixed use development to accommodate potential displacement of the residential and commercial parcels impacted by floods.
The selection criteria for the parcels include the following:
- Parks and green spaces—Prioritize parcels with easy access to parks and green spaces, enhancing residents' quality of life and providing recreational opportunities. A distance of 400-800 meters equates to a 5-10 minute walk time.
- Building height—Select parcels with building heights of 10 meters.
- Lot coverage—Select parcels not exceeding max lot coverage for development.
- Parcel elevation—Prioritize parcels out of flood zone with elevations greater than 8 meters.
- Distance from flood—Selected parcels must be out of the flood risk zone.
- Zoning—Prioritize parcels in Residential (RB) zone.
To evaluate the parcels' suitability for redevelopment, you will use the suitability tool.
- On the ribbon, click the Development tab.
- On the toolbar, click the Parcel suitability button.
The Parcel suitability pane appears.
- For Suitability model, click the options button and choose New suitability model.
- Click the options button again and choose Edit name.
- For Suitability model, type UPzoning suitability model.
Next, you will add criteria to the model.
- For Criteria, click the Add criteria button.
The Add criteria panel appears.
- For Name type Building height.
- For Source, click External layer. For External layer, click the edit button.
- In the Select external layers window, click the Filters:2 drop-down menu, click My organization, and choose All.
- In the search box, type suvaparcels. In the list of results, click the SuvaParcelsOriginalHeight feature layer owned by Learn ArcGIS.
- Click Select.
- For Intersect with choose Parcel centroid. From the Field drop-down list, choose Est_Height.
- Click OK.
The Edit criteria panel appears and shows the properties for the criteria.
You have entered the criteria for parcel height in the suitability model. Next, you will reclassify the values onto the same 0 to 10 scale that you used earlier to ensure all layers in the analysis use the same classification scale with 0 being unsuitable and 10 being most suitable.
- For Reclassification, verify that the Apply reclassification check box is checked.
Having the Apply reclassification box checked is required if you are using an external layer.
- For the second interval, for Start, type 10.1 and for End, type 18.
Setting an interval's start value automatically sets the same value for the preceding interval's end.
- For the first interval, for Score, type 10. For the second interval, for Score, type 1.
This reclassification simplifies the situation by selecting all parcels with a maximum building height of approximately 10 meters.
- Click OK.
The Building height criteria is added to the suitability model. Every time you add and configure a layer in the suitability model, it will appear here. Next, you'll continue to add criteria.
Add zoning criteria
Next, you’ll add the zoning criteria to the suitability model.
- Perform the following steps to add zoning to the suitability model:
- Click Add criteria.
- For Name, type Zoning.
- For Source, click Zoning.
- For Field, choose Zoning type.
- Click OK.
- In the Edit criteria panel, for Values, click Add value to add the first zone type.
- Click Add value nine times to add all the zoning types that are within the study area.
The labels for the zone types appear in the list. All the scores are set to zero by default. Next, you will assign scores to each zoning type.
- For each zoning type, edit the Score value as follows:
- For CA, CB, CD, and CDV, type 5.
- For DU, GI, PRF, RS, and SU, keep the value 0.
- For RB, type 10.
- Click OK.
You have added building height and zoning as criteria in the suitability model. There are four more layers you must add to complete the model.
Add remaining criteria
Next, you will add four more criteria to the model: distance from flood, lot coverage, parcel elevation, and proximity to parks.
- Add the distance from flood criteria by performing the following steps:
- Click the Add criteria button.
- For Name, type Distance from flood.
- For Source, click External layer and click the edit button.
- Click the Filters:2 button and change the portal to All.
- Search for and select the SuvaParcelsFloodRisk layer owned by Learn ArcGIS.
- For Field, click the drop-down menu and choose MOD_FLOOD_INT and click OK.
Next, you will assign start and end values and scores for the distance from flood criteria.
- In the Edit criteria pane, for Intervals, for row 2, set the Start value to 1 and the End value to 3.
- For row 1, set the Score to 10.
- Click OK.
Now you have three criteria layers added to the suitability model. Next, you will add the parcel elevation criteria. You will use the same parcels layer that you used for the building height criteria, but you'll choose a different attribute to address elevation.
- Add the parcel elevation criteria by performing the following steps:
- Click the Add criteria button.
- For Name, type Parcel elevation.
- For Source, click External layer.
- For External layer, click the edit button.
- Click Filters: 2 and set the portal to All.
- Search for and select the SuvaParcelsOriginalHeight layer owned by Learn ArcGIS.
- For Field, click the drop-down menu and choose max_Level_Int and click OK.
- Click OK.
- In the Edit criteria pane, click Add interval two times so there are four intervals.
You’ll keep the start and end values but assign different scores for each interval.
- Set the Score for each interval as follows:
- Interval 1—2.5.
- Interval 2—5.
- Interval 3—7.5.
- Interval 4—10.
- Click OK.
Now you have four criteria layers added to the suitability model. Next, you will add the lot coverage criteria.
- Add the lot coverage criteria by performing the following steps:
- Click the Add criteria button.
- For Name, type Lot coverage.
- For Source, click External layer.
- For External layer, click the edit button.
- Click Filters: 2 and set the portal to All.
- Search for and select the Suva Study Area Percent Impervious By Parcel layer owned by Learn ArcGIS.
- For Field, click the drop-down menu and choose Impervious.
- Click OK.
- In the Edit criteria pane, click Add interval two times so there are four intervals.
- Set the Score for each interval as follows:
- Interval 1—2.5
- Interval 2—5
- Interval 3—7.5
- Interval 4—10
- Click OK.
Now you have five criteria layers added to the suitability model. The last criteria layer you will add to the suitability model if for proximity to parks.
- Add the proximity to parks criteria by performing the following steps:
- Click the Add criteria button.
- For Name, type Proximity to parks.
- For Source, click External layer.
- For External layer, click the edit button.
- Click Filters: 2 and set the portal to All.
- Search for and select the Distance from parks 400 and 800 m layer owned by Learn ArcGIS.
- For Field, click the drop-down menu and choose BUFF_DIST.
- Click OK.
- For interval 1, set the Score value to 10 and for interval 2, set the Score value to 8.
- Click OK.
Next you will assign weights to the criteria. Weights allow you to assign a relative importance to each criteria, for example, parcel elevation may be more important than proximity to parks. For this analysis, you will assign zoning a higher weight and all the remaining criteria will be treated equally as important.
- In the Parcel suitability pane for Criteria, set or verify that all criteria have a Weight value of 1, except for Zoning, which should have a Weight value of 2.
When you modify the weight of a single criterion, it affects its significance in relation to all the other criteria. This adjustment is reflected in the percentage values of all the other criteria. If needed, you can exclude certain criteria from the calculation by unchecking the check box next to their names.
- Click Calculate scores to view the results.
Above the map, there is a suitability slider that you can drag to select suitable parcels. The further you drag the slider to the right, the more parcels will be selected and the further you drag the slider to the left, the less parcels will be selected.
- Experiment with dragging the slider to see how the selection is affected.
- When finished experimenting, drag the slider so there are 33 parcels selected.
- Click Done to keep the selected set and return to the plan editor.
The selected set is preserved and now you can continue your work on these parcels.
Next, you will use the selected parcels as the basis for implementing new building designs.
Create multiple buildings
Now that you have identified the most suitable parcels based on your criteria layers, you will develop buildings on them. The Development tab is already open after selecting the parcels so you can begin developing the buildings as the next step in the workflow.
- On the Development tab, in the Planned development on selected parcels (33) section, click the Modify drop-down menu and choose Apply multiple building types.
The Apply multiple building types panel appears. Here, you can determine the types of buildings that you want to add to the plan.
- For Planned development, for Target, type 0.
- Click the Add building type drop-down menu to view the types of buildings that you can create.
You’ll add a variety of building types and define the percentage for each. Recall that earlier in the tutorial, you set height limits for the parcels, so you will create a mixed-use neighborhood of low-rise buildings.
- From the list of building types, add the following types:
- Low-Rise Office w/ Retail
- Low-Rise Residential
- Low-Rise Residential w/ Retail
The building types you chose appear in the Planned development list. Notice that all the target percentages are zero. You must enter the percentages of each building type that you want to add. The total must add up to 100 percent. This percentage indicates the likelihood of the respective building type being assigned to any of the selected parcels.
Note:
If the sum does not equal 100 percent, the percentage values are redistributed automatically to equal 100 percent when you apply the building types.
Next, you will update the target percentages to create for each building type.
- For each building type, for the Target value, type the following:
- Low-Rise Office w/ Retail—24%
- Low-Rise Residential—38%
- Low-Rise Residential w/ Retail—38%
- Click Apply multiple building types.
The view is updated and shows the parcels with the configured building that you selected.
The buildings appear in the view. To make it easier to see the buildings, you will enable 3D.
- On the side toolbar that is near the bottom of the screen, click the 3D button to tile the view.
- Pan and tilt the view so you have a good oblique perspective on the neighborhood and its buildings.
- Close the Apply multiple building types panel by clicking the close button.
You have quickly developed some buildings for the mixed-use neighborhood. Notice how the Current and Target percentages do not match. When you enter a target for each building type, Urban will do its best to match that, given the specifications you provided for the parcels, so they may not always exactly match.
Create a custom building type
The next objective is to address redevelopment in regions susceptible to coastal flooding. To achieve this, you will introduce a new building design tailored to endure floods. Coastal inundations often lead to substantial and expensive damage, particularly affecting the building's foundation, basement, and lower levels. When buildings are flooded at ground level and the foundation is compromised, the extent of damage becomes even more severe.
The study area has a BFE of approximately one meter, which means that structures in the area must be constructed or elevated so that the lowest floor is at least one meter above the ground level to minimize the risk of being inundated during a 100-year flood event.
Your initial task involves creating a space use type that you will apply to specific building elements, such as open foundations (pile or pier) designed to withstand any potential flood scenario. See ThinkHazard for more information.
- With the Development tab active, click the Building and space use types button.
A side panel appears, showing two tabs; Building types and Space use types.
The Building types tab is open by default and lists the building types you recently added to the plan.
- Click the Space use types tab.
The available space use types for the plan appear.
Next, you will add a space use type that is specific to this plan.
- Click the add button.
The New space use type window appears.
- For the new space use type, enter the following information:
- For Label, type OF.
- For Name, type Open Foundation.
- For Default floor height, type 2.
- Click OK.
The new space-use type appears in the list of space use types and has a proposal flag next to its name.
Next you will create a building type using the Open Foundation space use type.
- Click the Building types tab and click the add button.
The New building type window appears.
- For Name, type Flood Resilient with Open Foundation.
Next, you will specify the building parts for the building type in the Building parts configuration section.
- In the Building parts configuration section, click the add button to add the first building part.
- For Space use type, click the drop down menu and choose Open Foundation.
- In the Building parts configuration section, click the options button and choose Add part above.
A second part appears in the Building parts configuration section.
- For the second part, set Space use type to Other.
- Click OK.
The Flood Resilient with Open Foundation building type appears in the list and is tagged as Proposal.
- Close the panel for building and space use types.
Next you will apply the building type you created to the parcels in the flood risk zone. First, you will select them.
- On the top vertical toolbar, click the Advanced selection tool. From the blue ribbon, choose the Rectangle select tool, and draw a box around the parcels in the flood zone near the coast.
Note:
If you can’t select all the parcels with a box, you can press the Shift key and click other parcels to select them.
- On the blue ribbon, click Done.
- On the Development tab, click Modify and choose Apply building type.
- From the list of building types, choose Flood Resilient with Open Foundation.
- Clear the selection by clicking off a parcel, such as in the water, and click Done.
The first part of the parcels are modified and symbolized as flood resistant buildings.
Your plan combines various building types that adhere to the redevelopment standards. You've successfully created a viable plan that transforms the area into a mixed-use neighborhood while also enhancing climate resilience.
Site a community resilience hub
Next, you will find an ideal location to site a community resilience hub. This location would typically be a community center, but during emergencies it would serve as a central location for resource distribution and services.
The following are some criteria to help identify potential sites: the site should be within walking distance of residential areas, not within a greenfield but on a property that has a large amount of impervious area (preferably no existing buildings), far away from the flood hazard area identified, and close to other community facilities or located within a public facility, such as a park.
To evaluate the parcels' suitability for a community resilience hub, you will use the parcel suitability tool as you did earlier.
- With the Development tab active, click the Parcel suitability button.
The Parcel suitability pane appears and shows the criteria from the Upzoning suitability model. Since this suitability analysis has different criteria, you will create a new suitability model and add criteria.
- For Suitability model, click the options button and choose New suitability model.
- For the name, type Community resilience hub.
- For Criteria, click the Add criteria button.
The Add criteria panel appears.
- For the flood risk criteria, perform the following steps:
- For Name, type Flood risk.
- For Source, click External layer and click the edit button.
- Click the Filters:2 button and change the portal to All.
- Search for and select the SuvaParcelsFloodRisk layer owned by LearnArcGIS.
- For Field, choose MOD_FLOOD_INT.
- Click OK.
- For interval 2, set the Start value to 1 and the End value to 3.
- For interval 1, set the Score to 10 and click OK.
You have added the flood risk criteria. Next, you will add the criteria for impervious area.
- For the impervious area criteria, perform the following steps:
- Click the Add criteria button.
- For Name, type Impervious area.
- For Source, click External layer and click the edit button.
- Click the Filters:2 button and change the portal to All.
- Search for and select the Suva Study Area Percent Impervious By Parcel layer owned by LearnArcGIS.
- For Field, choose Impervious and click OK.
- For Intervals, keep the defaults.
- For interval 2, set the Score value to 10 and click OK.
Next, you will add the parcel area criteria. For this criterion, you will not use an external layer, but will use the parcel option as the source for the criteria.
- For the parcel area criteria, perform the following steps:
- For Name, type Parcel area.
- For Source, click Parcel.
- For Field, choose Parcel area and click OK.
- Click Add interval three times.
- For interval 2, set the Start value to 5000.
- For interval 3, set the Start value to 7000 and the End value to 10000.
- For interval 1, set the Score value to 3, for interval 2 set the Score value to 5, and for interval 3, set the Score value to 10.
- Click OK.
Finally, you will add the proximity to amenities criteria.
- For the proximity to amenities criteria, perform the following steps:
- Click the Add criteria button.
- For Name, type Proximity to amenities.
- For Source, click External layer and click the edit button.
- Click the Filters:2 button and change the portal to All.
- Search for and select the WalkTimesAmenities5to10mins layer owned by LearnArcGIS.
- For Field, choose ToBreak and click OK.
- Keep the intervals as they are.
- Set the Score value for interval 1 to 10 and for interval 2 to 5.
You have added all the criteria to the suitability model for the community resilience hub. Next, you will select the most suitable parcels.
- Click OK.
- Click Calculate scores to select suitable parcels.
- Adjust the blue slider to the left until one parcel is selected.
One parcel is selected that best meets all the criteria for the location of the community resilience hub.
- Click Done.
Next, you will develop the hub on the selected parcel.
Develop the community resilience hub
The community resilience hub provides the tools for spatial analysis and scenario modeling, allowing for adjustments to the plan that will shape a more climate-resilient future for the area.
First you will subdivide the parcel.
- With the Development tab active, click the Edit parcels button.
- Zoom to the selected parcel.
- On the blue ribbon, click the Split button.
- Draw a line to split the parcel by clicking outside of the parcel on one side and double-clicking outside of the selected parcel on the other side.
Note:
You can split the parcel however you want but note that the images will not match your screen.
- On the blue ribbon, click OK and click Done.
The parcel is split based on the line you digitized. Next you will apply a building to the parcel.
- On the Develop tab, click the Modify drop-down menu and choose Apply building type.
A list of available building types appears. If you select a parcel that already has an assigned building type, it will be highlighted in the list. Currently, there are no building types assigned to this parcel.
- For Select building type, click Flood Resilient with Open Foundation.
The building is updated in the view.
Existing buildings intersecting the selected parcel are demolished to make way for the building that you assigned. The plan is complete and next, you will analyze the changes you are proposing to validate zoning types, space use types, and capacity indicators for the proposed development plan.
- On the ribbon, click the Zoning tab.
The proportions of the different zoning types in the scenario appear.
Note:
The values for zoning, space use types, and capacity indicators may differ from your values.
Here, you can analyze how much of each zoning type exists in the proposed plan. For example, you may have to include a specified amount of green space in an area, and you can check the proportions here.
- Click the Development tab and click Develop.
The proportions of the different space use types in the scenario appear.
You can analyze the area for each space use type and adjust the plan as needed.
You have successfully created a zoning plan for Suva with the goal of making it more resilient to climate challenges, while fostering a mixed-use neighborhood. You began by setting up the plan, considering climate factors, and then you edited zoning regulations to allow for diverse uses. You implemented these changes by developing new buildings that aligned with the vision for a vibrant, mixed-use, and climate-resilient neighborhood. Finally, you analyzed the plan to ensure it aligns with the initial goals.