Best Urban Planning Software in the UK

Design delightfully. Collaborate clearly. Build better buildings. The joy of drawing by hands. The ease and sophistication of 3D modeling software. Build sustainable buildings. Change the world. Hundreds of professionally-developed extensions at your fingertips. 3D Design. Document in 2D. Make your work easier. Your team and the 3D community will benefit from efficiency. Technology can make a great idea shine.

Orbital Stack, an AI and CFD web-based program, provides earlier qualitative guidance. It compares a wide range of land-use options and shapes, and highlights any red flags. It allows for climate-conscious, high performance developments that are not possible with traditional studies. Orbital Stack was developed by world-renowned experts in microclimate engineering and wind. It is a game-changer in the architecture and building design industry, providing our clients direct access for wind comfort and safety analysis as well as thermal comfort and shadowing analysis and cladding pressure simulations. This allows architects to quickly understand the climate effects of their proposed building designs and make better decisions, resulting in more resilient and high-performing projects.

Graphisoft Archicad – BIM by architects for architects: Design, visualize, document, and deliver projects of all sizes with Archicad’s powerful set of built-in tools and easy-to-use interface that make it the most efficient and intuitive BIM software on the market. With Archicad, you can focus on what you do best: design great buildings.

You can accelerate your ability to scale by analyzing your site in real-time with your design. This allows you to concentrate on what's most important: making a lasting impression on your communities. Quickly view your idea from all angles. Follow your instincts, draw your idea, and Giraffe will do the rest: overlaying data, querying, and automatically calculating your proof-of-concept. Data discovery allows you to view the most current local mapping data for your site. Giraffe can combine maps from any source and treat them as layers. It allows you to sort, group and analyze them. Engage your stakeholders by giving them a 360-degree view of the potential for a site. For increased community engagement, provide viewer access to the plan. This includes context and images. Giraffe allows you to create something you feel confident in and share it when it's ready. You can quickly review plans in a shared space.

Snaptrude revolutionizes architectural design by enabling collaborative efforts among project teams, which accelerates the building process while enhancing quality. Designers from top global firms utilize Snaptrude to bring projects from initial concept to final construction seamlessly. With real-time model sharing and communication documentation, teams can work together more effectively. Whether the task involves designing a single residence or an entire urban area, intelligent automation and parametric modeling streamline the workflow without compromising creativity. Speed does not equate to a loss in quality or innovation; rather, it promotes sustainable design and cost management through the integration of BIM data. Users benefit from real-time insights generated by automated Bill of Quantities (BoQs), site topography, and daylight simulations, among other features. The platform supports imports from popular software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, or Revit and allows direct exports into Revit, maintaining full parametric family data without any risk of data loss. By facilitating collaborative brainstorming sessions, teams can swiftly transform their ideas into comprehensive and accurate BIM models, ensuring that the final architectural product aligns perfectly with client expectations. This capability not only enhances efficiency but also fosters a culture of creativity and innovation in design.

VU.CITY is revolutionizing urban development by enhancing understanding, fostering collaboration, and building trust to transform ideas into tangible outcomes. With the ability to test concepts rapidly and visualize plans within an accurate, current framework, its features and data empower you to make informed decisions swiftly. Project teams can enhance collaboration, speed up decision-making processes, and effectively communicate the narrative of their proposals to engage stakeholders effectively. By providing a unified approach, VU.CITY enables architects, developers, planning consultants, and local authorities to collectively navigate the future of urban spaces. This collaborative environment allows everyone to contribute to creating an optimal city for all residents. Moreover, VU.CITY facilitates clear and efficient data visualization, organization, and analysis, ensuring that all participants can make quicker and more informed choices. Users can swiftly pinpoint and evaluate potential sites, while VU.CITY’s robust visualization tools and planning data empower you to refine and enhance your design projects successfully. The platform not only aids in planning but also promotes a shared vision for urban development among all stakeholders involved.

Modelur provides architects, urban designers, and planners with a comprehensive set of tools to effortlessly explore various urban massing alternatives directly in their preferred 3D modeling software. This eliminates the tedious task of recalculating areas and other metrics in Excel! By inputting zoning regulations such as maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR), site coverage, green space requirements, and maximum building height, users can also create tailored land-use categories for improved flexibility and accuracy in their calculations. The urban massing generator allows users to visualize how zoning regulations interact within a given space while enabling them to set constraints on geometric building parameters, making it easy to kick off initial designs or import existing DWG floor plans. Harness the capabilities of parametric modeling and automated data calculations to refine and evolve your design concepts. Forget about the hassle of moving model data to spreadsheets manually; our Excel LiveSync feature ensures that all your model data is updated in real-time across your Excel spreadsheets, streamlining your workflow significantly. Experience a new level of efficiency in urban planning and design with Modelur.

ENVI-met is a three-dimensional microclimate simulation tool designed for various purposes, including urban development, architectural design, and enhancing energy efficiency, by taking into account all relevant climate factors rather than focusing on just one. This software can model different climate scenarios, encompassing both daytime and nighttime temperatures, humidity levels, wind speeds, and solar radiation in urban areas. Additionally, it allows for the exploration of how various building materials, like glass and stone, impact the microclimate of their surroundings. By predicting how alterations in urban design influence both the microclimate and the thermal comfort of urban dwellers, ENVI-met serves as a vital resource for cities around the globe. Given the significant challenges posed by climate change, developing healthier and more resilient urban environments has become increasingly important. Therefore, ENVI-met is instrumental in evaluating the potential impacts of new constructions, green spaces, and urban planning initiatives, enabling stakeholders to make well-informed decisions that promote sustainability and improve community well-being. This capability underscores the software's relevance in fostering innovative solutions for contemporary urban challenges.

Hektar is an innovative cloud-based software designed for generative design, specifically aimed at assisting with early-stage urban planning, pre-design, and schematic design tasks. Created by Parametric, it empowers architects and urban planners to improve their projects by effectively managing the complexities involved in critical design phases. By leveraging evolutionary algorithms and artificial generative intelligence, the platform transforms user inputs from broad concepts into detailed, viable designs and accurate estimates. Hektar’s suite of tools incorporates both geometrical and geographical intelligence, enabling users to specify essential features like access points, exclusions for construction, and custom street layouts. Furthermore, it offers numerical controls, allowing for precise adjustments related to project elements such as building depth, greenery integration, and parking arrangements. The software begins processing intricate information about lighting and sun exposure early in the geometry pipeline, leading to the creation of informed design proposals that can adapt to various scenarios. In this way, Hektar not only enhances the design process but also fosters collaboration among multiple stakeholders involved in urban development projects.

A building is not a thing that exists in isolation. Your design will come to life if it is influenced by its surroundings. To create an atmosphere. To give spaces a sense scale and possibility. Lumion makes it simple to transform any CAD model into a real-life experience. You can create entire landscapes and add context to your designs. High-quality materials, fine-detailed nature and detailed skies can make spaces feel real. With stunning lighting, weather, and animation effects, convey emotion and atmosphere. Lumion architectural rendering software makes it easy to show how your projects will transform into real-life experiences. Lumion is intuitive, reliable, and fast, making rendering more enjoyable and satisfying. Atmospheric spotlights. Realism-inducing decals. You can create scenes faster than ever before with these decals

Reduce the time spent searching for information and juggling multiple tools by importing your site proposal to access all necessary data sets in one centralized location. Autodesk Forma (previously known as Spacemaker) equips you with the ability to make informed, data-driven decisions from the feasibility stage right through to site acquisition. Embrace a digital workflow from the outset to enhance both the quality and speed of the initial planning phase. Never compromise on your vision! Explore strategies to maximize density and livability without the long wait times typically associated with evaluating the quality of your site. With Autodesk Forma, you can refine your site proposal at any moment and quickly grasp the implications of any modifications. Don’t accept anything less than the best for your creative endeavors. This powerful tool allows you to explore and evaluate a wider range of options for your site than ever before. Furthermore, Autodesk Forma provides a collaborative platform where architects, developers, consultants, and municipalities can work together seamlessly, fostering innovation and efficiency in the planning process. This integration not only streamlines workflows but also encourages better communication among all stakeholders involved.

Urban redevelopment initiatives often present significant challenges due to their intricate nature. In addition to the technical complexities, these projects require the collaboration of various stakeholders and specialists, which can result in conflicting interests that complicate the decision-making process and lead to less than ideal outcomes. The 3D Cityplanner facilitates enhanced collaboration and helps prevent suboptimal choices. While a wealth of data exists today, consolidating it can be a daunting task. Our system ensures that all essential data for any given location is seamlessly integrated, and it can also automatically compile information from all relevant datasets. Serving as an optimal solution for rapid 3D site analysis, the 3D Cityplanner enables users to access crucial, location-specific information easily, making it an excellent foundation for developing a comprehensive masterplan. Additionally, its innovative drawing tools and automated generation features empower users to craft effective plans swiftly and efficiently, streamlining the urban planning process. Ultimately, the 3D Cityplanner not only simplifies the complexities of urban redevelopment but also enhances the overall quality of planning outcomes.

SuperGIS Desktop 10 represents a sophisticated suite of desktop geographical information system tools, offering capabilities for surface location alongside functions like data editing, storage, validation, integration, processing, analysis, and visualization. With SuperGIS, users can perform precise and effective analyses, management, and research across a wide range of sectors, including market research, environmental oversight, engineering projects, urban development, and business administration. The SuperGIS Toolkit includes a diverse array of tools that facilitate seamless connections between different functionalities and enable the creation of automated batch processing workflows. Furthermore, these tailored processes can be shared through SuperGIS Server, allowing universal access for all users, thus enhancing collaboration and data-sharing opportunities. This interconnected approach not only optimizes individual tasks but also promotes greater efficiency in collective projects.

SimWalk's simulation products and services have been successfully utilized by various authorities and consultancies worldwide. Since our inception over ten years ago, we have consistently pushed the limits of innovation by incorporating cutting-edge technology to best assist the transport, aviation, sports, and construction sectors in managing crowds efficiently. Prepare your venue, whether it's a rail station, airport, or stadium, to meet the growing demands of the future. Our offerings facilitate a comprehensive impact analysis of various proposed designs on crowd behavior and safety. The daily operations of public transport and aviation facilities present significant challenges, and we aid in effective facility management through thorough data analysis, simulation, and crowd dynamics planning. In today’s environment, public transport hubs and buildings are increasingly susceptible to a range of threats. Our expertise enables us to assist authorities in enhancing awareness of security concerns while offering practical solutions tailored to their needs. By prioritizing safety and efficiency, we strive to create more secure environments for everyone.

IGiS CAD is a powerful 2D drafting and 3D modeling software offered by Scanpoint Geomatics limited for professionals not only to design but also to plan, execute, and analyze their projects with precision. It meets the requirements of various disciplines including that of Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Mechanical, Urban Planning, and many more. The software is very easy to adapt to, high-speed performer, and also provides a seamless transition. It is also very cost-effective making it comparatively quite affordable

Effortlessly create stunning images, breathtaking panoramas, standard or 360° VR videos, and comprehensive client presentations in mere seconds! Designed for professionals in architecture, construction, urban planning, and landscaping, Twinmotion merges a user-friendly icon-based interface with the robust capabilities of the Unreal Engine. You can observe and modify your scene in real time, achieving the same high quality as the final rendering right from the start. With realistic lighting and shadowing based on physical principles, complemented by built-in global illumination, Twinmotion also provides over 600 PBR materials that adapt to your environment, along with features such as depth of field, lens flare, and vignetting to help you achieve the desired aesthetic effortlessly. No matter how intricate your project may be or what your prior CG background is, Twinmotion's straightforward and intuitive interface makes it remarkably easy to master and utilize. You can simply drag and drop lights, materials, and props; alter the season, weather, or time of day by adjusting a slider, transforming your creative vision into reality with unprecedented ease and speed. This powerful tool not only enhances productivity but also empowers users to bring their ideas to life like never before.

TestFit’s advanced algorithms enable you to generate building designs in mere seconds instead of taking weeks. Quickly determining the viability of a potential site is crucial, and TestFit provides you with a complete building model along with real-time financial insights, allowing you to close deals in minutes rather than extending the process over weeks. While feasibility studies are essential for securing projects, they often pose the difficulty of justifying payment for the effort involved. With TestFit’s parametric building configurator, you can streamline tedious tasks—such as allocating parking spaces—so you can focus on what truly matters. You require swift insights into site potential; however, the numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. Moving beyond traditional spreadsheets, TestFit allows you to visualize your project and present an exciting vision for your site. In just a few clicks, you can create your dream project and inspire prospects about the opportunities that await, making your proposals more compelling than ever.

Evaluate risks, gain insights into markets, and enhance decision-making by utilizing the most advanced and all-encompassing urban, climate, and community resilience data platform available. Examine current conditions and land usage at the parcel level with detailed urban, environmental, and transportation data. Investigate and analyze the intersections of vulnerabilities, consequences, and policy measures at various levels, including state, city, and neighborhood. Assess how climate change and natural disasters affect communities, resources, and infrastructure. Shape future developments with the latest advancements in urban and transportation planning, leveraging detailed parcel, mobility, and environmental data. Propel ESG reporting through impactful, data-driven evaluations of social and environmental consequences. Foster the creation of more resilient and equitable communities by utilizing focused climate, hazard, and urban vulnerability data, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community planning and sustainability. In doing so, communities can better prepare for the challenges posed by climate change and resource scarcity.

Challenges such as the scarcity of housing, the pursuit of sustainability objectives, and shifts in the economy are driving urban areas to enhance their future planning strategies. ArcGIS Urban provides a collaborative platform for planners and design experts through its web-based 3D application, which facilitates scenario planning and impact evaluation. This tool transforms city and regional planning by fostering teamwork with community stakeholders, guiding various groups toward a more sustainable future. Users can create, monitor, and assess development initiatives through a digital representation of their city. By integrating building information modeling (BIM) and other 3D data throughout the project review process, ArcGIS Urban ensures that planners and developers share a unified perspective on urban development regulations, thereby streamlining the building application timeline. Furthermore, the platform simplifies the creation, modification, and management of land-use and zoning plans, all within an interactive 3D environment designed specifically for planners. This innovative approach not only enhances planning efficiency but also encourages more informed decision-making among all participants involved in urban development.

Maptionnaire is a hassle-free citizen engagement platform. It enables cities, consultancies, and research organizations to easily collect local insights and make GIS-backed decisions. At Maptionnaire’s core are map-based tools for designing questionnaires, collecting information, and analyzing data. Maptionnaire also helps planners and local governments to collaborate, report, and communicate about community engagement and participatory budgeting projects with citizens and stakeholders, as well as internally within the organization. Maptionnaire is a subscription-based service that comes in three plans, each containing a set of modules serving the different needs of effective community engagement. Maptionnaire software is browser-based and works with any device. The service always includes technical support and training. Maptionnaire’s story began when a group of urban planners discovered an emerging problem: there was an increasing need for urban planners to engage the public and to get real input from residents. Mapita Oy was founded in 2011 in Helsinki to provide a platform for anyone to create their own map-based surveys and improve community engagement.

The City Form Lab has unveiled an innovative toolbox designed specifically for analyzing urban networks. This groundbreaking ArcGIS toolbox is the first of its kind, featuring centrality tools that facilitate the computation of five distinct graph analysis measures on spatial networks: reach, gravity, betweenness, closeness, and straightness. Additionally, it includes redundancy tools that calculate the redundancy index, identify redundant paths, and assess the wayfinding index. Notably, these tools boast three key features that enhance their effectiveness for spatial analysis in urban street networks. Firstly, they are capable of considering both geometry and topology within the input networks, allowing for the use of metric distance (such as meters) or topological distance (like turns) as impedance factors during analysis. Secondly, in contrast to earlier software tools that only handle two network elements—nodes and edges—the UNA tools introduce a third element: buildings, which serve as the spatial units for all analytical measures. This comprehensive approach not only improves the accuracy of urban analysis but also provides deeper insights into the relationships within urban environments.

In contrast to other CAD and GIS applications, this software was specifically designed with urban planners in mind from its inception, facilitating the creation of 3D models that utilize established building styles and urban forms. CityCAD provides a streamlined and efficient method for drafting urban masterplans in three dimensions. When routes intersect, junctions are formed with straightforward kerb radii automatically. Moreover, if you adjust the positioning of roads, the surrounding urban blocks are resized automatically. This software also includes an array of advanced analytical tools, offering valuable quantitative insights into your masterplan during the initial conceptual design phases. Users can build a personalized library of land use categories and assign these to different building floors. Additionally, you can input estimates for energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation rates (calculated per person, dwelling unit, or area unit), with total figures being computed in real-time as you develop and refine your design. This capability allows for a more responsive and informed planning process, enabling users to make adjustments based on immediate feedback.

A digital twin of your assets enhances decision-making by providing access to all pertinent data from any location. By consolidating your planning and operational data within an open digital twin, you can access it across various devices, including mobile phones, tablets, desktops, VR/AR devices, and large touchscreen displays. Engaging stakeholders becomes easier through crowdsourced ideas, allowing them to provide feedback via polls, surveys, and pins. You can also construct and visualize plans while creating and sharing 3D urban models to foster better communication among team members. With advanced data configuration capabilities, you can set up and maintain the system while integrating unlimited data sets from files, web services, or databases within OpenCities Planner. This innovative tool significantly enhances communication in infrastructure and urban development projects, leading to improved collaboration and project outcomes. Ultimately, OpenCities Planner empowers teams to bring their visions to life with greater efficiency and clarity.

As urbanization continues to expand rapidly across the globe, cities are facing increasing vulnerabilities to climate change. Significant threats to urban development and the well-being of city inhabitants include Urban Heat Islands (UHI), air pollution, and surface water flooding. It is imperative for local governments to implement strategies that address the challenges posed by urban expansion and climate change. GREENPASS serves as a valuable tool for planners, developers, and municipalities, providing guidance for optimal decision-making throughout the various stages of urban planning and development while addressing up to six urban challenges. This innovative platform enables users to visualize, measure, and compare the effects of green infrastructure and other structural interventions on the urban landscape. By offering tailored solutions for every phase of the urban planning process, from initial draft assessments to detailed execution, GREENPASS effectively supports sustainable urban growth. It employs preliminary analyses derived from machine learning database evaluations and standard analyses based on conventional BASIC simulations, ensuring comprehensive insights for planners.

Conform is a powerful 3D geospatial software designed for the integration, visualization, modification, and exportation of stunning 3D environments tailored for urban development, gaming, and simulations. You can effortlessly create your 3D scenes using GIS features, digital elevation models, point clouds, and imagery, all without needing expertise in GIS or programming. Although Conform offers support for procedural scripting, high-quality environments can still be achieved without any coding knowledge. This software allows seamless export of 3D scenes into open formats, making them compatible with game engines, simulations, web/mobile visualizations, and geodesign applications. Additionally, it facilitates the export of interchangeable formats specifically suited for various gaming and simulation platforms, enhancing the flexibility and usability of your projects.