3D model submission

The use of 3D models for assessing certain types of development applications can streamline Council's assessment processes and more effectively identify potential opportunities for the development up front.

The below information provides technical guidance for 3D model submission so that the development application assessment can be incorporated into Council's 3D model. 

Which applications require a 3D model

Any significant new development and/or extension of an existing building, where:

  • the resulting building is at least 3 storeys or 10 metres in height OR
  • where gross floor area (GFA) of the new development and/or the extension exceeds 1000 square metres for residential, commercial, retail or community purpose types of development.

OR

Any significant new development that is located in a:

  • Centre zone - higher order precinct OR
  • Centre zone - specialised centre precinct

OR

Any new development that is located in and is intending to be approved as an application under the Incentivising infill development policy(PDF, 8MB).

Technical specifications

Units

To represent real world dimensions, scale and location, the model units MUST be in metres at a scale of 1:1. It is also desirable that the model is based on GDA1994 (or GDA2020) MGA Zone 56 Coordinate system and Australian Height Datum for elevation.

Required elements

All models should include the following details:

  • appropriate placement of major design significant such as doors, access and awnings, roof details, terraces and other exterior design elements such as glazing and frames, balconies and balustrades
  • prominent internal structural elements such as floor slabs, walls and columns
  • relevant material and texture - the model must be coloured properly if the textures are not provided.

The models should NOT include the following:

  • unnecessary interior elements such as furniture and appliances
  • unnecessary external elements such as road assets, vehicles, plants, people.

Format

All the 3D models are to be submitted in one of the following formats:

File extension  Comment 
SKP

Preferred format
Relevant material and texture should be included
DAE Preferred format
DWG / DXF  
3DS

File name

The file name should include the site address, e.g. 2HaskingStreet-Caboolture.skp

Specific software settings

Trimble sketchUp

  • Remove ALL unnecessary interior elements such as furniture and appliances.
  • Use standard colours or materials in JPEG or PNG formats.

Autodesk autoCAD

  • Replace the material with appropriate colour for each object layer.
  • Remove ALL unnecessary interior/external elements.
  • Export model in DWG format.

Autodesk revit

  • Remove ALL unnecessary interior/external elements.
  • Set the fill pattern in a “coarse” detail level view.
  • The model could be exported as 3DS format. 

Graphisoft archicad

  • Turn off or delete unnecessary objects within a 3D view and set scale to 1:1.
  • Replace the material with appropriate colour for each object layer and export the model in DWG format.
  • Export model in 3DS format and any relevant textures and materials should be included.
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