Users' responses to 2D and 3D visualization techniques in urban conservation process

This paper compares efficiency of two and three-dimensional visualization techniques which are developed for representation of spatial content of an urban historic site. The aim of this paper is to measure users' perception regarding the performance of these visualization techniques. Methodology is based on a questionnaire which is gathering the user's responses regarding comprehension and perception level of the case area's characteristics. The case study, which was held in Zeyrek urban historic site, comprises the application of 2D and 3D figures and schemes in order to represent the site characteristics, survey and analysis and proposals. As the fundamental finding of the study, it is concluded that spatial attributes and characteristics in 3D urban models are better defined than in 2D mapping technique. The study indicates that orientation sense of users and cognition of the townscape characteristics are the most prominent components of 3D urban model, generated within this case study.