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Manchester 3D Model

Work with confidence using Manchester’s digital twin

Explore, plan, analyse and present your work on a survey-accurate 3D model of Manchester, including approved and under-construction buildings. Use rich data layers to assess site potential, spot constraints early and reduce project risk, all in one digital twin your whole team can work in.

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    44
    DATA LAYERS
  • 166.75 sq km
    MODELLED TO 15CM ACCURACY
  • 5
    HIGH DETAIL BUILDINGS
  • 417
    Consents approved
  • 718,062
    TREES, ACCURATE HEIGHT AND CANOPY

See Manchester's past, present & future in VU.CITY

VU.CITY Manchester city cluster skyline in 2026 Manchester in 2016 Manchester in 2026

Models. Data. Tools. All in one platform.

Oxford Carfax Accuracy

We provide the most accurate and detailed managed city models available. ±15cm for all buildings, trees and terrain.

Developments + data

Our public data is available to all users. You can also import your own, private data for your projects. Visualise, analyse and filter large-scale data sets with ease.

3D draw

Test and iterate ideas in survey-accurate context. Draw in 2D and 3D. Mark up plans and create maps with stakeholder-ready visual quality.

VU.CITY ZTV Analysis-1

Generate ZTV studies and viewsheds in just a few clicks. See sunlight paths and overshadowing instantly.

Visualise Real Estate assets and their views out in 4D

Create guided tours and presentations, export high quality imagery and share files with stakeholders for seamless collaboration and feedback.

GeometrySurvey-grade 3D city models
DataA public data library
Design toolsDraw, measure, annotate
Analysis toolsVisibility, sunlight and more
Presentation toolsTell your story, your way

Government-trusted Manchester coverage

From a single street to the whole city, our Manchester 3D model is mapped to 15cm accuracy, with coverage across Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Stockport and Rochdale.

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Manchester data layers for contextual viability

From transport and heritage to environmental factors, the data layers in our Manchester digital twin give you the context to make confident decisions.

Amenities & Services

  • Educational Establishments

  • GP Practices

  • Hospitals

  • Locally Important Buildings

  • Retail Boundaries

  • Supermarkets

Demographics & Economy

  • Annual Average Income Per Household

  • Deprivation Index

  • House Prices

  • Population Density 

Energy & Utilities

  • Broadband Speed

Environmental

  • Flood Risk Areas
  • Rail Noise
  • Road Noise

Green Spaces & Open Areas

  • Greenspace Sites

Heritage & Conservation

  • Conservation Areas

  • Listed Buildings

  • Scheduled Monuments

Planning & Development

  • Brownfield Sites

  • Developments

Transport & Accessibility

  • Cycle Network

Hover over each card to see more

Explore VU.CITY's tools

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VU.CITY Manchester is the most accurate interactive 3D model of the city available.

VU.CITY Manchester: the 3D city model for a city on the rise

Manchester continues to lead the way in the north of England in all aspects of the built environment, whether it's the ever-growing skyline providing the highest level of urban living or the re-invention and regeneration of the boroughs of Greater Manchester.

Manchester is firmly advocating the net zero green agenda in all its planning with the belt around the city centre providing more and more green space for its '15 minute neighbourhood' concept. VU.CITY enables all stakeholders involved to collaborate and make this vision a reality.

Architects, planners, developers, local authorities and other built environment professionals are turning to one of the UK’s most accurate digital twin and embracing the digital revolution in planning: VU.CITY Manchester includes coverage of Rochdale, Salford, Trafford and Stockport.

Architects, such as SimpsonHaugh, have realised that VU.CITY Manchester is the quickest way to visualise a development in context and prevent costs and subscriptions to data sources spiraling out of control long term when assessing a site’s feasibility.

There are so many advantages to using VU.CITY’s 3D digital twin technology, from being able to understand and assess a site’s opportunities and challenges, testing refined designs in context, enhancing pre-app conversations and planning submissions, to improving how everyone involved collaborates.

VU.CITY Manchester FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about VU.CITY's Manchester 3D Digital Twin and Model.

What benefits does the VU.CITY Manchester 3D model offer for urban planning?

VU.CITY Manchester is a survey-accurate 3D model and digital twin of Manchester, modelled to 15cm accuracy. It lets you see projects in real context, assess their impact and make informed decisions quickly, helping schemes move through planning with confidence.

Which data layers are available in the VU.CITY Manchester platform?

The Manchester 3D model includes 44 data layers covering amenities, demographics, energy, environment, green spaces, heritage, planning and transport. You can also bring in your own data and view it alongside ours.

How can VU.CITY Manchester support feasibility studies?

Yes. VU.CITY Manchester lets you assess a site’s opportunities and constraints, test massing and designs in context, and check daylight, sunlight and views, all in one place, without paying for multiple data sources.

Who should use VU.CITY Manchester for project planning and management?

VU.CITY Manchester is ideal for city planners, architects, developers, asset managers, and local authorities. It offers a collaborative, data-driven platform that enhances decision-making, compliance, and public engagement in development projects.

How up-to-date is the VU.CITY Manchester 3D model?

VU.CITY Manchester is continually updated. Where public planning data is available, we automatically add newly approved buildings and track construction, and we can add specific schemes on request.

Explore digital 3D geospatial solutions for the built environment

VU.CITY provides clear, powerful tools for key decision-makers across the built environment, helping them visualise and shape the future of cities with confidence and precision.

Make smarter decisions with data-driven insights, from infrastructure to sustainability.
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Unlock the power of Generative AI for optimal design and streamlined decision-making.
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Bring your designs to 3D life with state-of-the-art modelling tools.
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Licence any VU.CITY city and design, test and present your project in its real context.

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Utilise advanced 3D models and a data-driven approach with our flexible ZTV service.
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Showcase your proposal in its real-world context with compelling, easy-to-understand flythroughs.
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