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Southampton 3D Model

Work with confidence using Southampton’s digital twin.

Explore, plan, analyse and present your work on a survey-accurate 3D model of Southampton, 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.

Trusted by Southampton City Council. Built for architects, planners, developers, asset manager, real estate teams and professionals across the built environment.

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    36
    DATA LAYERS
  • 25.56 sq km
    MODELLED TO 15CM ACCURACY
  • 1
    HIGH DETAIL BUILDINGS
  • 66
    Consents approved
  • 52,959
    TREES, ACCURATE HEIGHT AND CANOPY

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

Southampton consented timeline 2026 shown in VU.CITY Southampton in 2016 Southampton 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 Southampton coverage

From the waterfront to the whole city, our Southampton 3D model is mapped to 15cm accuracy.

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Southampton data layers for contextual viability

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

Amenities & Services

  • Educational Establishments

  • GP Practices

  • Hospitals

  • Locally Important Buildings

  • Retail Boundaries

  • Supermarkets

Crime & Safety

  • Burglary

  • Drug Crime

  • Robbery

  • Shoplifting

  • Theft Crimes

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

Hover over each card to see more

Explore VU.CITY's tools

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VU.CITY Southampton is the largest and most accurate interactive 3D model available.

VU.CITY Southampton: a 3D model for a city in renaissance

Southampton, the third largest city in the South East outside London, has a rich and varied townscape that has evolved over centuries.

Much of the city was destroyed during the Second World War and later rebuilt. Located at the heart of the South Coast, Southampton’s built environment is shaped by its maritime heritage and by the Port of Southampton, a major regional transport hub.

VU.CITY Southampton covers critical views around the city, such as those towards the Civic Centre and St Michael’s Church. You can assess how future developments may affect the skyline, and explore the model from a bird’s-eye view or at street level.

Southampton’s next chapter

Southampton is entering a major period of regeneration. The Southampton Renaissance Vision sets out a long-term plan to transform the city centre into a leading destination for investment, culture and innovation, with the Southampton City Vision Local Plan guiding growth to 2045.

Major schemes are already shaping the city’s future, including Bargate Quarter, Leisure World, Maritime Gateway, Centenary Quay and the West Bay regeneration area. With VU.CITY Southampton, you can see approved and under-construction schemes in context and test how your own plans will sit alongside them.

Southampton City Council’s shared data layers help you account for key considerations and constraints early when designing a scheme. Architects, planners, developers, asset managers and real estate teams can use VU.CITY Southampton to improve client communications, win work and bring every stakeholder on board.

VU.CITY Southampton FAQs

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

How accurate is the VU.CITY Southampton 3D model, and what data sources are used?

The VU.CITY Southampton model is built using accurate geographic and architectural data, including aerial imagery, GIS data, and building information. This accuracy allows users to confidently assess project impacts in a real-world context.

How can the Southampton 3D model help with visualising project impacts on historic areas?

Yes. VU.CITY Southampton lets you test schemes against Southampton’s heritage and key views, such as those towards the Civic Centre and St Michael’s Church, so you can understand a project’s impact on historic areas early.

Is it possible to simulate environmental impacts, like sunlight and shadow, for a specific project in Southampton?

Yes. VU.CITY Southampton includes sunlight and overshadowing tools, so you can see how a scheme affects daylight and shadow at any time of day or year.

Can multiple stakeholders collaborate in real-time within the Southampton model?

Yes. Teams can share projects and files in VU.CITY, and present schemes through interactive tours and high-quality imagery, keeping clients, consultants and local authorities on the same page.

How does the VU.CITY model support planning compliance and local regulations in Southampton?

VU.CITY Southampton brings together survey-accurate geometry, approved developments and Southampton City Council’s shared data layers. That helps you identify planning constraints early and present schemes clearly at pre-app and application stage.

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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