Perth used a physical city model maintained by a model builder until 1994. The model could not be housed in by Pert Council after refurbishments and the physical model was donated to Curtin University. Proposed developments could not be assessed via impacts on the model and issues regarding the accuracy of submitted applications were a concern. Due to a range of issues, the move from a physical model to a virtual model did not occur until 2008. The specification called upon local and overseas 3D modelers to express interest in developing a Perth 3D model and 21 responses were received. Two firms were invited to tender and Simmersion Holdings was selected to build the model.

The model is nearing the end of the implementation stage, but has already been used to aid a research project on plot ratio and height controls and with checking development applications in the partial model, in order to "prove up" assessment procedures and drawing standards. Planning for future uses of the model and collaboration with other agencies is progressing, including commercial applications and educational applications. This presentation will work through the process of specifying a 3D model, deciding upon a supplier, how the model will integrate into the Council and other potential users and technical issues such as base data, data accuracy, integration with GIS and the lessons learned along the way.