Urban planning is becoming more tech-driven than ever before. With the rise of specialized software and AI tools, city planners now have better ways to design, manage, and improve urban spaces. These technologies are helping professionals tackle the challenges of growing populations, sustainability, and efficient infrastructure. Let’s dive into the most popular tools and emerging trends that are changing how our cities are planned and built.
1. FlyPix AI
At FlyPix AI, we focus on providing advanced geospatial analysis solutions using artificial intelligence. Our platform enables users to analyze satellite and aerial imagery to detect, monitor, and assess various objects and changes on the Earth’s surface. The platform is designed to assist in a wide range of applications, including urban planning, environmental monitoring, construction site management, and disaster response. By leveraging AI-driven object detection and anomaly identification, FlyPix AI supports industries in making data-driven decisions.
Our platform is accessible to users of all technical backgrounds through a no-code interface, allowing for easy integration of geospatial data from various sources like drone imagery, satellite images, and lidar data. FlyPix AI enables users to train custom AI models tailored to their specific needs, whether they are tracking changes in urban development or monitoring agricultural fields. With a focus on efficiency and scalability, we aim to streamline the process of geospatial data analysis, providing actionable insights that can be applied across multiple sectors.
Pricing Plans:
- Basic: The Basic plan is free and includes one user seat, 3GB of storage, and 10 credits. This plan provides limited support and access to the FlyPix AI models for basic analysis and AI model training.
- Starter: Priced at €50 per user per month, this plan offers 10GB of storage, 50 credits per month, and supports processing up to 1 gigapixel. It also includes access to the analytics dashboard and the ability to export vector layers. Support is limited to email responses within five business days.
- Standard: At €500 for two user seats per month, the Standard plan includes 120GB of storage, 500 credits with an additional 100 credits monthly, and supports processing of up to 12 gigapixels. Users have access to advanced features like multispectral data and map sharing, with email support available within two business days.
- Professional: For €2000 per month, the Professional plan supports up to five users and includes 600GB of storage, 2000 credits plus 1000 additional credits monthly, and processing of up to 60 gigapixels. This plan also offers advanced features such as API access, team management, and support via email and chat with a response time of one hour.
- Enterprise: The Enterprise plan offers custom solutions tailored to specific needs, with unlimited user seats, storage, and credits. This plan is designed for large-scale operations requiring extensive geospatial data processing and analysis.
Pros:
- No-code platform that allows easy creation and training of AI models.
- Supports a wide range of geospatial data sources.
- Scalable solutions for both small teams and large enterprises.
Cons:
- Advanced features and extensive storage require higher-tier plans, which may be costly for smaller operations.
- Limited support in lower-tier plans, potentially leading to slower issue resolution.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: flypix.ai
- Address: Robert-Bosch-Str. 7, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
- Contact Email: info@flypix.ai
- Phone Number: +49 6151 2776497
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/flypix-ai
2. UrbanistAI
UrbanistAI is a platform designed to enhance participatory urban planning through the use of generative AI. The platform is used by public and private organizations to engage communities in the urban planning process, allowing for more inclusive and transparent decision-making. UrbanistAI supports a wide range of activities, including workshops, public engagement campaigns, and the co-design of urban spaces. The platform offers customization options, enabling users to tailor the AI models and user experiences to meet specific community needs and project goals.
UrbanistAI operates as a web-based platform that can be accessed on multiple devices and supports both touch and pen input. It is designed to be user-friendly, allowing users to run participatory AI workshops and experiments without the need for advanced technical skills. UrbanistAI collaborates closely with its users, providing ongoing support and training to ensure that the platform is effectively integrated into urban planning projects. This collaborative approach is aimed at making urban planning processes more interactive and engaging for all stakeholders involved.
Pricing Plans:
UrbanistAI offers subscription-based access to its platform, with pricing tailored to different organizational needs. The platform provides full access to essential features for conducting participatory AI workshops and co-design sprints. Additionally, custom experiences and tailored workshops are available, which can be adjusted for special occasions or specific urban planning challenges.
Pros:
- Customizable AI models and user experiences to fit specific project needs.
- Multi-device compatibility with support for touch and pen input.
Cons:
- Requires a subscription, which may limit access for smaller organizations.
- Custom experiences and tailored workshops may involve additional costs.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: site.urbanistai.com
- Email: info@urbanistai.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/urbanist_ai
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/urbanistai
3. UrbanFootprint
UrbanFootprint provides a geospatial data platform that focuses on resilience insights for decision-making across various sectors. The platform curates and organizes a wide range of datasets related to climate, community vulnerabilities, and urban infrastructure. These datasets help users analyze risks, assess community needs, and make informed decisions about infrastructure investments, climate risk management, and public service delivery. UrbanFootprint’s platform is used by energy utilities, financial institutions, government agencies, and private corporations to navigate the complexities of climate change, urban development, and community resilience.
The platform’s core offerings include the Insight Engine, which integrates thousands of datasets into a comprehensive geospatial data foundation. This foundation supports various analytical tools that allow users to explore and visualize data through cloud-based applications like Analyst and Explorer. These tools are designed to help organizations prioritize investments, understand risks, and optimize their infrastructure planning.
Pricing Plans:
UrbanFootprint offers customized pricing based on specific organizational needs and the scale of data required. The platform’s pricing typically reflects the range of features available, such as data integration, analysis tools, and user access levels.
Pros:
- Provides comprehensive data integration across multiple domains like climate, community vulnerability, and infrastructure.
- Offers cloud-based tools for data analysis and visualization, supporting informed decision-making.
Cons:
- Pricing is customized, which may not be as transparent as fixed plans.
- The platform’s complexity might require a learning curve for new users unfamiliar with geospatial data analysis.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: urbanfootprint.com
- Address: 2095 Rose St Suite 201, Berkeley, CA, United States, California
- Email: info@urbanfootprint.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/urbanfootprint.io
- Twitter: twitter.com/UFPlatform
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/urbanfootprint
4. Ark Design AI
Ark Design AI is a software tool designed to assist architects in creating optimized floor plans for multi-family and mixed-use projects. The platform utilizes artificial intelligence to generate building designs that maximize profitability and efficiency while adhering to U.S. building codes. Users can quickly create schematic designs, evaluate different configurations, and optimize their projects to meet specific requirements, such as maximizing saleable area or adjusting unit mix according to market demands. The tool is aimed at streamlining the early stages of architectural design, allowing for faster decision-making and better project outcomes.
The software guides users through a step-by-step process, from inputting basic project details to generating schematic sections and floor plans. Ark Design AI also offers tools for editing floor plans, designing vertical shafts, and planning unit layouts, all within a user-friendly interface. The platform is particularly useful for real estate feasibility studies, providing quick and accurate insights that help architects and developers assess the viability of their projects.
Pricing Plans:
- Lite Plan: The Lite Plan is free and includes access to three projects, three PDF reports, and the knowledge center. It is suitable for users who want to explore the basic features of Ark Design AI without committing to a paid plan.
- Pro Plan: The Pro Plan is priced at $199 per month (discounted from $399) and offers unlimited projects, unlimited PDF reports, Revit exports, and collaboration features. It also includes certification and customer support with a response time within 24 hours. This plan is designed for professionals who need comprehensive access to all the features for multiple projects.
- Enterprise Plan: The Enterprise Plan is a custom solution that includes all the features of the Pro Plan, along with additional consulting services and support from certified architects. This plan is tailored for large firms or projects requiring specialized assistance.
Pros:
- AI-driven optimization for floor plans and project feasibility.
- Offers a free Lite Plan for basic use and exploration.
Cons:
- The Pro Plan is relatively expensive compared to other design tools.
- Limited features in the free Lite Plan may not be sufficient for complex projects.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: arkdesign.ai
- Address: 200 West 32nd St., New York, NY, United States, New York
- Email: dity@arkdesign.ai
- Facebook: facebook.com/people/ArkDesignAI
- Instagram: instagram.com/ark_design_ai
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/ark-design-ai
5. Autodesk Forma
Autodesk Forma is a cloud-based software designed to assist architects and designers in the early stages of urban planning and building design. The tool integrates AI-powered features that streamline pre-design and schematic design processes, enabling users to set up geolocated projects with real-world data and model complex 3D designs quickly. Autodesk Forma provides tools for conducting automated massing takeoffs, environmental impact analysis, and other real-time assessments that help optimize design concepts for sustainability and living quality. It also offers seamless integration with other Autodesk products like Revit, Rhino, and Dynamo, facilitating a smooth transition from early design phases to detailed development.
The platform is particularly useful for those looking to enhance their design workflows with data-driven insights. Autodesk Forma allows users to assess building performance, compare design alternatives, and document project metrics during the pre-design phase. This helps in making informed decisions that align with client and stakeholder expectations. Whether used as part of Autodesk’s Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Collection or as a standalone tool, Forma provides a versatile solution for early-stage design analysis.
Pricing Plans:
- Monthly Subscription: Autodesk Forma is available on a monthly subscription for $185. This option offers flexibility for users who need short-term access to the tool.
- Annual Subscription: An annual subscription to Autodesk Forma is priced at $1,500 per user. This plan is the most popular, offering significant savings compared to the monthly option.
- Three-Year Subscription: The three-year subscription plan costs $4,500, providing long-term access to the software with additional savings compared to both monthly and annual plans.
Pros:
- Integrates well with other Autodesk products like Revit and Rhino, allowing for a streamlined workflow.
- Provides a range of real-time analyses, including environmental impact and building performance, helping users make data-driven decisions.
Cons:
- The cost may be prohibitive for smaller firms or individual users who do not need full-year access.
- Limited to early-stage design phases, requiring additional tools for detailed design and construction management.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: autodesk.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/autodesk
- Instagram: instagram.com/autodesk
6. BricsCAD BIM
BricsCAD BIM is a computer-aided design (CAD) tool developed by Bricsys, a part of Hexagon, which integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM) functionalities within a familiar CAD environment. The platform allows users to work in both 2D and 3D, enabling a smooth transition from traditional CAD workflows to BIM without requiring extensive retraining. It supports various design and documentation tasks, making it suitable for architectural, engineering, and construction projects. BricsCAD BIM uses AI-driven tools to automate repetitive tasks, helping users streamline their workflows while maintaining accuracy in their designs.
BricsCAD BIM is built on the DWG format, ensuring compatibility with other CAD systems and providing flexibility in design and documentation processes. The platform offers features like AI-powered BIM auto-classification, native IFC support, and integration with third-party applications like Grasshopper for generative design. This makes it a versatile tool for users who need to manage detailed building models, generate construction documentation, and coordinate across various disciplines within the same environment.
Pricing Plans:
BricsCAD BIM is available at a starting price of $1,060 per year. This plan includes all features from BricsCAD Pro, along with BIM-specific functionalities such as native IFC classification, BIM auto-classification, and project database management. Users can access a 30-day free trial to explore the full range of features before committing to a subscription.
Pros:
- Integrated 2D, 3D, and BIM workflows in a single platform.
- AI-driven automation for BIM classification and documentation.
Cons:
- The initial cost may be higher compared to basic CAD tools.
- Users transitioning from traditional CAD may require time to adapt to BIM functionalities.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: bricsys.com
- Phone: +32 9 244 01 90
- Facebook: facebook.com/bricsys
- Instagram: instagram.com/bricsys
- Twitter: twitter.com/bricsys
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/bricsys
7. ARCHITEChTURES
ARCHITEChTURES is a generative AI-powered building design platform designed to assist architects and real estate developers in creating optimal residential developments quickly. The platform allows users to input design criteria and receive real-time solutions that meet these specifications. The process is collaborative, with users able to make adjustments based on the geometric and analytical results provided by the AI. The generated designs can then be downloaded in BIM (Building Information Modeling) formats to integrate with traditional workflows.
The platform is particularly focused on the early stages of residential projects, where key decisions about feasibility, regulatory compliance, and costs are made. By streamlining this process with AI, ARCHITEChTURES helps users to optimize design efficiency and focus on the qualitative aspects of architectural design. The platform supports the entire design process, from initial concept through to detailed project data and cost estimation.
Pricing Plans:
- Pro Plan: The Pro Plan is priced at €40 per month, billed annually. It includes the full range of AI-powered design tools, manual editing capabilities, and cloud storage for up to 250 designs. Users can generate downloadables up to 250,000 square meters per year.
- Business Plan: The Business Plan costs €159 per month, billed annually. This plan includes all the features of the Pro Plan, plus additional tools for cost analysis, environmental analysis, and unlimited cloud storage. It supports up to 1.5 million square meters of design downloads per year.
- Educational Centers: ARCHITEChTURES offers a plan for educational centers, which requires direct contact for pricing. This plan is tailored for teaching purposes, providing access to the AI tools for a group of students.
Pros:
- Real-time AI-driven design adjustments.
- Integration with BIM for continued project development.
Cons:
- High costs for premium features.
- Limited to specific building typologies without additional customization.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: architechtures.com
- Address: Pasaje Compositor Lehmberg Ruiz Nº4 2-E, 29007 Málaga, España
- Email: hello@architechtures.com
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/architechtures
8. ArkoAI
ArkoAI is a software tool that simplifies the rendering process for architectural and design professionals using platforms like Rhino3D, Revit, and SketchUp. The tool integrates with these popular design software packages to enable AI-driven rendering, allowing users to generate high-quality images with minimal manual effort. By automating the rendering process, ArkoAI helps designers and architects produce visualizations more efficiently, which can be particularly useful for projects requiring quick turnarounds or consistent image quality across multiple platforms.
The software is designed to be compatible with various operating systems, including Windows and macOS, and offers several advanced features such as high-resolution image outputs, additional rendering categories, and the ability to maintain consistent styles across different views using a seed setting. Users can also guide the AI rendering process by setting negative prompts to exclude unwanted elements from the final output. ArkoAI provides a subscription-based model.
Pricing Plans:
- Pro | Educational: This plan is tailored for students and educators at $25 per month. Subscribers get unlimited renderings, high-quality image resolution, additional settings, and category options. Free upgrades are also included. Proof of educational status is required to qualify for this plan.
- Pro | Personal: Geared towards individual users, this plan costs $39 per month. It includes unlimited renderings, high-quality image resolution, additional settings, and category options. Subscribers also benefit from dedicated support via email and free upgrades.
- Pro | Business: This plan is designed for companies needing to manage multiple licenses. Pricing is available upon request. It offers unlimited renderings, high-quality image resolution, additional category options, floating licenses, and dedicated email support. An on-premises installation option is also available.
Pros:
- Compatible with Rhino3D, Revit, and SketchUp.
- Offers flexible subscription plans for individuals, students, and businesses.
- Advanced settings allow for customization and consistency in rendering outputs.
Cons:
- The educational plan requires proof of status, which might not be accessible to all users.
- Business plan pricing is not publicly listed and requires direct contact for details.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: arko.ai
- Email: Support@arko.ai
- Instagram: instagram.com/arko.ai
- Twitter: twitter.com/ArkoAI_
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/arkoai
9. Veras
Veras is an AI-powered visualization tool developed by EvolveLAB, designed to enhance the creative process for architects, designers, and engineers. The tool integrates with popular software platforms such as SketchUp, Revit, Rhinoceros, Vectorworks, and a web-based version, enabling users to generate and refine visualizations with the help of artificial intelligence. Veras offers features like the Geometry Override Slider, which allows users to balance creativity and precision by adjusting how closely the rendered output adheres to the original model’s geometry. Another key feature is the Render Selection tool, which enables users to selectively adjust and render portions of their designs, making it easier to experiment with different elements in real time.
Veras is accessible across multiple platforms, making it versatile for various design workflows. Whether used on desktop applications or directly through a web browser, Veras provides tools that allow users to create, modify, and explore design options without being limited by their software’s native capabilities. The web app version further enhances accessibility, offering image-to-image transformations without requiring extensive software installations.
Pricing Plans:
- Educational: Veras offers an educational pricing plan designed for students and universities. This plan is priced at $24 per month and includes features like free upgrades every year. The educational license is tied to the user’s email and is ideal for academic settings.
- Standard: The standard plan is recommended for individuals and smaller teams with up to 25 seats. This plan is priced at $49 per month per seat. It includes commercial licensing, annual free upgrades, and is auto-billed monthly.
- Enterprise: For larger firms and teams, the enterprise plan is available. This plan is customized according to the organization’s needs, with pricing per seat. It offers enterprise discount pricing, commercial licenses tied to emails, annual free upgrades, and dedicated support.
Pros:
- Integration with multiple design platforms, including SketchUp, Revit, and Rhinoceros.
- Features like the Geometry Override Slider and Render Selection provide flexibility in design exploration.
Cons:
- The enterprise pricing model requires direct contact with the company, which may be less convenient for users seeking immediate pricing details.
- The educational and standard plans are limited to a specific number of seats, potentially limiting scalability for larger teams without upgrading to an enterprise plan.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: www.evolvelab.io
- Address: Denver, Colorado
- Phone: 1-720-994-4302
- Email: contact@evolvelab.io
- Facebook: facebook.com/EvolveLABio
- Instagram: instagram.com/evolvelabio
- Twitter: twitter.com/EvolveLABio
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/evolvelabio
10. UrbView AI Software
UrbView AI Software is designed to help urban planners, architects, and designers enhance the safety of public spaces through informed design strategies. The platform uses artificial intelligence to evaluate urban environments, focusing on factors that contribute to crime and harassment in public areas. By analyzing the design of streets, parks, and other public spaces, UrbView provides actionable insights aimed at reducing crime rates and improving the safety of vulnerable populations, such as women and minority groups.
The software offers several features, including a Danger Map, Plan Evaluation, and Public Transport Graph, all of which assist in identifying high-risk areas and suggesting design improvements. UrbView AI also generates detailed reports to help planners understand the implications of their designs and make adjustments that promote safer and more inclusive urban environments.
Pricing Plans:
The company did not provide specific pricing information on their website.
Pros:
- Provides detailed and instant safety evaluations.
- Offers tools tailored to urban safety and inclusivity.
Cons:
- The platform’s effectiveness may vary depending on the availability and quality of input data.
- Limited information on specific customization options or advanced features beyond those listed.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: urbview.de
- Email: elnaz.nouri@urbview.com
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/urbview
11. VC Planner
VC Planner is a web-based tool designed for urban planning, providing users with the ability to draft, visualize, and share 3D urban planning concepts. It allows urban planners and architects to integrate their designs into 3D city models, offering a detailed view of how new developments will fit into existing urban environments. The tool supports a wide range of functionalities, including visibility analysis, shading analysis, and the ability to customize and manipulate 3D objects directly within the platform.
VC Planner can be used in various urban planning scenarios, from competitions to collaborative projects, enabling multiple users to work on the same projects with defined access rights. The tool supports multiple formats for importing and exporting data, ensuring compatibility with other systems. It is available either as a software license installed on the customer’s infrastructure or as a hosted solution via the Amazon cloud.
Pricing Plans:
For detailed pricing information, the company requests that interested customers contact them directly.
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of data formats for integration with other systems.
- Offers both on-premise and cloud-based deployment options.
Cons:
- Specific pricing details are not provided on the website.
- Requires a certain level of technical knowledge to fully utilize all features.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: vc.systems
- Address: Tauentzienstraße 7 b/c, 10789 Berlin
- Phone: +49 (0)30 . 8904 . 871 . 10
- Email: info@vc.systems
Conclusion
Urban planning is evolving rapidly with the help of advanced software, tools, and AI. These technologies are making it easier for planners, architects, and city officials to design and manage urban spaces more efficiently. Whether it’s creating detailed 3D city models, analyzing environmental impacts, or predicting how new developments will shape a community, these tools are becoming essential in modern urban planning.
As cities continue to grow and face new challenges, the role of these technologies will only become more important. By integrating AI and cutting-edge software into the planning process, cities can become more sustainable, resilient, and better equipped to meet the needs of their residents. The tools we’ve discussed are just a glimpse into the future of urban planning, where technology and innovation will continue to shape the places we live and work.
