Visual simulation technology is being used to create a virtual model of Australia's second busiest airport to assist in future planning.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) students have created a true-to-scale 3D electronic model of the airport as the first stage of the Virtual Airport Project (VAP), which will measure the environmental impact of proposed future developments.
The model allows the airport to be viewed in 3D from either ground level or as a 'fly-over' tour of the 2700-hectare property.
It has been created using Immersadesk R2 and stage two of the development will include a 20-year master plan that gives a preview of what the airport will look and operate like in the future.
Brisbane is Australia's second largest airport and is privately owned by the Brisbane Airport Corporation, which has plans to create accommodation and industrial precincts close to the domestic and international terminals.
It is one of the few major city airports that have room available for new runways.
A high-speed city rail link is nearing completion and work is expected to begin soon on hotels and other premises.
BAC's corporate communications manager Lea Crombie said VAP would be used to test ideas and proposals in the virtual airport environment before any work was begun on them.
"We will overlay projects outlined in the master plan on to the stage one VAP model and experiment with details such as positioning, shape and materials.
"We will be able to see the outcome and impact of various options and to determine what will work best."
QUT is expected to also work on environmental issues effecting the airport development.
Ms Crombie said the airport's closeness to Moreton Bay made it an important environment land holding and BAC envisaged working with QUT on conservation matters including artificial mangrove relocation and bird hazard management.
