The layout design language: a technique for generating layout plans

The work described in this paper arose from a requirement for a system to support the production of models for training simulator visual systems and other visualisation applications. To reduce the labour involved in generating such models, it was decided to develop a technique whereby models could be generated by a high-leuel language. For these models there is a requirement to generate 2-D plans showing, for example, the locations of roads and buildings, subsequently 3-D models of the buildings are placed at the defined locations. The 2-D plans can be created through the use of the Layout Design Language (LD-Language). LD-Language has been formulated particularly for designing urban area street plans. The primitive elements of the LD-Language, plots, are assembled into patterns which can be further combined into a layout plan, with some support provided by the system. The work reported has successfully demonstrated that a complex layout plan can be developed using this language.