Japan's PLATEAU Project Releases Open-Access 3D Models for Over 250 Cities

Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) leads Project PLATEAU, an initiative creating open-access 3D digital models of Japanese cities. More than 250 city models are now available through the public G-Spatial Information Center and an online browser viewer. The project's motto, 'Map the New World,' reflects its goal to strengthen urban resilience by providing tools to address local challenges. Japan has 744 cities total, including 14 with populations over one million, 190 with 100,000 to one million inhabitants, and 540 with 10,000 to 100,000 residents. Collaboration involves local governments, private companies, and technology communities. A digital reconstruction of the recently closed Osaka World Expo site is also included. The models represent urban diversity across the country.