Classification and review of software applications in the context of urban design processes

We have seen increasing expectations from our cities: as we aim to enable them to become smarter, more efficient and more sustainable. Having these goals makes the urban designing process increasingly complex. Undertaking contemporary urban design and analysis requires a rounded and inclusive approach. In the discussion relating to the smart city there has been attention to infrastructure technology solutions. But ways of estimating the success of more comprehensive urban design interventions is also extremely important. In response to these needs, digital urban design simulation and analysis software packages have been developed to help urban designers model and evaluate their designs before they take shape in the real world. We analyse, and reflect on the current aids available, classifying the urban design software packages which were used in the body of knowledge. In addition, more influential urban design software packages have been reviewed to figure out in which stages of the urban design process, they have applied. This review also helpful for software developer to understand which software packages more useful and which ones need to be developed in future.