New Surface Modes in Cityweft: More Control, More Clarity, Better Context

Cityweft Model from San Francisco with Raster Map and Satellite Surfaces

3D buildings are essential for understanding a site, but they are only part of the story.

To truly understand how structures interacts with its surroundings, you also need to understand the ground it sits on. Surfaces influence how people move, how buildings relate to streets and landscapes, and how projects affect mobility, accessibility, and the urban environment around them.

With our latest update, Cityweft expands how surfaces are represented to give greater flexibility depending on whether you prioritize control, clarity, or visual realism.

We now offer three different surface modes, all available directly in the Cityweft web platform and included in both 3DM and SKP exports.

Geometric Surfaces

Full Control, Fully Editable

The Geometric mode is the original Cityweft surface system — and still the most powerful option when you need maximum flexibility.

Surfaces are delivered as real geometry, meaning you can edit, modify, and integrate them directly into your workflow. This makes it ideal for users who want complete control over their models.

Best for:

• Detailed design work

• Editing and custom adjustments

• Advanced modelling workflows

  
  

Editable: Yes

Cityweft Model from Monaco with editable Geometric surfaces

Schematic Surfaces

Clean and Clear Context

Sometimes clarity matters more than editability.

The new Schematic (Raster Map) mode converts surfaces into a raster image, creating a clean, simplified representation of the area. The result is a clearer overview that helps you focus on spatial relationships without visual noise.

Best for:

• Early design phases

• Presentations and communication

• Quick understanding of urban context

Editable: No

Cityweft Model from Monaco with clear Raster Map surfaces

Satellite

High-Resolution Reality

For projects where real-world context is key, the Satellite mode provides a surface based on high-resolution satellite imagery.

This option gives you an immediate understanding of existing conditions — from landscapes and infrastructure to surrounding urban patterns.

Best for:

• Site analysis

• Context presentations

• Understanding real-world surroundings

Editable: No

Cityweft Model from Monaco with Satellite image surface

Control vs. Clarity: You Choose

Different projects (and different moments in a project) require different levels of detail.

With these new surface modes, you can now choose the representation that fits your workflow:

• Need maximum control? Use Geometric.

• Need clear communication? Choose Schematic.

• Need real-world context? Use Satellite.

  
  

The goal of this update is simple: give you more flexibility to work the way you want, without compromising speed or context.

Available Everywhere You Work

All four surface modes are:

• Viewable directly on the Cityweft web platform

• Included in 3DM exports

• Included in SKP exports

So whether you’re exploring context online or continuing work in your preferred modelling environment, the experience stays consistent.

What’s Next

We believe context is just as important as geometry and this update is another step toward making site understanding faster, clearer, and more adaptable for architects and urban professionals.

We’re excited to see how you use these new surface modes in your projects.