Planning and decision making on spatial issues is a complex process which deals with a large number of variables, interests and stakeholders. Interactive visualisation tools can help, enabling information to be shared using spatial data visualisation, also known as ‘geo-visualisation’. The idea is that interacting with data can improve users' knowledge and visualisation can increase intuitive perception, making them better equipped to evaluate alternative development options. The visual system presented in this paper works in both two and three dimensions, according to users' skills in interpreting images. It has been used in different applications, with diverse purposes and spatial scopes, showing its effectiveness in creating a common language among stakeholders and enabling discussions on spatial development.

This paper presents results and policy implications from RAISE-IT, an EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funded project. It examines the integration of long-distance rail with local and regional transport networks at key urban nodes along the Rhine-Alpine Corridor, one of the nine Trans-European Core Network Corridors (CNCs). It is crucial to foster seamless and suitable passenger transport solutions to achieve emissions goals and support the decarbonization process. Consequently, the whole travel chain needs to be considered and good interconnections with other transport modes are needed. For this reason, RAISE-IT explored multi-spatial scale accessibility. It considered three spatial scales (local, regional, and corridor-wide) and looked into multiple travel distances and needs along the corridor for accessing and minimizing the gap between highly and less accessible railway stations with reference to multi-scale travel patterns. This approach revealed overlapping issues between cross-regional and local decision makers and facilitated opportunities to discuss challenges and areas for improvement. The results formed the basis for guidelines on how to improve the accessibility of urban nodes and the quality of services and connections provided at railway stations. This paper discusses potential transferability aspects and recommendations for policy implications from RAISE-IT for railway stations and urban nodes in other CNCs.

Since spatial decision processes have to deal with large number of actors, opinions and interests, literature commonly agrees in recognising data sharing and communication as essential in achieving decisional tasks (Van den Brink et al., 2007; MacEachren et al., 2004). The following chapter describes a methodological instrument for managing data, namely the Interactive Visualisation Tool (InViTo). InViTo aims at supporting spatial decision-making processes by proposing a framework for data knowledge. Principally based on Grasshopper, a free plug-in for McNeel's Rhinoceros, InViTo combines GIS data with CAD drawings and raster images for generating interactive spatial visualisations. It is conceived to display in real time the relationships between the territory and planning choices; thus, it is particularly indicated for stimulating discussions and sharing information in collaborative processes. Its high flexibility allows its use in different case studies with a variety of purposes and scales. Innovative elements in approaching spatial decision processes are discussed.

This paper describes a visual tool for data analysis applied to a case in public transport. Our tool is based on geo-referenced dynamic maps, created with free Web GIS applications, and allows users to visualize data and interact readily with a large database of public transport service information. This tool will support decision-makers in detecting issues of inefficiency and ineffectiveness related to the public transport services of a given area. The paper focuses on the visualization system, its features, and its use, detailing the indicators utilized and the analyses it may be employed for