The research is based on pre-assumption that that development of urban environment in the 21st century is complicated process that involves transformation and organization of different types of information. This process to a great extent is connected with visualization of information that requires knowledge of purposeful of visual representations. Chapter I “Characteristics of visual representation in the 21st century” describes factors that influence urban structures of the 21st century – common informational and economical space of European Union and visual perception method as dominant in processing information. Current urban structure, this building trend shows the development in violation of national borders, following the development of the information economy, and while there are strong due to a geographical location-awareness. It is important to talk about urban structure formation models, related to a wide area - Europe.Chapter II “Characteristics of visual representation in urban planning in the 21st century” contains analysis of visual representation accordingly to the topology of the signs in semiotics and media types in media theory. A link between these two theoretical realms allows creation of more cogent analysis of visual representation and its meaning in contemporary urban planning. Chapter III “Characteristics of visual representation in urban planning in Latvia in the 21st century” features Riga as example of characteristics of visual image of the city that is used as visual instrument to exploit visual image of the city.