Biographical Information
Various Applications Benefit from GIS / 3D Photorealistic Model
This 3D photorealistic model has been integrated with GIS data and has been applied to planning
and municipal development projects and a major transportation study, among others. Future
enhancements to this model include economic development, utility and public works
applications. The case study below is an example of using the 3D photorealistic model in a
planning project involving a high business-growth transportation corridor in Carmel, Indiana.
Figure 2. Infrastructure such as light poles, signs and utilities can be modeled and linked to a GIS for
further attribute information.
Case Study - US 31 Business Corridor in camel, Indiana
The Carmel/Clay Township of Hamilton County, Indiana, is a community of 70,000 just north of
Indianapolis. Hamilton County is the fastest growing county in the state and the city of Carmel
prides itself on smart planned growth and high-quality design standards for new development.
Residents have been encouraged to take an active interest in development issues within the
community. As the area, particularly the US 31 business corridor, grows and develops, residents
as well as officials have requested more and better information about proposed project s. The
four-lane divided highway, US 31 is a primary north-south artery that runs through Indianapolis
and the northern half of the state. In Hamilton County, it's also known as the Meridian Corporate
Corridor. This area is of special economic significance for Carmel. Many national companies
have located their corporate and regional headquarters here. The corridor also contains a high
concentration of office space, second only in the state to downtown Indianapolis. Companies
like Delta Faucet, Conseco, Thompson Electronics, Duke Realty and others are taking advantage
of this area.
Being located in close proximity to a major metro area, it offers the amenities of a city and
small-town living with an excellent education system and housing. In an effort to protect the
corridor's design integrity, the city implemented stringent design standards in the US Highway
31 Overlay Zone ordinance. Dating to 1980, the Overlay Zone was crafted with high standards
for architectural design, lighting, landscaping and signage. The ordinance also established a
minimum build-out areas and height requirements to prevent low intensity developments.
Figure 3. With 3D visualization, proposed project can be truly evaluated, such as potential right of way
issues with new interchanges as illustrated here.
Figure 3. With 3D visualization, proposed project can be truly evaluated, such as potential right of way issues with new interchanges as illustrated here.
This 3D photorealistic model was first applied to a mile-long section of the corridor, which
represented a good mix of developed and undeveloped property, and where a proposed highway
interchange was being evaluated. The 3D virtual environment was created with photography,
elevation models, contours, and CAD information. The user can easily move through the model,
changing the vantage point on the fly. Views at ground level from eye level, as well as a bird’s
eye view, to an overview or plan view, and anywhere else in between can be commanded and
used with the evaluation process. Then, proposed development can be inserted into the setting
and evaluated according to the Overlay Zone parameters.
This pilot model offered two important benefits. The 3D photorealistic model became the
graphical interface providing additional detailed information, which meant this “intelligent”
model could be linked to database information, such as a database application or a GIS. For
example, buildings can be selected to show available space for lease, evacuation routes, or utility
demands. Layers of information, can also be turned on or off for planning and evaluation
purposes. And, based upon the user’s interest, the information can be tailored to the individual.
Also, the fire department can be linked to data for evacuation routes, fire hydrant pressure and
locations pertaining to all proposed and existing buildings. The economic development director
can link to space available for lease, demographics of an area, or proposed development details,
and so on. The plan commission or town council can be linked to planning information, city
codes, and background information for projects under consideration. The opportunities are only
as limited as the information contained in the database.
The second benefit was accessibility. The 3D virtual model, as well as the linked data was
accessible over the Internet with a commonly used browser and plug-in application. No
proprietary equipment or software was required, just access to the World Wide Web. This made
the information available to anyone almost anywhere.
Now, after the success of the pilot, the City of Carmel is eyeing this model and its applications to
planning, agency approval, asset management, economic development, tourism, homeland
security, and more. Carmel's Department of Community Services and its planning staff are now
considering this technology for other major corridors and key development areas throughout the
city.
Conclusion
The integration of 3D modeling, visualization, the Internet, and spatial data is becoming an
essential tool of the GIS toolbox and is already proving itself as a highly effective
communication strategy. The benefits of this new technology are both tangible and intangible. In
tangible terms, municipal agencies and departments are operating in a more efficient and cost
effective manner, with improved internal and also external communication. Through
visualization aids such as this, municipalities can portray and better market themselves as
progressive forward-thinking communities. The many intangible benefits include improving
communication and project understanding among all interested parties, as well as better design
and planning for a better quality of life. Whether intangible or tangible, the results are the same;
the value of this technology is paying for itself many times over.
GIS, 3D Modeling and Visualization Empower the Art of Persuasion
Effective communication is the key to nurturing and also maintaining support for any project, regardless of
its merits on paper. With the power of GIS and visualization through 3D modeling, project boosters can
"show them rather than just tell them" about the value and impact of a project. Here are a few tips on how
to use visualization and 3D modeling throughout a project's life cycle:
- Effectively state a case, show anticipated impact, outcomes and results to various audiences
planners, municipal agencies, utility boards, and the public.
- Communicate intent with easy-to-understand images rather than words, which can shorten approval
time frames, expedite occupancy and also the generation of tax revenues.
- Also, communicate a project’s intent without investing in the preparation of costly construction
documents.
- Present concepts to potential lessees or buyers and enlist their "ownership" at the project's outset, so
project costs can be spread throughout the project life cycle from design and engineering to
marketing phases -- particularly appealing to real estate developers.
- Model potential or conceptual scenarios involving zoning variances, new construction, historic
preservation, etc. (Also, show a proposed property development within the context of an overview or
bird's eye view of the municipality and also as an up-close detailed view in the immediate surrounding
environment. Show comparisons -- architecture, land use, design styles, setbacks, etc. as well.)
- Use photorealism to explain projects to the public in an easy-to-understand format, which can
facilitate public support for the project.
- Make proposed projects available for viewing online or at a public kiosk.
