Biographical Information

Biographical Information

Matthew E. Maudlin
RLA Schneider Corporation 8901 Otis Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46216, 317.826.7100, 317.826.7200
E-Mail: mmaudlin@schneidercorp.com

A Picture is worth a thousand words
Ever hear the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words?” It’s truly a challenge to describe how a new building will look after fully constructed, and certainly, it’s even more challenging to understand and communicate the scale and context of what it will look like in the surrounding environment. How do you know the image you are explaining is the same as what your audience is envisioning? One of the emerging computer technologies taking great strides in bridging the gap between the design intent initially communicated and the end product is 3D modeling. Computerized 3D modeling offers the ability to communicate ideas visually. By combining your digital terrain model and your planimetric/GIS features with a photograph of the cityscape, 3D modeling enables you to fully visualize your GIS to open the doors to concepts and considerations never imagined before. As a city planner, 3D modeling can be used to view proposed improvements with associated code and ordinances exactly as they will look fully constructed on their parcel of land before ground is ever broken. 3D modeling shortens your city’s permitting approval process, communicates all aspects of implementation, reduces uncertainty for the plan commission and general public and ultimately, reduces the cost of the project and provides a competitive advantage for attracting new businesses.

Introduction
The phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” has never been truer than when you're attempting to communicate the location of a parcel within a city's new tax district or describe a proposed commercial development project and its potential effect on traffic, public safety, lineof- sight aesthetics, and utility services.

Emerging GIS, visualization, and 3D technologies have made great strides in bridging the communication gap between the intent of a project and ultimately, what is built or created. These technologies have improved the entire project management process from definition of specifications, as well as development of such components as the database or model and applications, to securing public participation and understanding, governmental approval, and finally implementation and maintenance.

As GIS programs are coming under increasing pressure to ensure that all interested parties and needs are integrated into the project management process, GIS administrators are finding themselves in the position of prime communicator. Today, effectively communicating both the current and potential GIS "picture" is relying on the spoken word as well as a variety of technology-enhanced illustrations and graphics. As communicators, we are also being challenged to not only help our clients and constituents visualize the project, but as importantly, understand or feel the full impact.

Think about the traditional way that we present and explain GIS projects. Typically, for communication we use maps with GIS symbols or that show topology, planimetric, etc. views. Sometimes we use hand drawings or renderings, as well as tables with terminology specific to the architecture, engineering, and utility industries or government officials like the assessor or surveyor. As communication tools, these are often ineffective because the audience generally lacks the knowledge necessary to understand the map, table, or document. GIS maps and sets of data can be complicated and tough to understand for those who aren't used to reading them. Hand renderings are generally too conceptual to fully communicate what the project will truly look like when it's finished. Throw specifications into the mix, and you have a recipe for good old-fashioned confusion and misunderstanding.

Figure 1. Traditionally, communication is done through mapping, symbols and other technical illustrations.
It is also ironic that too much information – information overload – can be a detriment to understanding as well. Clear and concise communication is essential to building trust and understanding, securing a "buy-in" from interested parties, and also keeping the project on budget. Mistakes that result from misunderstood information can increase the cost of a project exponentially. For example, a mistake costing $1,000 to fix in the design phase could cost as much as $100,000 or more to fix during implementation.

Among the recent technologies that has brought major enhancements to both the function and understanding of GIS is 3D modeling and visualization. Chief among the goals of GIS is the ability to model and then present via maps and other sets of spatially oriented information of the physical world in its current state. On any given day, a GIS can usually provide a "snapshot" in time of a setting, scene or situation. It can also provide through visualization "future pictures" of proposed projects before the first light pole is installed or the first shovel full of dirt is turned.

Visualization puts everyone on the same page, allowing practically any citizen or official to easily participate in the project development and implementation processes. It can also help create a consistent level of expectations among all interested parties. It takes away gray fuzzy lines of understanding and replaces it with hard, real knowledge. A client has perhaps best described the value of visualization by noting that, “People want to see that the proposed project is real, and 3D visualization techniques do just that!”

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.