LSD’s Graphics/GIS Team has produced photo-realistic images and three-dimensional analytical models to visualize project areas and understand the effects of a project. We use 2-D graphics to convey “before” and “after” situations, such as sound barriers in an urban setting, rockfall containment walls along scenic corridors, and vegetation addition/removal. We also use 3-D graphics to help visualize project areas from a variety of perspectives. For example, working with both 3-D CAD files and GIS elevation models, we produced a simulation of an urban freeway that helped visualize the freeway corridor and how it will relate to surrounding topography and development.

The equipment we use to produce simulations includes high-end PC workstations using built-in CAD software systems (AutoCAD and MicroStation), Adobe Photoshop, ArcGIS, and FormZ. Our outputs include presentation boards, large or small color prints, PowerPoint presentations, slides, digital files, etc., as required for the project.