Project Examples: Spatial Analysis, Visualization &

Decision Support

Lex Ivey, President

MULTI-CRITERIA ANALYSIS

TerraCognito GIS frequently utilizes multi-criteria analysis (MCA) in many of its projects. This powerful analytical tool is used in site suitability, development preference mapping, travel time analysis, and greenhouse gas emission modeling.

COST-DISTANCE MAPPING

Cost-distance mapping is a mainstay in many of TerraCognito’s projects. It forms the basis for many of our spatial models including the proximity and travel time component of our development preference mapping process, as well as the trip distance component of our greenhouse gas emissions model.

COMMUNITY PREFERENCE MAPPINGTerraCognito GIS has developed a powerful planning approach that objectively maps the values of citizens and stakeholders regarding land development and land preservation. Survey results, keypad polling and other collaborative information sources are analyzed and mapped to build consensus amongst various stakeholders.

Key Benefits:Driven directly by values and

preferencesDriven by local geographyNot limited by hard land use

polygons ObjectiveRepeatableTransparentDefensible

Agreement Map(Perspective 1 minus Perspective 2)

Basic services

Job centers

Transit stops

Infrastructure

Perspective 1: Criteria Ranking:

Mor

e im

porta

ntLe

ss im

porta

nt

Weighted Drivers Map(Stakeholder Perspective 1)

Infrastructure

Transit stops

Job centers

Basic services

Perspective 2: Criteria Ranking:

Mor

e im

porta

ntLe

ss im

porta

nt

Weighted Drivers Map(Stakeholder Perspective 2)

Consensus Discord

VISIBLE RIDGELINE ANALYSIS

Observer

View planeViewshed Analysis

3D ViewPlan View

Observer

View planeViewshed Analysis

3D ViewPlan View

Observer

View planeVisible Ridgelines Analysis

3D ViewPlan View

Hillside and ridgeline preservation is an important planning issue in communities where scenic beauty and landscape integrity are valued. Current GIS tools can easily map visible hillsides and viewsheds, but mapping the actual ridgelines, where the visible areas meet the sky, is more elusive. TerraCognito has created an automated ModelBuilder tool and Python script for mapping visible ridgelines, adding more functionality to conventional viewshed analysis. Ridgeline analysis is particularly useful in siting developments, facilities and equipment in visually sensitive areas.

STRUCTURES

Architectural ModelsTerraCognito specializes in creating 3D models representing terrain, buildings, landforms and other features that play an important visual role in planning. From simple massing to photo-real architectural models, TerraCognito can create realistic models for regional and site-specific projects.

TERRAIN & LANDFORMS

GIS-Driven 3D VisualizationNot just “pretty pictures,”TerraCognito’s 3D visualizations are GIS-driven, using scientific and technical information to create accurate, realistic models and landscapes. These can better inform stakeholders and allow for better management and land use decisions.

Tree Species, Density & Height GIS Data

Tree Photos

Forest ModelOrtho-photo Drape

Terrain Model

Landscape Visualization

SITE PLANNINGVisualizing the FutureTerraCognito transforms 2-dimensional site plans and land use plans into compelling 3D representations of future growth. This improves public understanding and builds consensus amongst stakeholders, ultimately streamlining the public approval process.

Street level view

Plan at build-outExisting conditions

Roof top view

Alternative BAlternative A Alternative CExisting conditions

SITE PLANNINGVisualizing the FutureTerraCognito transforms 2-dimensional site plans and land use plans into compelling 3-dimensional representations of future growth. This improves public understanding and builds consensus amongst stakeholders, ultimately streamlining the public approval process.

Eagle County Build-Out Analysis and Visualization, 2008-2010Client: Eagle County, ColoradoTerraCognito worked directly with Eagle County, Colorado and the municipalities of Avon, Basalt, Eagle, Gypsum, Minturn, Red Cliff and Vail to perform a county-wide spatial-temporal build-out analysis and 3D visualization. Using ArcGIS and CommunityViz, a detailed existing conditions analysis of dwelling units was performed based on assessor and census data, followed by a numeric, spatial and visual build-out analysis of existing zoning as well potential future land use described in the municipalities’ Master Plans. An elaborate visioning exercise was implemented for the unincorporated county using multi-criteria analysis and preference mapping to drive future growth scenarios. Later phases of work included an economic component including a commercial build-out analysis, existing jobs distribution, future jobs allocation and impact analysis. Finally, the results were delivered in Google Earth format for viewing by the both the planners and the public.

GROWTH MODELING/IMPACT ANALYSIS

Impact Analysis Animation (1970-2051)

Development Preference Model Customized Google Earth Visualization

REGIONAL PLANNINGGrowth AnimationsBy matching land supply with the development demand, Terra Cognito creates 4-dimensional depictions of future land use alternatives as they develop over several decades.

phasing

demand

supply

land use allocation

Customized Google Earth Growth Animation

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNINGFuture Jobs & Housing Animation (2011-2060)

Branson Comprehensive Plan, 2010-2011Client: City of Branson, MO and Design Workshop Inc. TerraCognito provided key analytical and mapping support in creating Branson, Missouri’s comprehensive plan. A detailed existing land use inventory was created and used as an essentialinput in a parcel-level build-out analysis which identified opportunities for in-fill and redevelopment. Multi-criteria suitability analysis coupled with future demand scenarios and stakeholder preferences enabled the creation of several future land use plans. Impact analysis was conducted on the land use scenarios including multiple indicators ranging from jobs, wages, and housing affordability, to visible hillside preservation and greenhouse gas emissions.

DAM REMOVAL VISUALIZATIONElwha River Dam Removal VisualizationAmerican Rivers hired TerraCognito GIS to visually model two proposed dam removals on the Elwha River in Washington’s Olympic National Park. TerraCognito created interactive, photo-realistic, 3D visualization of existing conditions, as well as various stages of dam removal, including draw-down, riverbed restoration, and re-vegetation. The visualizations were used extensively by American Rivers throughout the settlement negotiation process and in meetings with legislators, ultimately resulting in the impending removal of the Glines Canyon and Elwha dams. Commencing in 2011, the dismantling of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams will allow the river to flow freely for the first time in 100 years, restoring over 70 miles of salmon and steelhead habitat.

random color ramp

hillshade raster

photo-real sediment texture

Existing conditions Dam removal / Reservoir draw down Restored river channel

WILDFIRE MITIGATION

Landscape Visualization of Forest TreatmentCost-Benefit Model

Ray Mesa Wildfire MitigationThe Bureau of Land Management's Moab, Utah Field Office hired Lex Ivey to model fire hazard mitigation for a NEPA Environmental Analysis, examining the effectiveness of various treatment alternatives, as well as their associated fiscal, socioeconomic, and visual impacts. The consultant defined and weighted several criteria to identify areas that would benefit most from fire mitigation practices. By embedding fuel model data formulated by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) into the model, the consultant was able to compare current fuel loads in the forest with those that would remain after various types of treatments, such as prescribed burning and mechanical and manual thinning. The model allowed the BLM to measure the effectiveness and cost of the various treatment types, as well as the contribution to the local economy in terms of contract labor. The visual impacts of each fire treatment alternative could also be seen in a regional, photo-realistic 3D visualization. The methods, results, methods, and discussion culminated in a satellite television broadcast to all BLM offices across the nation.

DAM REMOVAL VISUALIZATIONKlamath River Dam Removal VisualizationAmerican Rivers hired TerraCognito GIS to visually model two proposed dam removals on the Klamath River in California. Interactive, real-time, 3D visualization of existing conditions were created, as well as various stages of dam removal, including draw-down, riverbed restoration, and re-vegetation.The visualizations were used extensively by American Rivers throughout the settlement negotiation process and in meetings with legislators, and in “inspiring” potential funders who may be called upon to help with the costs of restoration.In November 2008 PacifiCorp (power company), the federal government, and the states of California and Oregon signed an Agreement in Principle stating that the benefits of dam removal outweigh the potential costs and impacts.

hillshade

photo-real restoration texture

elevation

aspect

slope

Existing conditions Dam removal / Reservoir draw down Restored river channel

NATURAL HAZARD/RISK MODELING

Land Use Allocation Model

Landscape Visualization of Debris Flow and Future Growth Scenario

Squamish Natural Hazard/Risk CharacterizationThe Geologic Survey of Canada hired TerraCognito GIS to model a variety of natural hazards and their imposed risk for Squamish, British Columbia. LIDAR Data, Satellite Imagery, Assessor’s records, and detailed geophysical data were compiled into CommunityViz to create a dynamic, interactive hazard/risk characterization tool that modeled future residential and commercial growth scenarios in the context of risk. Potential loss from flood, debris flow and sea level rise scenarios were analyzed and visualized to compare and contrast mitigation measures versus relocation of personal property.

FLOOD HAZARD/RISK MODELING

Kaycee Flood Risk AssessmentThe Natural Resource Conservation Service hired TerraCognito GIS to model flood hazard and risk for Kaycee, Wyoming. LIDAR Data, Satellite Imagery, Assessor’s records, and detailed flood survey data derived from HEC-RAS were compiled into CommunityViz to create a dynamic, interactive hazard/risk characterization tool. Potential loss from three flood scenarios were analyzed and visualized to compare and contrast flood mitigation measures versus relocation of personal property.

Hazard/Risk Assessment Model

Normal Conditions

10-year Flood

50-year Flood

100-year Flood

CUSTOM CARTOGRAPHY

Accounts for land cover, elevationimpassable barriers, and slope

effects on walking speed

office: 303-258-3515mobile: 303-808-3420

lexivey@terracog.comwww.terracog.com