2010 Issue

13 continued on page 14 simulation. Knowing animation and character path helps keep the viewer focused on the im- portant elements of the site. Pros: • Animated photo simulations still keep the costs down and can have that bonus feature of movement to keep the viewer’s interest longer than a still image. • Like the photo simulation, much of the environment exists in the photograph and does not have to be modeled. • Production schedule is shorter than that of a full 3D animation. • This can be added to a photo simulation that may have been created earlier on in the project’s life. Cons: • Limited to a locked down view. The camera cannot move around in the environment. • If the project requires a walkthrough experience, this may not be the best solution. Tips: • Added effects like “pan and scan” can be added in post production to give it an even more realistic look. Rendering at a higher resolution than the final output will give the extra needed to “zoom” without the image quality suffering. • This technique can be done over video if there is little change with the existing environment otherwise, a still is the better route. • These are impressive on large LCD screens or projections during interviews or public meetings and can also be given to local media to run during the local news. • We have a “No red cars” rule with our animations (at least in the foreground) since the color red will grab the viewer’s attention when it enters the view. 3D Rendering The notion of a model isn’t really that new to visualization. Before our models became “vir- tual” physical models were used to describe a project for the past few centuries. Personally, I’ve always found these fascinating and fun to look at and to study. The problem with the old physical models is that they are not that convenient to transport and they are time consuming to create. Today’s 3D models can be time consuming depending on the desired outcome and use. What they do offer is the ability to view a project spatially and from many vantage points, and times of day. They also lend themselves well to the aesthetic studies in materials, designs, and revisions of both. For most visualization products, the 3D models are created in Autodesk 3DS Max Design. It has the ability to create some breath taking renderings with an arsenal of plug-in available. A majority of 3D models for a civil project are created using 2D drawings. The modeler will combine the plan, profile and section data. Materials and mapping images are applied and environmental elements like light, sky, trees can also add to the effect. Realism is not always the main goal in 3D rendering. Sometimes simple 3D “illustra- tions” can explain the project just as well, if not better (especially with design concepts). A combination of the two can also produce some really nice results. For instance, making all the context buildings of a project site white or grey will focus the viewer’s attention on the project that is shown realistically. Pros/Uses: • Changes can be made to the model and/or materials and rendered without recreating the entire model. Original photograph fades to proposed simulation with moving vehicles and pedestrians. A series of these 2.5D animations were produced and used in an informational video presented to local transit authorities. Santa AnaMetro Link Vision Study; Santa Ana, California. This series of still 3D renderings show some potential op- tions for BRT lanes and stops. Flamingo Blvd. BRT Study; Las Vegas, Nevada.