Conceptual 3D Site PlanBefore After

Being able to effectively visualize a conceptual design for a site can be challenging using flat maps, air-photos and contour lines. Often it is hard to envision the full impact of how the site will fit into and alter the surrounding geography. In response to this issue, Focus has initiated a service to quickly convert a conceptual design into an interactive 3D model that can be used with immediate impact.

The purpose of these conceptual 3D site plans is to quickly provide the client with an interactive 3D model of their proposed development site in a familiar format that supports 3D (i.e. PDF / Sketchup).

The idea for this initiative was formed around a typical gas compressor site in a rural setting. The resulting concept can be expanded to be used on practically any development site.

 

What is needed to get started?

  • Digital data for your site and a generous amount of the surrounding area.
    • Elevation Data – LiDAR, Contours
    • Imagery – Ortho-photos (Valtus)
    LiDAR
    LiDAR
    Ortho
    Ortho-photo
  • A conceptual sketch of the site and any roads that need to be constructed. This could be as simple as marked up PDF or a CAD file. It is advantageous to provide an outline of the total area to be included in the final model, with the understanding that a larger area will produce a larger file size.

    • Concept Plan
    Concept Sketch


The Results
Using this raw information a 3D model of both the existing area and the proposed site will be generated as both 3D PDFs and Sketchup files. Also, rough volumes of cut and fill can be provided if required.

In the example available below the approximate volumes are:
Cut = 193,000 Cubic Meters, Fill = 72,000 Cubic Meters, Total Cut = 121,000 Cubic Meters

Growing forestGrowing forestGrowing forest

 

3D PDF

Existing Site.pdf - 20MB

Typical Gas Compressor Site.pdf - 17MB

Using the free Adobe Reader program, these files can be viewed from any direction using different lighting and styles, the user can also measure the model in real world units and add comments and mark-ups.

 

Sketchup

Existing Site.skp - 37MB

Typical Gas Compressor Site.skp - 26MB

Using the free version of Sketchup these models can be opened, measured, marked and edited.

 

Details
Further details can be added to increase the realism and effectiveness. These could include:

  • Simple 3D models of proposed buildings and facilities
  • Shaded areas of cut and fill
  • 3D Labels of landmarks and notable features

Assumptions that can be made based on the conceptual sketch:

  • The conceptual site will be completely flattened.
  • The roads will follow the existing terrain but large dips and hills will be flattened to simulate a reasonable final road grade.
  • Grades will be calculated around both the roads and the site. If possible these slopes will be at a ratio of 3:1. Graded areas will be shown on the final 3D model.

 

For more information contact: Tim Albert