Photo simulations depict potential planning and design changes through realistic digitally-manipulated photographs. They allow people to compare before-and-after scenarios and understand how planning decisions will appear in the landscape.
Photo simulation, also referred to as photomontage or digital reimaging, allows people to visualize potential new design and development changes, including streetscaping, new buildings, transportation, and other projects, through the use of before and after photographs. This technique aids community decision making by helping people to understand exactly what development proposals will look like when built.
Photo simulations begin with a digital photograph of a building, landscape, street or other existing site within a community. Software is then used to add and remove elements (for example, a proposed building or a new traffic lane) to compare the before and after conditions. The level of sophistication of the final product can vary, and can be improved the use of three-dimensional modeling software.
This sample set of guidelines from the City of Berkeley, California outlines the requirements for photo simulation use as a communication tool in that community: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/uploadedFiles/Online_Service_Center/Plannin... By enforcing specific standards, the city can better ensure that any photo simulation accurately describes existing conditions and the potential impacts the proposed project.
Costs for photosimulation vary significantly depending on the quality of the visualization, the complexity of the representation, and whether you need to hire a consultant.
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