GIS & 3D Visualisation

GIS (Geographical Information Systems) is a computer-based system that is used as a way to capture, store, display and analyse data that has a geospatial reference. This allows us to visualise patterns, trends and relationships in the form of distinctive maps. We use GIS throughout our projects to analyse what makes sites and their context important to the people living in, using or developing them along with the value these places have for society at large. We take cognisance of these attributes within our designs and assessment of development.

Overview

The visualisation of projects in 2D and 3D is a fundamental aspect of many of our projects. The progress of our clients' schemes often relies upon our ability to effectively put across ideas. In addition, our ability to accurately depict proposed developments at the planning stage is fundamental to our landscape and visual impact assessment and expert witness services.

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GIS gives us the ability to map, model, query and analyse large quantities of data stored both outside of and within a relational database according to its geographical location. We can then assign a series of attributes to each spatial feature. This data is held within GIS as a collection of layers that can be linked together by a common location component, such as coordinates, postcodes, census output areas, government boundaries, etc. These layers can contain a variety of different types of data such as transportation networks, site infrastructure, economic activity, hydrology, ecology, population etc.

GIS spatial analysis techniques are utilised to add value to a number of landscape architecture, urban design and masterplan projects by allowing multiple data layers to be combined and queried, so the user can visualise and understand any trends, patterns or existing relationships quickly and easily. Such techniques include: landform and slope analysis, viewshed analysis, network analysis, proximity, area and density calculations.

GIS is of particular importance in the assessment of renewable energy and tall building applications through ZTV analysis and mapping of sensitive receptors. Cumulative assessment has also led to the development of a variety of techniques to illustrate the potential effects. 

Complementing and extending SLR’s GIS offer is our team’s skill in providing 3D visualisations to our clients. Our skills in the preparation of highly accurate visualisations have developed over a number of decades. Our experience includes the visual materials for several hundred windfarm applications and we are involved in the development of Scottish Government guidance for the visualisation and assessment of the night- time impact of their aviation lighting.

Visualisations are prepared to support consultation and planning applications for projects as diverse as large-scale substations, mixed-use development, housing, solar farms, fish farms, port infrastructure, city centre buildings and wind farms.

Our 3D modelling and visualisations are prepared using a variety of different software and modelling techniques depending on the required outputs. These are used to inform the determining authorities, consultees and the public as to how a building or development could relate to its surroundings and to assess its potential influence on the surrounding environment. The accuracy of the imagery is often tested at Public Inquiry so we are highly aware of the need for robust outputs. We are continuously developing new methods of 3D presentation to keep up with the latest guidance and to improve the quality of our productions.

GIS & 3D Visualisation

  • Our services include
    • Geospatial data management
    • Spatial analysis
    • Cartography
    • Metadata maintenance
    • 3D modelling
    • Visualisations

GIS & 3D Visualisation Projects

  • Project

    Scotland, UK

    South Lanarkshire Council

    Infrastructure

    Collections modelling and infrastructure rationalisation for South Lanarkshire Council


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  • Project

    Wales, UK

    Confidential

    Manufacturing & Industry

    Feasibility of transition to an ultra-low emissions vehicle (ULEV) fleet


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  • Project

    Manchester

    Deloitte

    Built Environment

    River Street townscape and visual impact assessment


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  • Project

    South Ayrshire

    Scottish Power Renewables

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    Landscape visual impact assessment for Clauchrie wind farm


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  • Project

    South Ayrshire/Dumfries & Galloway

    Scottish Power Renewals

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    Kilgallioch wind farm landscape and visual impact assessment


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  • Project

    Kent

    Vattenfall

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    Thanet extension offshore wind farm


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  • Project

    Firth of Forth

    Cierco Ltd

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    Forthwind offshore wind farm seascape, landscape and visual assessment (SLVIA)


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  • Project

    Suffolk

    Scottish Power Renewables

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    East Anglia Two and One North offshore wind farms


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  • Project

    Edinburgh

    Royal High School Preservation Trust (RHSPT)

    Built Environment

    Former royal high school undertake townscape and visual assessment


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  • Project

    Suffolk

    Iberdrola

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    East Anglia One offshore wind farm


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  • Project

    Scotland

    Druim Ba Sustainable Energy

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    Druim Ba Sustainable Energy onshore wind farm


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  • Project

    Dumfries and Galloway

    2020 Renewables

    Mining & Minerals

    Glenmuckloch wind farm and pumped storage hydro scheme


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  • Project

    Wigan

    MSP Crow Orchard Limited

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    Landscape and visual appraisal for Crow Orchard Solar Farm


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  • Project

    East Ayrshire

    ScottishPower Renewables

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    Whitelee Windfarm Extension Phases 2 and 3


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  • Project

    Scotland

    Banks Renewables

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    Landscape and visual assessment of Quixwood Wind Farm


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  • Project

    Moray Firth

    Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd (MORL)

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    Landscape Planning for Moray Offshore Windfarm


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  • Project

    Isle of Jura, Scotland

    Inver Farmers

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    Landscape and visual assessment (LVA) for Inver Hydro


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  • Project

    Northwest Scotland

    Assynt Development Trust

    NW2045 Natural capital baseline assessment


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  • Project

    Serbia

    DRA Gold

    Mining & Minerals

    Timok Gold pre-feasibility study


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  • Project

    Georgia

    European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

    Power, Renewables & Energy

    Georgia Electricity Transmission Network development project


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Further Reading

Recent articles

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