1. SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL

2. SITE SUITABILITY
NEGOTIABLE CONSTRAINTS
More Important Less Important
Skylines Slope Gas/Oil wells Geology Wildfire Wildlife
Weighted Average
Composite Developable Land
Development
Mask
100-yr Flood Water Features Gas/Oil wells
Setting the Constraint Threshold
NON-NEGIOTABLE CONSTRAINTS

3. IMPACT ANALYSIS

4. VISIBLE RIDGELINE ANALYSIS
Viewshed Analysis Visible Ridgelines Analysis
View plane View plane
Observer Observer
Plan View Plan View
3D View 3D 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.

5. COST-DISTANCE MAPPING
Cost-distance mapping 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.

6. COMMUNITY PREFERENCE MAPPING
TerraCognito 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
preferences
 Driven by local geography
 Not limited by hard land use
polygons
 Objective
 Repeatable
 Transparent
 Defensible

7. STRUCTURES
Architectural Models
TerraCognito 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.

8. TERRAIN & LANDFORMS
Tree Species, Density & Height GIS Data
Terrain Model
Tree Photos
GIS-Driven 3D Visualization Ortho-photo Drape
Not just “pretty pictures,” Forest Model
TerraCognito’s 3D visualizations are
Landscape Visualization
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.

9. SITE PLANNING
Visualizing the Future
TerraCognito transforms 2-dimensional site plans and land
use plans into compelling 3D representations of future growth.
Existing conditions Plan at build-out
This improves public understanding and builds consensus
amongst stakeholders, ultimately streamlining the public
approval process.
Street level view Roof top view
Existing conditions Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C

10. SITE PLANNING
Visualizing the Future
TerraCognito 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.

11. GROWTH MODELING/IMPACT ANALYSIS
Eagle County Build-Out Analysis
and Visualization, 2008-2010
Client: Eagle County, Colorado
TerraCognito worked directly with Eagle
County, Colorado and the municipalities
of
Avon, Basalt, Eagle, Gypsum, Minturn, R
ed 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 Impact Analysis Animation (1970-2051)
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. Development Preference Model Customized Google Earth Visualization

12. REGIONAL PLANNING
demand
Growth Animations
By matching land supply with
the development demand, Terra
supply Cognito creates 4-dimensional
depictions of future land use
alternatives as they develop over
land use allocation several decades.
phasing
Customized Google Earth Growth Animation

13. COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
Future Jobs & Housing Animation (2011-2060)
Branson Comprehensive Plan, 2010-2011
Client: 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 essential
input 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.

14. DAM REMOVAL VISUALIZATION
Elwha River Dam Removal Visualization
American Rivers hired TerraCognito GIS to visually model two hillshade raster
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 random color ramp
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 photo-real
resulting in the impending removal of the Glines Canyon and Elwha sediment texture
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.
Existing conditions Dam removal / Reservoir draw down Restored river channel

15. WILDFIRE MITIGATION
Cost-Benefit Model Landscape Visualization of Forest Treatment
Ray Mesa Wildfire Mitigation
The 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.

16. DAM REMOVAL VISUALIZATION
Klamath River Dam Removal Visualization
American Rivers hired TerraCognito GIS to visually model two hillshade
proposed dam removals on the Klamath River in California. elevation
Interactive, real-time, 3D visualization of existing conditions were slope
created, as well as various stages of dam removal, including draw-
down, riverbed restoration, and re-vegetation.
aspect
The visualizations were used extensively by American Rivers
throughout the settlement negotiation process and in meetings photo-real
with legislators, and in “inspiring” potential funders who may be restoration texture
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.
Existing conditions Dam removal / Reservoir draw down Restored river channel

17. NATURAL HAZARD/RISK MODELING
Land Use Allocation Model
Landscape Visualization of Debris Flow and Future Growth Scenario
Squamish Natural Hazard/Risk Characterization
The 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.

18. FLOOD HAZARD/RISK MODELING
Hazard/Risk Assessment Model
Normal Conditions
10-year Flood
Kaycee Flood Risk Assessment
The 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 50-year Flood
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.
100-year Flood

19. CUSTOM CARTOGRAPHY
Accounts for land cover, elevation
impassable barriers, and slope
effects on walking speed