Coastal Services Center

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


3-D Views of Selected Areas in the Scenarios Print Version


The 3-D scenes accessible from this page supplement the scenario indicators and site maps by further illustrating differences in the character and feel of each of the three development alternatives. All the 3-D scenes provided here, in still or animated form, are spatially accurate representations of the three alternative site maps based on geographic information systems (GIS) shapefiles digitized for each scenario. Portions of those maps are recreated in 3-D to provide users with a photorealistic perspective of the scenario features including layout of the street network, land use, vegetation, relative density, and housing mix. The 3-D view locations are chosen for their ability to convey characteristics distinctive to each scenario; only in the waterfront comparison is the same geographic location compared across the three alternatives.

The bird's-eye-view images of each alternative shown below were created using CommunityViz® software. The street-level, 3-D, still images and animations were created using Visual Nature Studio® software. More information is available under Project Process and Technical Steps in the Methodology section.

Three-Dimensional Animated and Still Images

The animated "fly-thrus" are presented in AVI format and are best viewed using Windows Media Player® or a similar software package. The 3-D still images are available in JPEG format and can be viewed in your browser.

Viewing the 3-D Images

Click on a yellow area in one of the images below.

Stars link to still images, lines link to fly-thru animations, and diamonds link to waterfront comparison stills.

Once selected, a new window will open with either fly-thru viewing options or a still image.


Conventional Design
oblique view of the conventional scenario with selectable areas
Conservation Approach
oblique view of the conservation scenario with selectable areas
New Urbanist Design
oblique view of the new urbanist scenario with selectable areas

Text Links to Three-Dimensional Animated and Still Images

Interested in Other 3-D Resources?

National Geographic magazine provides a visualization that demonstrates smart growth principles in a new urbanist neighborhood. This site provides an easy way to learn more about smart growth and urban sprawl.

The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant provides demonstrations using 3-D visualization software to highlight coastal resources. Three animations of interest include flying up a coastal ravine, simulating erosion along Lake Michigan bluffs, and watching a subdivision develop.

Return to top