Seminar Series
"3-Dimensional Visualization for Community Planning and Development" When: Thursday, January 17, 2008, 10AM-Noon Where: Auburn Town Hall Abstract: With the advent of new software tools, particularly Google’s SketchUp, planners, GIS practitioners, and activists are increasingly able to visualize their communities in three dimensions instead of two. These visualizations can be for existing or proposed conditions, making possible much more informed discussions about proposed developments and zoning changes. This MGIC Seminar will start by introducing the available tools and techniques. The session continues with presentations from two communities that have embraced use of these new capabilities. Presentations: Adam Serafin, Town of Brookline Coolidge Corner is a dense urban neighborhood in the Town of Brookline, with a diverse mix of commercial and residential structures constructed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In response to citizen concerns of residential developments that were out of scale and character with the existing neighborhood, the Town of Brookline drafted a conceptual form-based code for multifamily properties in Coolidge Corner. A survey of existing multifamily structures in the Coolidge Corner area was conducted using ArcGIS, orthogonal imagery and site visits to arrive at a list of seven typical building forms, which were then modeled in Google SketchUp. Adam Serafin, a Brookline Planner, will be presenting the methodology and results of the study. View the Presentation Mike Olkin and Nils laCour, Town of Amherst The Town of Amherst is developing a Master Plan to guide its development for the next 20 years. As an aid to discussions with the citizenry, a 3 dimensional model of the existing built landscape of Amherst Center was constructed using Google SketchUp and ArcGIS 3D Analyst. The 3D model and associated technologies were successfully tested for usefulness in developing form-based zoning, which has been identified as a strategy for shaping Amherst’s future development. Mike Olkin, GIS Administrator and Niels laCour, former Town Planner, will present the Amherst 3D experience! View the Presentation Gary Smith, Green Mountain Geographics 3D visualization is moving from a specialized activity to a capability where everyone can participate in the technology. Using freely available software (Google SketchUp) municipalities can work with architects, developers, interested citizens and organizations to better visualize their community and properly plan for the future. This presentation by Gary Smith will outline the steps communities can take to transition their 2D GIS activities into a dynamic 3D environment. Gary did not have a PowerPoint presentation, rather he did a live demo using ArcScene, Sketch-up and Google Earth Events Sponsored by the Commonwealth's Information Technology Division ( ITD) |
What is the MGIC Seminar Series?
The MGIC Seminar Series is a bi-monthly event that typically occurs from September through June, featuring presentations by professionals from a variety of disciplines that are using GIS. The seminar series is sponsored by the Massachusetts Geographic Information Council through its education and outreach function. The seminar meetings provide an opportunity for interested individuals to share ideas and learn about trends in GIS; the meetings also provide a chance to network with people working in the field.
MGIC meetings are open to the public and are typically attended by representatives from all levels of government and the private sector who have an interest in geographic information technologies and applications. If you have questions about the seminars, contact Paul Nutting at MassGIS at paul.nutting@state.ma.us. If you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive seminar announcements fill out the MGIC Announcements List form.
Last Updated 2/28/2008
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