The wind sector
Truescape continues to set the industry standard for the visualization of proposed wind energy projects. We specialize in the creation of survey-accurate photo and video 3D simulations which show how a wind energy proposal will look at completion.
Truescape visualizations accelerate decision-making by simplifying the way proposals are communicated. We remove the need for stakeholders to interpret complex, technical data by providing accurate images that show how the project will look at completion.
Our survey-accurate photo and video 3D simulations remove doubt and conjecture — enabling all stakeholders to properly understand the proposal from the start. Constructive discussions start sooner and consensus is faster. The result is a smoother passage through siting, consultation and permitting.
Wind energy clients use Truescape visualizations throughout the project life cycle:
- To optimize turbine layout at the siting phase
- To ensure that the entire project team understands the proposal in the context of the existing environment
- To inform and engage with external stakeholders at public outreach meetings
- To highlight areas of special environmental or cultural interest which need to be avoided
- As a trusted platform for discussions with local and federal regulators
- To provide expert testimony at permitting hearings
- To explain construction timelines and effects to local communities
Siting
Typically, project engineers will have developed a preliminary turbine layout, even if the overall design is not yet finalised. A Truescape 3D video flyover is a convenient way for project teams to understand alternative layouts, access roads and land acquisition, and to discuss and modify the proposal. Alternate turbine models and layouts can be accurately simulated and viewed from a variety of locations.
Our 3D flyovers and ZVI images (Zone of Visual Influence) focus on areas of potential concern, and promote understanding of the project’s visual impact.
A wind farm proposal may involve many land owners, and several different land uses. Truescape photo and video 3D simulations are the ideal way to demonstrate the whole proposal to internal stakeholders.
- Where is the site in the context of the surrounding district?
- How far is it from an access road, and from a grid connection?
- How many landowners will be affected by turbines and access tracks?
- Are there areas of special environmental or cultural interest or vulnerability which need to be avoided in planning turbine layout?
- Will I see turbines from here?
- What are the important issues for landowners and how might public outreach be organised?
We can deliver accurate project simulations very quickly. Please contact us to discuss our data requirements.
Public outreach
A non-emotive, factual representation of what the project will look like is the first
step to informing landowners and others external stakeholders about the proposal. The sooner
that stakeholders can see what is proposed, the easier it is to clarify misunderstandings
with them — thus accelerating the decision-making process.
Many of our photo and video 3D simulations are used on client web sites, or as the central focus at public outreach meetings. And because our visualizations may have already been commissioned during the siting phase (and will likely be used during regulatory review and permitting), Truescape visualizations represent an excellent return on investment.
Trueview™ human-field-of-view photo visualizations are the most accurate on the market and show stakeholders what the project will look like from key viewpoints. Standing the correct distance from the Trueview™ image, a viewer can see the proposed development exactly as if they were standing at the photo point. A simulation of the wind farm, accurately placed into the correct location in the photo, provides confidence that the viewer can make informed decisions, irrespective of their ability to interpret technical datasets.
Regulatory review
For politicians and others who may not understand how a wind farm will look, a video simulation
is a professional and comprehensive way of presenting the proposal; it enables key external
stakeholders to immediately understand the true impact of the project.
Turbines can be accurately modelled and "dropped" in to their correct location, and animated Trueview simulations can address particular issues, such as shadow flicker.
Commonly raised issues include potential effects on bird and bat populations, as well as turbine noise and visual effects. Our visualizations clarify important issues: in one case we were asked to prove that a wind farm proposal would not interfere with the migration path of birds; in another, we were able to show that the layout of wind turbines around an airport in Hawaii would not obstruct the pilots’ view of the airfield.
If there are concerns that static images convey just one set of conditions, Truescape time lapse simulations provide compelling evidence under a variety of different light and climatic conditions. This level of detail reassures interested parties that there is a responsible and transparent approach to communicating the environmental effects of the project.
Ask us how we can help you to communicate the true impact of any other effects which may be contentious in your proposal.
Permitting
Truescape visualizations are produced to survey accuracy. Our production process has been tested many times in courts of law and planning hearings, where Truescape expert witnesses have provided testimony in support of the accuracy of our images and animations.
This service has evolved into one of the most respected and experienced in the visualization sector worldwide. In recent times, our expert witnesses have also been called upon to communicate the methodology and accuracy of our simulations at key public meetings, as part of public outreach programs.
Stakeholders leave with the clear understanding that the project simulations are a reliable and factual aid to decision-making. Truescape simulations build trust in the project because they have been generated by an independent and professional consultant, rather than an affiliate of the developer.
Construction
Truescape visualizations are useful during the tendering and construction process.
Our simulations assist contractors to de-risk their tendering process, enable financiers to understand the project, and assist with marketing to prospective investors or customers.
Public outreach is an ongoing engagement, and the photo and video images which you have used at earlier stages of the project can now be used to provide additional marketing and PR collateral on your web site; and at the site itself as construction begins.
Our visual tools can be used to explain to communities how the project will be constructed, and how it will look at each stage of the construction timeline. A video simulation can quickly and simply show how the construction sequence will occur.
Some of our clients also use visualizations to illustrate their different construction methodologies.