Software helps planners see the future

Last December, Las Vegas broke ground on Pioneer Park, a 20-acre site for picnic, playground and sports facilities. The addition of a park was reason enough for celebration, but the city was equally excited for another reason: The event marked the first time it had unveiled a project using three-dimensional modeling.

At the groundbreaking, attendees were able to “fly,” “drive” and “walk” through a computer simulation of the completed park. The Planning and Development Department created the model using software from Long Beach, Calif.-based MultiGen-Paradigm. Staff members created the models based on the project’s schematic design plan, and they used photos from existing parks to provide details for landscaping, recreational features and other amenities.

Although the groundbreaking ceremony marked Las Vegas’ first public use of 3-D simulation, the city had worked with the technology behind the scenes for months. Since then, it has used computer modeling to plan additional projects, and it has incorporated simulation into its presentations for public comment and project review.

“Las Vegas pursued the software to assist with planning decisions,” says Bob Genzer, planning and development director for the city. “As one of the nation’s fastest growing cities, we constantly look for ways to maximize staff efforts, and technology like this helps.”

According to Genzer, 3-D modeling assists the city in preparing design guidelines and long-range plans, allowing staff to assess a project’s potential impact from a wide range of perspectives. For example, users can display individual models on a computer screen and view them at the pedestrian level or, with a click of the mouse, from the vantage point of a nearby building, several stories or more above the ground. Similarly, they can change the view to encompass the overall project or enlarge a feature for close-up analysis.

“The ability to change perspective allows our planners to really understand the project’s impact in context to the scale and the surrounding environment,” says Mike Gritz, GIS analyst for the city’s Planning and Development Department. “Whether the concern is landscaping, parking, lighting or traffic flow, the computer model allows us to portray different options in a matter of minutes and then select the best direction for the particular project.”

Using aerial map data, project site plans, photographs and computer file images of common elements such as trees and pavement, Las Vegas has developed models for a wide range of projects. In addition to Pioneer Park, the projects include:

• A 7,500-seat arena — proposed as home of the Las Vegas Wranglers, a minor league hockey team — in downtown Las Vegas. City staff and officials have used 3-D modeling to examine the visual impact of an arena on the site and to establish parking and access options for further study.

• Centennial Center, a large commercial development in the northwest portion of the city. The project is under way, and modeling is being used to assist the city’s Planning Commission in considering future development around the site.

• Two infill sites, including a 61-acre parcel in downtown and an established neighborhood in the western section of Las Vegas. In the latter case, the city used 3-D modeling to examine integration of commercial and residential development on corner lots.

• In addition to assisting planners with design and impact considerations, the simulation technology is useful for gathering public input, says Margo Wheeler, comprehensive planning manager for Las Vegas. “It helps people understand and comprehend the full scope of projects,” she explains. “We rely on public input throughout the preparation of planning documents and during the review process of proposed projects. The simulations facilitate discussion between staff members, residents and our elected officials.”

  Las Vegas purchased the simulation software and training for $15,000. The city expects the technology to save time, money and — because the models can be saved and distributed on compact disc — storage space.