Virtual Landscape
Since 2002 NorthStar has been developing techniques for the modelling and simulation of the landscape. From the production of realistic, high polygon count terrain scenes with foliage and 3D objects to low polygon, realtime interactive 3D worlds, NorthStar has techniques for visualising the impact of industrial development, archaeological reconstruction, environmental changes and almost any other terrain related activity.
Virtual Terrain Project
The company is currently developing the Virtual Terrain Project for the Orkney Islands in conjunction with local environmental consultancy Aquatera Ltd. This project will see the development of a high resolution virtual terrain and a reduced polygon realtime navigable model of the islands. This has been used in a number of projects including pre-visualisation and planning tools for wind farm design, a transport information system for touch screen kiosk delivery and there are currently projects in development relating to walks in Orkney and archaeological visualisation.
Zones of Visual Impact
NorthStar New Media offers plotting services for ZVI analysis of industrial developments. These plots are invaluable for ascertaining from where in the landscape buildings, masts, wind turbines and other structures will be visible. ZVI plots are often used as a pre-cursor to photomontage work to establish areas of sensitivity and allow viewpoint selection.
Such plots are generally made using 50m terrain data from OS but NorthStar New Media can supply plots from different resolutions of data to give "micro ZVI" plots, useful for close range impact assessment. Contact us for pricing or to discuss any special requirements.
Photo Montage
NorthStar New Media has produced photomontage work for a number of companies, producing photo-real simulations of structures in real world locations to allow visualisation of engineering and building projects. This work is carried out to a high standard using geo-referenced terrain height data and software which allows the insertion of virtual cameras in the VR landscape, accurate 3d modelling and even exact lighting for date and time to give the best possible simulation. We normally create our montages on photographs supplied by the client, but can arrange photography if necessary. Please contact us before taking photographs if you intend to use our services as we can give you hints which will make the job easier for us (and therefore less costly to you).
Contact us using "Photomontage" in the message subject box.