Industrial Strength 3D modelling of the real world, Environ Planner is a suite of software for 3D digital modelling. The software enables the user to communicate complex issues effectively to people with no formal training in either landscape or architecture. In contrast to more traditional products, Environ Planner offers a quick and low cost means of modelling large scale urban and rural areas from existing geodata.

Environ models are geometrically and geographically accurate and are auditable to legal evidence standards. The software has been developed following a match funded "3D Town Planning Project" from a Department for Community and Local Government Innovations Programme with Barrow BC and South Lakeland DC.

To view a video (requires Windows Media Player) produced by one of the project team at South Lakeland, click on the symbol below.

Environ Planner - The Solution

The Environ Suite enables the quick and easy production of geographically accurate 3D digital models. After the generic terrain is created using geographical data users can then customise their terrain with greater detail and increased realism. Environ terrains can be analysed to produce accurate quantitative calculations for planning purposes.
The Environ Suite is available in software packages containing the individual software modules.

Environ Planner
Our basic package for the quick and easy creation of accurate 3D terrains. Contains Environ Communicator and Environ Builder.

Modules

Environ Builder - Environ Builder allows terrain data to be imported, edited and exported from a wide variety of sources to a number of different file types.

Environ Communicator - Environ Communicator is the Environ Suite's visualisation tool. Communicator renders terrain data stored in the Environ database creating a run-time 3D environment. This includes a number of tools e.g. visibility wedges, camera tower placement, scenario switching to compare alternative models and drape switching. Individual buildings can easily be modified for height and roof type and rendered with textures

Environ Visual Impact Calculator - The Environ visual impact calculator enables users to accurately and quantitatively calculate the visual impact of buildings upon their surrounding environment. Environ Light Occlusion Calculator - The Environ Light Occlusion Calculator enables accurate shadow casting within 3D digital terrains and can be used to calculate quantitative values for the shadowing of user defined areas of structures or terrain at any specified time and date.

Façade Maker - A tool to crop and skew photographic images ready for rendering onto the front of buildings.

Environ Query Server - Environ Query Server enables users to query backend databases about a specific location within their terrain. The returned information could be anything from crime statistics to population figures.

Minimum System Requirements for all software modules

1.4 GHz or faster processor
1GByte RAM
3D hardware accelerator with full OpenGL support
Windows 2000/XP operating system
32 Mbyte on board video card texture memory
500 Mbyte free disk space

CDR Group is pleased to be working within a partnership agreement with Virtual Outlooks to offer this software, training and related support services. Additionally, CDR offers a bureau service using Environ Planner to undertake Model Building and data collection work on behalf of the client.

For further information, please contact John Ievers at CDR Group on 01433 621282.

For more information regarding Environ Planner and to download an evaluation copy, click here for the Virtual Outlooks website.