GIS Part 1

Today in class we began our introduction into Geographic Information Systems.  It was very interesting to learn about importing and exporting data files to and from ArchMap to create nearly any map you could imagine.  To begin a project, this is usually the first step for a site analysis.  Clicking on the roads (red), recreational facilities (green), or the river (blue) will bring up attribute tables.  These tables provide nearly every piece of information you would ever need to know about the place you are investigating.  From the average attendance of the fairgrounds to the flood plain of the White river in Muncie.  These are the little, but important details that must be understood when tackling a project.  Simply put one of the most massive and complex computer programs I have operated!

Photomontage Perspective

This project tested our skills with the use of photoshop layer management, which turned out to be very difficult at first, but then seemed very logical after trial and error (lots of error!).  Starting with the ground plane I created a mostly flat grassy area to build upon and then the addition of the sky.  Next I began to situate the paths with the transform command.  I then started to add people/scale figures into the image with a blur/motion blur with shadow.  Next I added in trees that resembled the plan which I previously submitted.  I changed the opacity of the trees to help with the overall compositional feel of the image and also added in the tree shadows coming form the sunshine in the back of the image.  I then added in the benches using the polygonal lasso tool.  I finished the image by adding in some plants to soften up the feel of the composition and add some color.  Practiceing this tool of creating perspective images on photoshop helps me see the true potential in photomontages.  

*All images provided by Simon Bussiere

Image Enhancement

Enhancing images on Photoshop turned out to be a very powerful tool to use.  Using techniques under Image>Adjustment>and the chooses various image enhancing features such as exposure, vibrancy, and saturation.  These developed an awesome recreation of an old photograph that says so much more. Enhancing images reveals more of the photographs character and unique detailed features once not seen. 

Composite Planting Plan

For this project I created a composite Planting Plan through exploring the usage of layers in photoshop.  I began by capturing a GoogleEarth image and then inserting sight lines experienced by individuals on the site.  Next I decided to give the area a more "campus feel" by creating paths where the sight lines were.  The paths were created on another layer, and then grass was added in to provide an idea of texture.  Next trees were added into the site to define the green spaces created by the paths.  I added shadows to the trees, people with shadows, and then blended the grass into the existing picture as final touches. 

The Design Web

The design process uses several computer programs with one common design goal in mind.  This image shows a possible avenue one can take to create a plan drawing.

Starting with Google Earth and Photoshop

Displaying a project site in a clear way is the first step to understanding a project's location, context, and the overall current state it is in.  Highlighting and outlining the site creates a clear view of where the site boundaries are.  

Beginnings…

Diagrams that describe various site uses help clients determine the potential of the site being designed.

 

Plan view drawings help viewers understand the general layout of a specific site at a specific scale.

Space diagrams help describe site specific conditions such as the impact sound has on a site.

Perspectives are simply the best way to communicate a sense of space.

As a class, to understand the where we want to see ourselves at the end of the semester, we look to the experts in the field.  Below are examples of projects with excellent computer generated graphics that help views better understand creative ideas developed by Landscape Architects. 

Sources:
http://www.stoss.net/projects/2/erie-street-plaza/
http://www.stoss.net/projects/3/minneapolis-riverfront/
http://www.mvvainc.com/project.php?id=60&c=parks

http://www.mvvainc.com/project.php?id=86&c=urban_design