Using high quality 2D aerial mapping and photorealistic 3D cityscapes from Nearmap, HNTB is able to impress clients and edge out the competition for new business.
HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and contractors in the architecture, construction and engineering fields.
Celebrating 105 years of service, HNTB understands infrastructure and addresses its clients’ most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. HNTB employs more than 4,000 full-time professionals who deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, program management and construction management solutions.
In addition to providing great work, HNTB continuously seeks to improve its processes and service to clients. The firm desired to speed up both its accuracy in measurement and its overall efficiency in producing project models when they looked to engage with Nearmap.
Photo provided by Nearmap.
The challenge at a glance
Fast & accurate visual design
HNTB has used outdated, low-resolution satellite imagery, making it difficult to create accurate models of projects. The georeferenced data was lost when bringing images GIS/CAD applications, which was a critical problem because all teams were not working within the same coordinated space.
Operating inside a competitive landscape, the company needed to improve its accuracy in measurement and overall efficiency in producing project models.
“To win business, we have to be faster, more efficient and do it better.”
— James Pageau, senior media design leader at HNTB
The solution at a glance
Design with altitude
With the implementation of Nearmap 5.8-7.5cm GSD aerial mapping, which is multiple times sharper than free satellite imagery, HNTB was able to establish and carry out the following improved workflow:
- Oblique images are imported into programs like 3ds Max, Map3D, Recap, InfraWorks and Civil 3D to create a 3D point cloud. The point cloud can then be used to create a 3D mesh.
- Then, in 3ds Max, team members can align imagery to 3ds Max origin, trace and texture terrain, curbs, sidewalks and buildings and match the lighting and shadows to the exact time of day to create the most realistic rendering possible.
- When finished, the visualization technician can export it into AutoCAD for other engineering teams.
“Nearmap imagery improves the overall process by giving us accurate data that we can integrate right into engineer drawings.”
— Dana Rausch, 3D visualization artist/animator, HNTB Corporation
Photo provided by Nearmap.
Business impact
With photo-realistic, high-res visuals and models, HNTB impresses its clients with accuracy and beauty and can clearly showcase the overall project impact. Their use of imagery allows them to:
Locate
Using Vertical imagery, team members become acquainted with the project site. This is especially useful when the project is out of state, minimizing the need for site visits.
Process
Because the team has access to the same accurate, georeferenced data through MapBrowser, they are able to view and compare historical with current imagery, see timestamps and export the imagery with gridded tiles for better integration into 3ds Max.
Integrate
By generating a digital surface model from the aerial mapping, HNTB professionals can detect variation in terrain which helps them provide more precise estimates for the client.
“Assessing orthographic and panoramic views, the ability to measure slopes and footprints of buildings, and to accurately measure building height — that all used to be guesswork for us. Nearmap gives us the ability to get data we want when we want it, 24/7, and at a phenomenal level of detail.”
— Austin Reed, 3D Visualization Team Lead, HNTB Corporation
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See it firsthand
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Hear more from Nearmap
Learn more about Nearmap at 1 p.m. Eastern / 10 a.m. Pacific on Thursday, Dec. 12th at “3D Imagery Workshop: Learn How to Visualize Projects Clearly,” a GPS World webinar, sponsored by Nearmap.
Seeing things clearly is not just a goal for one’s life, but also for businesses. Professionals across several industries are looking for the same ability to see and anticipate the intricacies and potential obstacles of projects. Charles Staton, Geospatial Sales Engineer at Nearmap, will share see how various industries are gaining an edge on the competition with HD aerial content. From 2D to 3D and with frequent yearly captures, Nearmap offers imagery to help in all areas of your business
This page was produced by North Coast Media’s content marketing staff in collaboration with Nearmap. NCM Content Marketing connects marketers to audiences and delivers industry trends, business tips and product information. The GPS World editorial staff did not create this content.
Header image: Nearmap