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TerraCognito GIS , profile picture
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TerraCognito Overview

Terracognito GIS employs multi-criteria analysis and cost-distance mapping in various projects, such as site suitability and greenhouse gas emission modeling, to support community planning and infrastructure development. Their innovative 3D visualizations and terrain models enhance stakeholder engagement in land-use decisions, improving public understanding and approval processes. The company has collaborated with numerous municipalities on growth modeling, impact analysis, and environmental visualizations for projects like dam removals and wildfire mitigation.

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Project Examples: Spatial Analysis, Visualization & Decision Support Lex Ivey, President
MULTI-CRITERIA ANALYSIS TerraCognito GIS frequently utilizes multi-criteria analysis (MCA) in many of its projects. This powerful analytical tool is used in site suitability, development preference mapping, travel time analysis, and greenhouse gas emission modeling.
COST-DISTANCE MAPPING Cost-distance mapping is a mainstay in many of TerraCognito’s projects. It forms the basis for many of our spatial models including the proximity and travel time component of our development preference mapping process, as well as the trip distance component of our greenhouse gas emissions model.
COMMUNITY PREFERENCE MAPPING TerraCognito GIS has developed Perspective 1: Criteria Ranking: Weighted Drivers Map a powerful planning approach (Stakeholder Perspective 1) that objectively maps the values More important Infrastructure of citizens and stakeholders regarding land development and land preservation. Survey Transit stops results, keypad polling and other Agreement Map collaborative information sources (Perspective 1 minus Perspective 2) are analyzed and mapped to Less important Job centers build consensus amongst various stakeholders. Basic services Key Benefits: Driven directly by values and Perspective 2: Criteria Ranking: Weighted Drivers Map (Stakeholder Perspective 2) preferences More important Driven by local geography Basic services Not limited by hard land use polygons Objective Job centers Repeatable Transparent Transit stops Consensus Discord Defensible Less important Infrastructure
VISIBLE RIDGELINE ANALYSIS Viewshed Analysis Visible Ridgelines Analysis View plane View plane Observer Observer Plan View Plan View 3D View 3D View Hillside and ridgeline preservation is an important planning issue in communities where scenic beauty and landscape integrity are valued. Current GIS tools can easily map visible hillsides and viewsheds, but mapping the actual ridgelines, where the visible areas meet the sky, is more elusive. TerraCognito has created an automated ModelBuilder tool and Python script for mapping visible ridgelines, adding more functionality to conventional viewshed analysis. Ridgeline analysis is particularly useful in siting developments, facilities and equipment in visually sensitive areas.
STRUCTURES Architectural Models TerraCognito specializes in creating 3D models representing terrain, buildings, landforms and other features that play an important visual role in planning. From simple massing to photo-real architectural models, TerraCognito can create realistic models for regional and site-specific projects.
TERRAIN & LANDFORMS Tree Species, Density & Height GIS Data Terrain Model Tree Photos GIS-Driven 3D Visualization Ortho-photo Drape Not just “pretty pictures,” Forest Model TerraCognito’s 3D visualizations are Landscape Visualization GIS-driven, using scientific and technical information to create accurate, realistic models and landscapes. These can better inform stakeholders and allow for better management and land use decisions.
SITE PLANNING Visualizing the Future TerraCognito transforms 2-dimensional site plans and land use plans into compelling 3D representations of future growth. Existing conditions Plan at build-out This improves public understanding and builds consensus amongst stakeholders, ultimately streamlining the public approval process. Street level view Roof top view Existing conditions Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C
SITE PLANNING Visualizing the Future TerraCognito transforms 2-dimensional site plans and land use plans into compelling 3-dimensional representations of future growth. This improves public understanding and builds consensus amongst stakeholders, ultimately streamlining the public approval process.
GROWTH MODELING/IMPACT ANALYSIS Eagle County Build-Out Analysis and Visualization, 2008-2010 Client: Eagle County, Colorado TerraCognito worked directly with Eagle County, Colorado and the municipalities of Avon, Basalt, Eagle, Gypsum, Minturn, Red Cliff and Vail to perform a county- wide spatial-temporal build-out analysis and 3D visualization. Using ArcGIS and CommunityViz, a detailed existing conditions analysis of dwelling units was performed based on assessor and census data, followed by a numeric, spatial and visual build-out analysis of existing zoning as well potential future land use described in the municipalities’ Master Plans. An elaborate visioning exercise was implemented for the unincorporated Impact Analysis Animation (1970-2051) county using multi-criteria analysis and preference mapping to drive future growth scenarios. Later phases of work included an economic component including a commercial build-out analysis, existing jobs distribution, future jobs allocation and impact analysis. Finally, the results were delivered in Google Earth format for viewing by the both the planners and the public. Development Preference Model Customized Google Earth Visualization
REGIONAL PLANNING demand Growth Animations By matching land supply with the development demand, Terra supply Cognito creates 4-dimensional depictions of future land use alternatives as they develop over land use allocation several decades. phasing Customized Google Earth Growth Animation
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING Future Jobs & Housing Animation (2011-2060) Branson Comprehensive Plan, 2010-2011 Client: City of Branson, MO and Design Workshop Inc. TerraCognito provided key analytical and mapping support in creating Branson, Missouri’s comprehensive plan. A detailed existing land use inventory was created and used as an essential input in a parcel-level build-out analysis which identified opportunities for in-fill and redevelopment. Multi-criteria suitability analysis coupled with future demand scenarios and stakeholder preferences enabled the creation of several future land use plans. Impact analysis was conducted on the land use scenarios including multiple indicators ranging from jobs, wages, and housing affordability, to visible hillside preservation and greenhouse gas emissions.
DAM REMOVAL VISUALIZATION Elwha River Dam Removal Visualization American Rivers hired TerraCognito GIS to visually model two hillshade raster proposed dam removals on the Elwha River in Washington’s Olympic National Park. TerraCognito created interactive, photo- realistic, 3D visualization of existing conditions, as well as various random color ramp stages of dam removal, including draw-down, riverbed restoration, and re-vegetation. The visualizations were used extensively by American Rivers throughout the settlement negotiation process and in meetings with legislators, ultimately resulting in the impending photo-real removal of the Glines Canyon and Elwha dams. Commencing in sediment texture 2011, the dismantling of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams will allow the river to flow freely for the first time in 100 years, restoring over 70 miles of salmon and steelhead habitat. Existing conditions Dam removal / Reservoir draw down Restored river channel
WILDFIRE MITIGATION Cost-Benefit Model Landscape Visualization of Forest Treatment Ray Mesa Wildfire Mitigation The Bureau of Land Management's Moab, Utah Field Office hired Lex Ivey to model fire hazard mitigation for a NEPA Environmental Analysis, examining the effectiveness of various treatment alternatives, as well as their associated fiscal, socioeconomic, and visual impacts. The consultant defined and weighted several criteria to identify areas that would benefit most from fire mitigation practices. By embedding fuel model data formulated by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) into the model, the consultant was able to compare current fuel loads in the forest with those that would remain after various types of treatments, such as prescribed burning and mechanical and manual thinning. The model allowed the BLM to measure the effectiveness and cost of the various treatment types, as well as the contribution to the local economy in terms of contract labor. The visual impacts of each fire treatment alternative could also be seen in a regional, photo-realistic 3D visualization. The methods, results, methods, and discussion culminated in a satellite television broadcast to all BLM offices across the nation.
DAM REMOVAL VISUALIZATION Klamath River Dam Removal Visualization American Rivers hired TerraCognito GIS to visually model two hillshade proposed dam removals on the Klamath River in California. elevation Interactive, real-time, 3D visualization of existing conditions were slope created, as well as various stages of dam removal, including draw- down, riverbed restoration, and re-vegetation. aspect The visualizations were used extensively by American Rivers throughout the settlement negotiation process and in meetings photo-real with legislators, and in “inspiring” potential funders who may be restoration texture called upon to help with the costs of restoration. In November 2008 PacifiCorp (power company), the federal government, and the states of California and Oregon signed an Agreement in Principle stating that the benefits of dam removal outweigh the potential costs and impacts. Existing conditions Dam removal / Reservoir draw down Restored river channel
NATURAL HAZARD/RISK MODELING Land Use Allocation Model Landscape Visualization of Debris Flow and Future Growth Scenario Squamish Natural Hazard/Risk Characterization The Geologic Survey of Canada hired TerraCognito GIS to model a variety of natural hazards and their imposed risk for Squamish, British Columbia. LIDAR Data, Satellite Imagery, Assessor’s records, and detailed geophysical data were compiled into CommunityViz to create a dynamic, interactive hazard/risk characterization tool that modeled future residential and commercial growth scenarios in the context of risk. Potential loss from flood, debris flow and sea level rise scenarios were analyzed and visualized to compare and contrast mitigation measures versus relocation of personal property.
FLOOD HAZARD/RISK MODELING Hazard/Risk Assessment Model Normal Conditions 10-year Flood Kaycee Flood Risk Assessment The Natural Resource Conservation Service hired TerraCognito GIS to model flood hazard and risk for Kaycee, Wyoming. LIDAR Data, Satellite Imagery, Assessor’s records, and detailed flood survey data derived from HEC-RAS were 50-year Flood compiled into CommunityViz to create a dynamic, interactive hazard/risk characterization tool. Potential loss from three flood scenarios were analyzed and visualized to compare and contrast flood mitigation measures versus relocation of personal property. 100-year Flood
CUSTOM CARTOGRAPHY Accounts for land cover, elevation impassable barriers, and slope effects on walking speed
office: 303-258-3515 lexivey@terracog.com mobile: 303-808-3420 www.terracog.com