3D Imaging and Terrain Modeling

The computer has become an indispensable and invaluable tool for golf course design and construction. Be it new construction, or the re-modeling of an existing golf course, the computer can aid the designer and contractor by providing accurate images of two dimensional (2D) plan drawings in three dimensional (3D) form.  It has been proven, that the use of 3D wire frame drawings by the rough and finish grading contractors will speed up construction by as much as 30%.  This 30% factor is enormous, affecting one of the biggest line item costs in the golf course construction budget.  The designer is given the ability to review the final land forms in a true (to the eye) perspective environment from any location on, above, or even below the golf course.  This technique allows modifications to be made at the design level.   In addition the designer can  check the proposed land forms for proper drainage, and perform aspect, slope, elevation, visibility, shadow and proximity analysis.  The heavy equipment operator can request 3D Wire Frame views of the proposed feature from any location on site and set the level of view to duplicate the exact position and location of the feature as they should see it while sitting on their equipment.  Operators can make telephone or fax requests for 3D images to the golf course designer and have that image in their hands in less than 15 minutes from anywhere in the world.

It is during the construction of a project that the true cost savings are realized.  By providing the 3D imaging service to the people in the field, the contractor can offer the golf course developer construction that is, under budget and ahead of estimated schedules.  In addition, be assured that they are getting the exact design that has been drawn on the plans.  The possibility that feature development is affected by improper plan interpretation from 2D drawings  to the developed mental image of the 3D finished product is greatly minimized.  The necessity for elaborate field control/feature staking is reduced.  The operators have been given an additional tool to allow them to review a modeled 3D image of the desired finished product.  The design intent, projected in true 3D perspective, is on paper in plain view. What you see on paper is what you will get in the field.  Normal operator's anxiety over potential designer changes during random site construction observation is virtually eliminated without a change order authorization. The operator’s hope that they have interpreted the 2D design and reflected that design in the field in a 3D form is accurately interpreted by the operator without down time, waiting on the approval of the designer.

The first step with any site improvement project, is site review and base topographic collection.  The designer has a number of options available to accurately record the existing features and transfer that information to a 2D format.  Normally the site will be marked with a number of control points by a qualified surveyor.  These control points are visible from the air.  Once the control points are established, an aerial photograph of the site is taken and a scale drawing of the site is developed which indicates existing topographic information as well as all existing features on the site.  Combined with a digital photographic inventory of the site, the designer is ready to proceed with the design engineering.

Once the design is completed in 2D plan format, it is ready for input into the computer for the development of the data base that will be used to generate the 3D images.  3D Imaging or Surface Modeling is used to create a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) from a set of points and breaklines in a drawing.  The designer can annotate the contours and create individual or grid spot elevations.  The ease of use and flexibility of Surface Modeling reduces the amount of time needed to generate a map from days or weeks to minutes.  With the plan view data base completed the designer can quickly generate perspective views by simply pointing to where the observer is standing and the direction the observer is looking.  In addition, the designer can vary the field of view using standard lens angles.  The last step would be to breath life into the design by applying depth and textures to the wire frame image. 

Should a set golf course construction plans be developed by a design firm that is not set up with computer capabilities, the contractor may elect to prepared the necessary data base themselves for plan clarification use in the field.  This is especially important for contractors performing work on sites in remote regions around the world.  The owner of the project would appreciate the fact that the necessity of the designers physical presence on-site would be greatly reduced.  The contractor would also limit potential liability,  performing work from a 2D image alone.  Field control, grade staking is also minimized, resulting in further cost savings.  

Image transfer via fax is the simplest method of transmittal to the field personnel.  Most, if not all, construction sites are now equipped with fax machines which allow for constant communications during construction.  Site offices can be equipped with affordable personal computers (PC) and inexpensive yet high resolution color printers.  

With the advent of the Internet, color images of the surfaced wire frames can be transmitted to the site, anywhere in the world, for the cost of a local telephone call.  Also, the data base file can be transmitted, to the site office PC for use by trained field personnel without it being necessary to contact the designer or the contractors home office.

The 3D Color Renderings can be made available to project marketing professionals.  The client will appreciate the ability to bring potential investors to the site during construction and be able to provide color rendered images for any view of the golf course.

The opportunities made available by the use of the computer in the field are boundless. This is just a small portion of the enormous potential the equipment offers.  The true benefit is realized when viewing the end product.  Everyone involved with the development of the project waits with excited anticipation as the virtual reality of the computer images become tangible reality in the field as construction unfolds the final playable design.  The pictures speak for themselves.  Surprise have been eliminated and everyone that has come in contact with the project waits with eager anticipation for the opportunity walk and play upon the finished landscape.