Draft National Wind Farm Development Guidelines - July 2010

• Photographs to be used in a stitched panorama should be taken with a 1/3 overlap.
• The date, time of day and weather conditions such as shadows, glare, reflections and
colour intensity should be noted, as they can influence visual qualities. Optimal or
typical weather conditions are preferable.
• Identifiable reference points should be included in the image to enable accurate
positioning of overlays depicting a proposed development.
Create a Photomontage
Once photographs covering views to the site from key vantage points have been taken
and recorded, and computer software has been used to model the site in 3D (see 3D
Computer Modelling Practice Note, Section C.7.4), a photomontage image can be
produced. In creating a photomontage:
• Individual photographs should be linked to virtual cameras in your modelling
package, and aligned such that the panorama is correct. Check that the position of
contextual elements such as buildings, vegetation and roads in photographs lines up
with the corresponding 3D model elements. If these do not line up, that is an
indication something has gone wrong with either your model or your on-site
photography recordings.
• Depictions should not exceed 124º horizontal field of view or 55º vertical primary field
of view.
• Photomontages should include both before and after depictions to provide a useful
comparison. Using photo merging software with both “before” and “after” photos (on
separate layers) can then be set up, making it easy to produce before/after images
that align accurately. This technique also allows for the efficient reproduction of
depictions if the layout of wind turbines in the 3D model were to change.
• It is important to illustrate all components of a wind farm development including
ancillary elements that may include fencing, powerlines, other utilities, roads,
structures, vegetation removal, drainage works and all planting as much as possible.
• The depth of colour of proposed objects needs to be accurately depicted, taking
into account the weather and time of day. Consideration should be given to
depicting the development in a variety of weather and atmospheric situations,
including a ‘worst case’ or ‘most visible’ scenario (information about the likely
frequency or occurrence of a particular scenario should be provided).
• All technical detail of photomontage construction needs to be documented.
What are the limitations of this technique
Photomontages are a very valuable tool to help people visualise a proposed
development. However, whilst they can be produced accurately to a specified method,
they should always be considered a representation of the views of the wind farm. To
maximise accuracy effectiveness, the method of photomontage production should
portray true scale, perspective, observer position, angle of view, colour, texture, angle of
the sun and distance from the observer.
Depictions are taken from a prescribed viewing location. This often presents limitations as it
does not allow stakeholders to see the view from a specific location that may be of interest
to them.
Photomontages do not give the viewer any indication of how the layout/ design or the
proposed development evolved, and often appear ‘final’ to the general public.
C.7.6 3D Simulation
A 3D simulation is a dynamic “fly-through” of a 3D model of a site. At one end of the
spectrum are diagrammatic animations, which are low on detail, and used to
Page 104 Draft National Wind Farm Development Guidelines – 2 July 2010