Aesthetics are vital to infrastructure planning, especially when structures are located adjacent to historic, scenic, or residential areas. Transcon visual resource specialists provide mapping, field surveys, modeling, computerized viewshed analysis, visual simulation, mitigation planning, and design services. We routinely incorporate the systems of visual analysis that are used by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service into our assessments.

Visual resource assessment is a specialized component of Transcon’s overall environmental services, and our personnel have testified as experts on the subject. We can provide mapping, field surveys, modeling, computerized viewshed analysis, visual perception and attitude surveys, visual workshops, visual simulation, and mitigation planning and design. We are capable of modeling or customizing systems to achieve appropriate analysis and produce defensible solutions that withstand the scrutiny of agencies and the public. We have experience conducting visual assessments for a wide variety of environmental, licensing, permitting, and siting efforts on linear utility projects throughout the western United States. Transcon personnel often prepare visual simulations depicting the proposed condition for planned transmission lines and other facilities. We integrate GIS technology to validate perspective and display plan views or relevant features. GIS is also used to display or analyze viewsheds and potential observation areas.

We have and continue to develop innovative tools to assist clients and agencies with more effective data presented in easier to access and understand ways, which informs better and faster decision-making. One tool we are using more frequently is unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS or drone). We employ qualified and Part 107-certified operators to capture bird’s eye view photos, 360-degree imagery, aerial video, high resolution ortho imagery, and 3D photogrammetric data.