BRPC Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

3D Visualization

BRPC, MassGIS, and the Institute for the Application for Geospatial Technologies (IAGT) are investigating how technology can support planning and decision-making processes at local and regional levels. We are experimenting with an interactive and visually intuitive image of the landscape as seen from the air. The software tools available here enable municipalities and the general public to “fly” through virtual landscapes derived from large-scale color orthophoto imagery, digital terrain models, and GIS vector data. With these visualization tools, BRPC can provide novel planning resources to county residents interested in protecting valued land areas and virtual tours to visitors interested in viewing the scenic vistas of Berkshire County. Specific projects for which these software tools have been deployed are:

• Analysis of areas impacted by land use controls from existing or proposed Scenic Mountain Act zoning overlay areas.
• Promoting tourism by enabling prospective visitors to virtually travel along Scenic Byways (e.g. the Mount Greylock Scenic Byway, the Jacobs Ladder Scenic Byway, the Mohawk Trail)

Instructions

Once TerraExplorer^® is installed on your computer, click any of the "snapshots" below to launch an interactive flyover in TerraExplorer^®.

Scenic Mountain Area Flyover

Preserving the scenic mountaintops and ridgelines of the Berkshires is often stated as a priority for many communities in the region. Yet, despite zoning controls and land preservation efforts, many of these sensitive areas remain vulnerable to the pressures of development. One option available to Berkshire communities that wish to regulate activities within mountain areas is the Scenic Mountains Act (MGL Chapter 131: Section 39A). Enacted in 1974, this special legislation, available only to Berkshire communities, is designed to protect those very qualities which give the Berkshires their distinctive appeal.

The Scenic Mountain flyover allows the user to explore areas currently protected by the Scenic Mountain Act (in yellow) as well as those areas that may be protected by the act based upon the criteria spelled out in the legislation (in blue).

Scenic Byways Flyover

Berkshire County has three Scenic Byways: Mount Greylock, Mohawk Trail, and Jacobs Ladder Trail. These byways are noteworthy for their historic, scenic, and cultural attractions. This flyover allows the user to take a pre-programmed flight down the byways, giving you the ability to see the byway before you drive it.

Berkshire Free Flyover

This flyover allows users to fly around the region on their own without any preprogrammed routes. Users can select any of hundreds of points of interest around the Berkshires by clicking "Placenames" in the Information box at the upper left of the TerraExplorer^® window.

Navigation in TerraExplorer^®

For ease of navigation in your flyovers, look for the "Flight Instructions" option in the "Locator Map" box in the lower left-hand quadrant in TerraExplorer^®. The following graphic should appear.

Any questions regarding the 3D Visualization project or related meetings can be directed to GIS Coordinator Mark Maloy at 442-1521 x29 or mmaloy@berkshireplanning.org.