TerraCognito GIS project examples related to landscape visualizations and natural hazard/risk modeling.

1. Project Examples:
Landscape Visualizations &
Scenario Modeling
Lex Ivey, President

2. 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

3. 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 Ray
Mesa, 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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 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

7. DAM REMOVAL VISUALIZATION
Columbia River Dam Removal Visualization Existing conditions
American Rivers hired TerraCognito GIS to visually model two
proposed dam removals on the Columbia River in Idaho and
Washington. Interactive, real-time, 3D visualization of
existing conditions, as well as various stages of dam removal,
including draw-down, riverbed restoration, and re-vegetation.
Draw down
Restored Channel

8. office: 303-258-3515 lexivey@terracog.com
mobile: 303-808-3420 www.terracog.com