The Cooperative Extension Geospatial Technology Program, Land Analysis Lab (LAL) at The Pennsylvania State University (RGIS Chesapeake site), is using 3d nature’s Visual Nature Studio to visualize existing landscapes, potential landscape change scenarios and historic landscapes. In their efforts to visualize potential landscape change, the LAL is collaborating with municipal planners (Centre Region Council of Governments) to visualize multiple redevelopment proposals in the Centre Region. The Centre Region Council of Governments is a cooperative of 6 municipalities in the county that surround the Borough of State College and the University Campus – a prime area for growth and development and thus an integral area of study. Development proposals in the region often include the rezoning of agricultural land to residential development. Rolling agricultural landscapes are an important part of the character and identity of Central Pennsylvania. The continuing growth and expansion of Penn State University and the expanding Interstate 99 corridor are and will continue to significantly increase traffic flow, population growth and development throughout the county. Visualization can assist citizens, planners and municipal officials in making ‘smart growth’ decisions that will maintain the character and identity that we know and love in central Pennsylvania. Included in this presentation will be a demonstration of Visual Nature Studio 2, and multiple case-study examples of visualizing alternative development scenarios as applied to landuse planning. The capability of Visual Nature Studio will also be showcased through other visualization projects including the recreation of historic landscapes and visualization of potential transportation corridors.
Leah graduated with a Master of Landscape Architecture in Watershed Stewardship from Penn State. Following graduation, Leah worked at the Allegheny Portage National Park, as an AmeriCorps Volunteer with a local non-profit organization. Here she worked on 2 grassroots planning efforts – a recreation-based greenway / trail network connecting Pittsburgh and Harrisburg and an effort to reclaim abandoned mine lands to be used as multi-use, motorized recreation parks. Both projects incorporated the development of a GIS database and the use of GIS as a community planning tool. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service, Leah became a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Penn State where she taught courses in digital communication, 3d modeling, design and design theory. In May of 2003, she accepted a position with the Geospatial Technology Program, Land Analysis Laboratory at Penn State (RGIS Chesapeake). As a research associate for the GTP, her project focus has included planning and growth visualization, website and graphic development, landscape visualization as it relates to community planning and development, and developing a GIS curriculum for younger, 4H and home school students.
Tim Enderlein is a senior Extension Associate at the Geospatial Technology Program from the Pennsylvania State University. He is working as a GIS Applications Developer by a direction of Dr. Rick Day.