Portsmouth Hires Tangram 3DS for 3D Map Rendering of City’s Historic District

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Jan. 6, 2015 - PRLog -- Portsmouth, NH- Tangram 3DS, a premier 3D architectural visualization firm based in Kittery, Maine, was recently selected by the City of Portsmouth to produce a large-scale 3D massing model of the city’s historic district. The extensive on-line model will encompass more than 1,000 properties—including over 600 fully textured buildings in photographic detail—in addition to a dedicated web portal for viewers.

In early 2014 the City of Portsmouth and the Historic District Commission (HDC) put out a request for qualifications (RFQ) in search of a firm to develop a 3D model of the city’s historic district in the hope that such a model would enable the HDC, as well as the public, owners, occupants, and design teams, to better visualize how proposed projects would fit into their surroundings, both in mass and design. A more holistic understanding of a project’s design, scope, and possible impact on the cityscape would, in turn, result in more informed conversations and more educated decisions in the approval process for proposed developments.

“Although all firms had extensive 3D modeling experience, in the end, we felt Tangram’s offer to texture all the buildings using more than 6,000 on-the-ground photographs would deliver a higher-quality image than the product and methodology proposed by the other firms,” said Nick Cracknell, Principal Planner of the City of Portsmouth Planning Department. “Their local experience in preparing models for nearly a dozen projects within the study area, their high degree of accessibility, and their desire to showcase this project for the city and their firm were also important in the final selection. In summary, they’re highly competent, highly responsive, and highly supportive—all key ingredients to making this project work on a limited budget.”

“This was a great project for us to take on,” said Stefan Vittori, Tangram’s Principal and Managing Director. “In all we put over 2,000 hours into this project. It wasn’t about the money. It was about being involved in the community, and performing for the better good of that community. Everyone knows our work, so we set out to really showcase our vast abilities.”

After completing the extensive 3D map, Tangram iDs, a division of Tangram 3DS, created a viewing tool to provide a 360-degree view of each of the downloadable areas. Embedded into the City’s robust software package, CityEngine, the viewing tool allows users to access the site interactively without the need of downloading or installing special 3D software. Offering a whole new vantage point, and a precise one at that, Tangram’s 3D map of Portsmouth has already proved its value as a highly accessible and incredibly useful city planning tool. Many city meetings, like the HDC, are displaying it on a large projector during their discussions. Greatly pleased with the outcome of the 3D mapping project, Portsmouth can now require developers to place submitted proposals into the 3D map model via the CityEngine portal several days in advance of public meetings. As a result, officials and the general public can view the exact positioning and design of a proposed development and make more informed decisions in the planning and approval process.

The success of Portsmouth’s 3D massing model will likely lead other towns and cities to consider adopting a similar solution for their geographic rendering needs. Portsmouth itself plans to expand and update the present 3D map in the future.

“We hope to continue and build on our relationship with Tangram given the rate of development within the District and the need to keep the model current,” said Nick Cracknell, Principal Planner of the City of Portsmouth Planning Department. “We also want to expand the model to include other areas within the District for 3D modeling as well as texturing more buildings. Tangram offered both the technological competency as well as the high-quality input needed to make this project a success. As an added bonus, their professionalism and willingness to listen, educate and support us make them, without question, an easy firm to recommend to others.”

Visit www.planportsmouth.com/3d/ to see the 3D map in action.

About Tangram3DS/ iDs:
Tangram iDs is a division of Tangram 3DS, a leading provider of 3D visualization and multimedia products serving the architecture/engineering/construction (AEC), interior design, and real estate markets both in the United States and abroad. The Tangram 3DS team is a group of motivated and experienced specialists each with a unique set of skills and a proven track record. Put the formidable combination of skill, expertise, passion and collaborative spirit that Tangram 3DS offers to work for you.

For more information visit: www.tangram-ids.com or call 207-439-9500.

All media requests should be directed to Chris Hislop: chris.hislop@boldwerks.com