Technical Methodology

Verified Views

The purpose of a Verified View is to, impartially represent the proposed development, as it would appear in reality using a baseline of verifiable visual data and information.  A Verified View combines photographic views with accurate CAD 3-D representation of the proposals to an agreed level of detail. This verifiable image, using quantifiable data, can then be used by others to scrutinise the work, if required, without its veracity being questioned.

Commonly used in planning, the aim of a verified view is to impartially represent the proposed development as it would appear in reality.

Verified Views are also referred to as:

  • Visually Verifiable Montages (VVMs)
  • Verified Visual Image (VVIs)
  • Accurate Visual Representation (AVR)

Accurate Visual Representations (AVR) Levels

When producing architectural VVMs a series of options are available to aid design and planning decisions according to the level of detail required. To assist agreement between all parties prior to AVR preparation, the following classification types are presented to broadly define the purpose of an AVR in terms of the visual properties it represents.

This classification is a cumulative scale in which each level incorporates all the properties of the previous level.
(Derived from the London View Management Framework Supplementary Planning Guidance: Appendix C: Accurate Visual Representations. March 2012)

AVR level 0

Location and size of proposal

AVR level 1

Location, size and degree of visibility of proposal

AVR level 2

As level 1 + description of architectural form

AVR level 3

As level 2 + use of materials

Official Guidelines

The methodology we use accords with the following guidance documents where appropriate:


  • The Third Edition of the good practice Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2013; produced by the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment.
  • Visual representation of development proposals Landscape Institute Technical Guidance Note 06/19 (17 September 2019)
  • London View Management Framework Supplementary Planning Guidance: Appendix C: Accurate Visual Representations. March 2012.
  • Scottish Natural Heritage, Visual Representation of Wind Farms Version, 2.2 February 2017
  • Scottish Natural Heritage Guidance, Assessing the impact of small-scale wind energy proposals on the natural heritage, March 2016 Version 3

Our Approach

Survey and Photography

Accurate survey and mapping information is a requirement throughout the Verified View process, and this is used to precisely record positions of cameras.

Photographs are taken using the most appropriate focal lengths to ensure that the field of view covers the proposed scheme environment or landscape context. We use suitable equipment on site to achieve a high level of accuracy and clarity. All photographic data is recorded for future reference.

 

3d Modelling

Depending on project requirements, we can prepare suitable 3D digital models using data provided by the design team. These can range from basic wireline blocks to fully detailed architectural models. This model of the development is then accurately positioned in the 3d model.

Block models can be helpful early in the design process to test massing and scale, especially in sensitive viewpoints. Working closely with the design team, the final model can have materials and textures added and colour rendered as required. Real-world lighting is created and cameras are positioned using the survey and meta-data.

 

Compositing and Post Production

Final rendered models are accurately located into the photographs, with foreground and background elements added or modified as required to blend and integrate the proposals into the surrounding context.

Subtle colour and light adjustments may also be undertaken to suit conditions and give the best effect of the finished project.

 

Presentation

Verified Views are usually presented in digital pdf or hard copy folios displaying the ‘existing’ and ‘proposed’ views, together with all of the viewpoint and photograph information as well as relevant methodologies.

Alternative presentation formats, such as digital only, posters or full exhibition displays, may also be used, to suit your requirements.

 

Selected Examples

The Examples Below show a selection of types and circumstances for Verified Views, for even more examples please check out our gallery or contact us to discuss your requirements.