Saint Francis Wind Farm Distance Reference Photosimulations Rosebud Indian Reservation, Saint Francis, South Dakota Indian reservations have become major proponents of wind power projects in recent times. Many of the western reservations are located in areas with high wind energy generation potential. The Sioux Nation at the Rosebud Indian Reservation in southwestern South Dakota investigated the possibilities of placing a 30 MW wind generation farm consisting of 22 turbines just outside of Saint Francis South Dakota The Engineer conducted a Wind Resourse Study, Transmission Capability Study and an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project site. POITRA Visual was contracted to illustrate the visual impact of the wind farm design for stakeholders that included the tribal government and area residents as part of the EA.

Take a closer look! POITRA creates custom 3D Models to help complete photo-simulations. (click to magnify)

2. Photosimulation of Proposed Turbine: Proposed turbine in one mile increments viewed from two miles north of Saint Francis on BIA Highway 1.

Photosimulations 2 1 E Mouse-over images above to toggle between the existing photo and the photosimulations.

The Engineer decided a view that would show the Saint Francis turbine at variable distances would be helpful in describing view impacts to residents. POITRA used a view from two miles north of the town on BIA Hwy 1. The wind farm lies just southeast of Saint Francis. Little modification was necessary on the Engineer provided base photograph. POITRA modelers created a turbine model that matched the supplier's tower and rotor size specifications of those selected for the proposed site. Turbine models were placed at in one mile increments starting at one mile from the camera and ending at ten miles. The distance site model was camera matched, lighted, rendered and composited with the base photograph to complete an accurate photo-realistic distance reference simulation. Radio antennas, a grain elevator and a water tower with known heights and near the town were used to confirm camera orientation and check perspective. POITRA graphic artists labled the turbines in the simulation for use at public meetings. The finished simulation was used in meetings between the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Sioux Tribal Government and local residents.

Take a closer look! The highly developed skills of the Artists at POITRA Visual make your concept a reality. (click to magnify)

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