Santa Clara Alum/Rock at 9th Street Photosimulations VTA, San Jose, California The design study for the Valley Transit Authority (VTA) Santa Clara/Alum Rock BRT/LRT Environmental Assessment (EA) compared Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) services to downtown. The study conducted to develop a preferred alternative from these among these options. POITRA was selected to create a series of images comparing the alternatives in the context of the actual route running in a combination of dedicated median and curbside configurations for both BRT and LRT alternatives and illustrating numerous neighborhood stations. VTA Engineers also desired to illustrate the disproportionate impacts associated with construction of each option. Implementation of a BRT line has a shorter construction schedule and less physical impact along much of the mainline. Photo-simulations proved to be the best medium for accurate evaluation and for confident presentation to public stakeholders.

POITRA artists created a custom 3D model of the Kinkisaryo LRTvehicle with VTA colors and markings. POITRA often creates custom transit vehicles at no cost to the project.

3. Photosimulation of Proposed LRT Corridor: Finished LRT corridor with track bed and overhead catenary system in place featuring an LRT Vehicle with the small neighborhood stop and patrons.

Photosimulations 4 3 2 1 E Mouse-over images above to toggle between the existing photo and the photosimulation.

A location between 9th and 10th Streets was representative of a smaller neighborhood stop on a side running segment of the line. POITRA modified the engineer provided photograph by removing parked cars, parking spaces and parking meters as well as restoring trees, shops and shadows that were previously hidden. The neighborhood stop was then created by adding benches, signage, patrons and other appropriate amenities to complete the base photograph. POITRA then created a 3D model that included detailed LRT rails, concrete track bed, LRT catenary system and the POITRA model VTA LRT vehicle. The models were camera matched, lighted, rendered and composited with the photograph to produce the LRT simulation. The BRT simulation simply required a render of the POITRA model VTA BRT vehicle using the same base photograph. The construction phase simulation of the LRT option presented more of a challenge. POITRA called upon all of its principal's previous career experience in roadway design and construction inspection to accurately portray the construction phase of the LRT option at this location. The BRT required no significant construction and was not simulated. The base photograph was revised to include contractor and VTA construction personnel, trucks, and open excavations for the LRT rail bed and the catenary pole foundations. The base photo could not include the finished neighborhood stop amenities or parked cars that would be allowed in the final configuration. The model too was revised to include the reinforcing steel cage for the track bed, exposed rails, traffic barrels and cones. The model was rendered and composited with the construction base photograph for the finished construction visualization. POITRA created the graphic presentation panels for the simulations, which were used in meetings between VTA and the city, the public and other stakeholders. The simulations also appear in the public EA document. BACK

Take a Closer Look! Highly developed skills of the Artists at POITRA make your concept a reality. (click to magnify) Take a closer look! POITRA created a displays suitable for printing at poster and handout sizes (click to magnify).