Terracognito GIS employs multi-criteria analysis and cost-distance mapping in various projects, such as site suitability and greenhouse gas emission modeling, to support community planning and infrastructure development. Their innovative 3D visualizations and terrain models enhance stakeholder engagement in land-use decisions, improving public understanding and approval processes. The company has collaborated with numerous municipalities on growth modeling, impact analysis, and environmental visualizations for projects like dam removals and wildfire mitigation.

1. Project Examples:
Spatial Analysis, Visualization &
Decision Support
Lex Ivey, President

2. MULTI-CRITERIA ANALYSIS
TerraCognito GIS frequently
utilizes multi-criteria
analysis (MCA) in many of
its projects. This powerful
analytical tool is used in site
suitability, development
preference mapping, travel
time analysis, and
greenhouse gas emission
modeling.

3. COST-DISTANCE MAPPING
Cost-distance mapping is a
mainstay in many of
TerraCognito’s projects. It
forms the basis for many of our
spatial models including the
proximity and travel time
component of our development
preference mapping process, as
well as the trip distance
component of our greenhouse
gas emissions model.

4. COMMUNITY PREFERENCE MAPPING
TerraCognito GIS has developed Perspective 1: Criteria Ranking: Weighted Drivers Map
a powerful planning approach (Stakeholder Perspective 1)
that objectively maps the values
More important
Infrastructure
of citizens and stakeholders
regarding land development and
land preservation. Survey Transit stops
results, keypad polling and other
Agreement Map
collaborative information sources (Perspective 1 minus Perspective 2)
are analyzed and mapped to Less important
Job centers
build consensus amongst
various stakeholders. Basic services
Key Benefits:
Driven directly by values and Perspective 2: Criteria Ranking: Weighted Drivers Map
(Stakeholder Perspective 2)
preferences
More important
Driven by local geography Basic services
Not limited by hard land use
polygons
Objective Job centers
Repeatable
Transparent Transit stops
Consensus Discord
Defensible
Less important
Infrastructure

5. VISIBLE RIDGELINE ANALYSIS
Viewshed Analysis Visible Ridgelines Analysis
View plane View plane
Observer Observer
Plan View Plan View
3D View 3D View
Hillside and ridgeline preservation is an important planning issue in
communities where scenic beauty and landscape integrity are valued.
Current GIS tools can easily map visible hillsides and viewsheds, but
mapping the actual ridgelines, where the visible areas meet the sky, is
more elusive. TerraCognito has created an automated ModelBuilder
tool and Python script for mapping visible ridgelines, adding more
functionality to conventional viewshed analysis. Ridgeline analysis is
particularly useful in siting developments, facilities and equipment in
visually sensitive areas.

6. STRUCTURES
Architectural Models
TerraCognito specializes in creating
3D models representing terrain,
buildings, landforms and other
features that play an important
visual role in planning. From simple
massing to photo-real architectural
models, TerraCognito can create
realistic models for regional and
site-specific projects.

7. TERRAIN & LANDFORMS
Tree Species, Density & Height GIS Data
Terrain Model
Tree Photos
GIS-Driven 3D Visualization Ortho-photo Drape
Not just “pretty pictures,” Forest Model
TerraCognito’s 3D visualizations are
Landscape Visualization
GIS-driven, using scientific and
technical information to create
accurate, realistic models and
landscapes. These can better inform
stakeholders and allow for better
management and land use decisions.

8. SITE PLANNING
Visualizing the Future
TerraCognito transforms 2-dimensional site plans and land
use plans into compelling 3D representations of future growth.
Existing conditions Plan at build-out
This improves public understanding and builds consensus
amongst stakeholders, ultimately streamlining the public
approval process.
Street level view Roof top view
Existing conditions Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C

9. SITE PLANNING
Visualizing the Future
TerraCognito transforms 2-dimensional site plans and land
use plans into compelling 3-dimensional representations of
future growth. This improves public understanding and builds
consensus amongst stakeholders, ultimately streamlining the
public approval process.

10. GROWTH MODELING/IMPACT ANALYSIS
Eagle County Build-Out Analysis
and Visualization, 2008-2010
Client: Eagle County, Colorado
TerraCognito worked directly with Eagle
County, Colorado and the municipalities
of Avon, Basalt, Eagle, Gypsum, Minturn,
Red Cliff and Vail to perform a county-
wide spatial-temporal build-out analysis
and 3D visualization. Using ArcGIS and
CommunityViz, a detailed existing
conditions analysis of dwelling units was
performed based on assessor and census
data, followed by a numeric, spatial and
visual build-out analysis of existing
zoning as well potential future land use
described in the municipalities’ Master
Plans. An elaborate visioning exercise
was implemented for the unincorporated Impact Analysis Animation (1970-2051)
county using multi-criteria analysis and
preference mapping to drive future
growth scenarios. Later phases of work
included an economic component
including a commercial build-out
analysis, existing jobs distribution, future
jobs allocation and impact analysis.
Finally, the results were delivered in
Google Earth format for viewing by the
both the planners and the public.
Development Preference Model Customized Google Earth Visualization

11. REGIONAL PLANNING
demand
Growth Animations
By matching land supply with
the development demand, Terra
supply Cognito creates 4-dimensional
depictions of future land use
alternatives as they develop over
land use allocation several decades.
phasing
Customized Google Earth Growth Animation

12. COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
Future Jobs & Housing Animation (2011-2060)
Branson Comprehensive Plan, 2010-2011
Client: City of Branson, MO and Design Workshop Inc.
TerraCognito provided key analytical and mapping support in
creating Branson, Missouri’s comprehensive plan. A detailed
existing land use inventory was created and used as an essential
input in a parcel-level build-out analysis which identified
opportunities for in-fill and redevelopment. Multi-criteria
suitability analysis coupled with future demand scenarios and
stakeholder preferences enabled the creation of several future
land use plans. Impact analysis was conducted on the land use
scenarios including multiple indicators ranging from jobs, wages,
and housing affordability, to visible hillside preservation and
greenhouse gas emissions.

13. DAM REMOVAL VISUALIZATION
Elwha River Dam Removal Visualization
American Rivers hired TerraCognito GIS to visually model two hillshade raster
proposed dam removals on the Elwha River in Washington’s
Olympic National Park. TerraCognito created interactive, photo-
realistic, 3D visualization of existing conditions, as well as various random color ramp
stages of dam removal, including draw-down, riverbed restoration,
and re-vegetation. The visualizations were used extensively by
American Rivers throughout the settlement negotiation process and
in meetings with legislators, ultimately resulting in the impending photo-real
removal of the Glines Canyon and Elwha dams. Commencing in sediment texture
2011, the dismantling of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams will
allow the river to flow freely for the first time in 100 years, restoring
over 70 miles of salmon and steelhead habitat.
Existing conditions Dam removal / Reservoir draw down Restored river channel

14. WILDFIRE MITIGATION
Cost-Benefit Model Landscape Visualization of Forest Treatment
Ray Mesa Wildfire Mitigation
The Bureau of Land Management's Moab, Utah Field Office hired Lex Ivey to model fire hazard mitigation for a NEPA
Environmental Analysis, examining the effectiveness of various treatment alternatives, as well as their associated fiscal,
socioeconomic, and visual impacts. The consultant defined and weighted several criteria to identify areas that would
benefit most from fire mitigation practices. By embedding fuel model data formulated by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
into the model, the consultant was able to compare current fuel loads in the forest with those that would remain after
various types of treatments, such as prescribed burning and mechanical and manual thinning. The model allowed the
BLM to measure the effectiveness and cost of the various treatment types, as well as the contribution to the local
economy in terms of contract labor. The visual impacts of each fire treatment alternative could also be seen in a
regional, photo-realistic 3D visualization. The methods, results, methods, and discussion culminated in a satellite
television broadcast to all BLM offices across the nation.

15. DAM REMOVAL VISUALIZATION
Klamath River Dam Removal Visualization
American Rivers hired TerraCognito GIS to visually model two hillshade
proposed dam removals on the Klamath River in California. elevation
Interactive, real-time, 3D visualization of existing conditions were slope
created, as well as various stages of dam removal, including draw-
down, riverbed restoration, and re-vegetation. aspect
The visualizations were used extensively by American Rivers
throughout the settlement negotiation process and in meetings photo-real
with legislators, and in “inspiring” potential funders who may be restoration texture
called upon to help with the costs of restoration.
In November 2008 PacifiCorp (power company), the federal
government, and the states of California and Oregon signed an
Agreement in Principle stating that the benefits of dam removal
outweigh the potential costs and impacts.
Existing conditions Dam removal / Reservoir draw down Restored river channel

16. NATURAL HAZARD/RISK MODELING
Land Use Allocation Model
Landscape Visualization of Debris Flow and Future Growth Scenario
Squamish Natural Hazard/Risk Characterization
The Geologic Survey of Canada hired TerraCognito GIS to model a variety of natural hazards and their imposed
risk for Squamish, British Columbia. LIDAR Data, Satellite Imagery, Assessor’s records, and detailed geophysical
data were compiled into CommunityViz to create a dynamic, interactive hazard/risk characterization tool that
modeled future residential and commercial growth scenarios in the context of risk. Potential loss from flood,
debris flow and sea level rise scenarios were analyzed and visualized to compare and contrast mitigation measures
versus relocation of personal property.

17. FLOOD HAZARD/RISK MODELING
Hazard/Risk Assessment Model
Normal Conditions
10-year Flood
Kaycee Flood Risk Assessment
The Natural Resource Conservation Service hired
TerraCognito GIS to model flood hazard and risk for Kaycee,
Wyoming. LIDAR Data, Satellite Imagery, Assessor’s records,
and detailed flood survey data derived from HEC-RAS were 50-year Flood
compiled into CommunityViz to create a dynamic, interactive
hazard/risk characterization tool. Potential loss from three
flood scenarios were analyzed and visualized to compare and
contrast flood mitigation measures versus relocation of
personal property.
100-year Flood

18. CUSTOM CARTOGRAPHY
Accounts for land cover, elevation
impassable barriers, and slope
effects on walking speed

19. office: 303-258-3515 lexivey@terracog.com
mobile: 303-808-3420 www.terracog.com