From Flat to Stacked - Alicia C Newberry - City of Milton

Alicia C Newberry, GISP
GIS Manager
City of Milton, GA

WHAT IS CITYENGINE?
From Esri’s website:
“CityEngine is a desktop application that provides unique
interactive design and procedural modeling capabilities for the
efficient creation of 3D cities and buildings.”
It “improves urban planning, architecture, and design. Use its 3D
visualization power to see the relationships of projects, assess
their feasibility, and plan their implementation. CityEngine helps
you make quality decisions that benefit your community for
decades.”
AKA – “Professional SimCity”
http://www.esri.com/software/cityengine

WHAT IS PROCEDURAL MODELING?
Procedural modeling means that 3D geometries and textures are
constructed using rules (procedures) instead of labor-intensive
manual modeling.
A single procedural rule can be used to generate many 3D models.
For example, the rule can make use of feature attribute
information stored in GIS data—such as the number of floors,
roof type, wall material type, etc.—to generate a series of
alternate 3D models that accurately represent the properties of
each feature. The more attributes you have, the more accurate
the generated model can be.

WHY DO I WANT TO USE CITYENGINE?
Create realistic 3D models for a variety of common city scenarios:Create realistic 3D models for a variety of common city scenarios:Create realistic 3D models for a variety of common city scenarios:Create realistic 3D models for a variety of common city scenarios:
• Existing conditions
• New developments (new subdivision, new commercial building, new city hall….)
• Redevelopment of an area
• Zoning or variance cases
• Potential development impact (visibility, line of sight analysis, etc.)
• Capital projects
• New parks, park improvements
• New roads, roundabouts, road widening, sidewalks, traffic calming, etc.
• Hazard mitigation and planning scenarios
• Utility modeling
• Interior/Campus Modeling
• GIS Analysis in 3D
If you have an ELA, it’s very likely you have aIf you have an ELA, it’s very likely you have aIf you have an ELA, it’s very likely you have aIf you have an ELA, it’s very likely you have a CityEngineCityEngineCityEngineCityEngine license or two, or……license or two, or……license or two, or……license or two, or……
If you don’t have an ELA, the cost for the basic license is onlyIf you don’t have an ELA, the cost for the basic license is onlyIf you don’t have an ELA, the cost for the basic license is onlyIf you don’t have an ELA, the cost for the basic license is only $500$500$500$500
(compare that to(compare that to(compare that to(compare that to $7,000$7,000$7,000$7,000 for a single license of ArcGIS Desktop Advanced!)for a single license of ArcGIS Desktop Advanced!)for a single license of ArcGIS Desktop Advanced!)for a single license of ArcGIS Desktop Advanced!)

BUT OUR 2D MAPS ARE JUST FINE, SO…..
WHY DO WE NEED 3D?

ENVIRONMENT & HAZARD MITIGATION

1.1.1.1. Prepare 2D Data/GeodatabasePrepare 2D Data/GeodatabasePrepare 2D Data/GeodatabasePrepare 2D Data/Geodatabase
2.2.2.2. Import and Edit City LayoutsImport and Edit City LayoutsImport and Edit City LayoutsImport and Edit City Layouts
3.3.3.3. Generate 3D Buildings and StreetsGenerate 3D Buildings and StreetsGenerate 3D Buildings and StreetsGenerate 3D Buildings and Streets
4.4.4.4. Texture Building FacadesTexture Building FacadesTexture Building FacadesTexture Building Facades
5.5.5.5. Visualize and Share 3D City ModelVisualize and Share 3D City ModelVisualize and Share 3D City ModelVisualize and Share 3D City Model
OKAY, 3D ROCKS!!! HOW DO I GET THERE?
It takes onlyIt takes onlyIt takes onlyIt takes only FIVEFIVEFIVEFIVE steps to build your 3D city!steps to build your 3D city!steps to build your 3D city!steps to build your 3D city!
ONLY 5!!!!!!!!!ONLY 5!!!!!!!!!ONLY 5!!!!!!!!!ONLY 5!!!!!!!!!

COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS
To useTo useTo useTo use CityEngineCityEngineCityEngineCityEngine, your first consideration should be: Excellent hardware!, your first consideration should be: Excellent hardware!, your first consideration should be: Excellent hardware!, your first consideration should be: Excellent hardware!
CE uses tons of memoryCE uses tons of memoryCE uses tons of memoryCE uses tons of memory –––– specs say 16 GB. Recommend 32GB. CE is a 64 bitspecs say 16 GB. Recommend 32GB. CE is a 64 bitspecs say 16 GB. Recommend 32GB. CE is a 64 bitspecs say 16 GB. Recommend 32GB. CE is a 64 bit
application so it will use it!application so it will use it!application so it will use it!application so it will use it!
Graphics card:Graphics card:Graphics card:Graphics card:
• Nvidia—GeForce 600 and later / Quadro 600 and later
• AMD—Radeon HD 7000 and later
• Intel—HD 4400 and later
• Make sure to use the latest available drivers (OpenGL 4.1 or later). Version 2016 will
only run with a graphics card that has OpenGL 4.0 or later.
• Recommend getting top of the line if possible – easiest is to look for something
suitable for intense gaming
CPUCPUCPUCPU ---- 2 GHz dual2 GHz dual2 GHz dual2 GHz dual----core CPU minimum (at least Core2 Duo compatible Intel/AMDcore CPU minimum (at least Core2 Duo compatible Intel/AMDcore CPU minimum (at least Core2 Duo compatible Intel/AMDcore CPU minimum (at least Core2 Duo compatible Intel/AMD).).).).
Recommend 4 cores as CE will use it!Recommend 4 cores as CE will use it!Recommend 4 cores as CE will use it!Recommend 4 cores as CE will use it!
Plenty of hard drive spacePlenty of hard drive spacePlenty of hard drive spacePlenty of hard drive space –––– minimum of 2GB free. Some scenes can get massive.minimum of 2GB free. Some scenes can get massive.minimum of 2GB free. Some scenes can get massive.minimum of 2GB free. Some scenes can get massive.
http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/cityengine/latest/gethttp://desktop.arcgis.com/en/cityengine/latest/gethttp://desktop.arcgis.com/en/cityengine/latest/gethttp://desktop.arcgis.com/en/cityengine/latest/get----started/esristarted/esristarted/esristarted/esri----cityenginecityenginecityenginecityengine----systemsystemsystemsystem----requirements.htmrequirements.htmrequirements.htmrequirements.htm

TIME INVESTMENT
Significant time to learn how to navigate and work with theSignificant time to learn how to navigate and work with theSignificant time to learn how to navigate and work with theSignificant time to learn how to navigate and work with the
softwaresoftwaresoftwaresoftware –––– as well as time to learn how to code in CGAas well as time to learn how to code in CGAas well as time to learn how to code in CGAas well as time to learn how to code in CGA
(Computer Generated Architecture)(Computer Generated Architecture)(Computer Generated Architecture)(Computer Generated Architecture) ---- weeks to months if it’sweeks to months if it’sweeks to months if it’sweeks to months if it’s
not the only thing on your platenot the only thing on your platenot the only thing on your platenot the only thing on your plate
Time to collect or create the necessary geographic data andTime to collect or create the necessary geographic data andTime to collect or create the necessary geographic data andTime to collect or create the necessary geographic data and
attributionattributionattributionattribution –––– creation of DEMs, building footprints, treecreation of DEMs, building footprints, treecreation of DEMs, building footprints, treecreation of DEMs, building footprints, tree
heights and canopy, land use/heights and canopy, land use/heights and canopy, land use/heights and canopy, land use/landcoverlandcoverlandcoverlandcover, etc., etc., etc., etc.
Time to gather assets, imagery, etc. if your buildings need toTime to gather assets, imagery, etc. if your buildings need toTime to gather assets, imagery, etc. if your buildings need toTime to gather assets, imagery, etc. if your buildings need to
have specific facadeshave specific facadeshave specific facadeshave specific facades

CITYENGINE INSTALLATION AND SET UP
A couple of tips….A couple of tips….A couple of tips….A couple of tips….
Have local log in to machineHave local log in to machineHave local log in to machineHave local log in to machine –––– don’t use a network logdon’t use a network logdon’t use a network logdon’t use a network log
in. Exporting and publishing web scenes may bein. Exporting and publishing web scenes may bein. Exporting and publishing web scenes may bein. Exporting and publishing web scenes may be
grayed out with a network log in.grayed out with a network log in.grayed out with a network log in.grayed out with a network log in.
Create workspace on local hard drive and maintain allCreate workspace on local hard drive and maintain allCreate workspace on local hard drive and maintain allCreate workspace on local hard drive and maintain all
data and software there as welldata and software there as welldata and software there as welldata and software there as well ---- you will not be ableyou will not be ableyou will not be ableyou will not be able
to access network drives on a local log in. Alsoto access network drives on a local log in. Alsoto access network drives on a local log in. Alsoto access network drives on a local log in. Also
beneficial for faster 3D rendering and performance.beneficial for faster 3D rendering and performance.beneficial for faster 3D rendering and performance.beneficial for faster 3D rendering and performance.

Where to start if you don’t haveWhere to start if you don’t haveWhere to start if you don’t haveWhere to start if you don’t have
data:data:data:data:
USGS National MapUSGS National MapUSGS National MapUSGS National Map
(elevation/topo maps)(elevation/topo maps)(elevation/topo maps)(elevation/topo maps)
NAIP (Imagery/topo/etc.)NAIP (Imagery/topo/etc.)NAIP (Imagery/topo/etc.)NAIP (Imagery/topo/etc.)
New in CE version 2016 theNew in CE version 2016 theNew in CE version 2016 theNew in CE version 2016 the
““““Get map dataGet map dataGet map dataGet map data” interface.” interface.” interface.” interface.
Enables users to create initialEnables users to create initialEnables users to create initialEnables users to create initial
3D mockups using the3D mockups using the3D mockups using the3D mockups using the
automatic import ofautomatic import ofautomatic import ofautomatic import of
georeferenced imagery andgeoreferenced imagery andgeoreferenced imagery andgeoreferenced imagery and
3D terrain from ArcGIS Online.3D terrain from ArcGIS Online.3D terrain from ArcGIS Online.3D terrain from ArcGIS Online.
If available, street centerlinesIf available, street centerlinesIf available, street centerlinesIf available, street centerlines
and building footprint dataand building footprint dataand building footprint dataand building footprint data
from Open Street Map (OSM)from Open Street Map (OSM)from Open Street Map (OSM)from Open Street Map (OSM)
will also be included.will also be included.will also be included.will also be included.
A few things to keep in mind:A few things to keep in mind:A few things to keep in mind:A few things to keep in mind:
At a minimum, you need DEM,At a minimum, you need DEM,At a minimum, you need DEM,At a minimum, you need DEM,
Imagery/Texture, & BuildingImagery/Texture, & BuildingImagery/Texture, & BuildingImagery/Texture, & Building
FootprintsFootprintsFootprintsFootprints
CE units are inCE units are inCE units are inCE units are in metersmetersmetersmeters.... MustMustMustMust
convert values or build inconvert values or build inconvert values or build inconvert values or build in
conversion to rule files (CGA).conversion to rule files (CGA).conversion to rule files (CGA).conversion to rule files (CGA).
Keep imagery and DEM outsideKeep imagery and DEM outsideKeep imagery and DEM outsideKeep imagery and DEM outside
of GDB and keep them small. Ifof GDB and keep them small. Ifof GDB and keep them small. Ifof GDB and keep them small. If
you import a huge imagery file,you import a huge imagery file,you import a huge imagery file,you import a huge imagery file,
CE will likely crash or you willCE will likely crash or you willCE will likely crash or you willCE will likely crash or you will
only see a black square.only see a black square.only see a black square.only see a black square.
Keep study area small andKeep study area small andKeep study area small andKeep study area small and
squaredsquaredsquaredsquared –––– oddly shaped areasoddly shaped areasoddly shaped areasoddly shaped areas
do not map out welldo not map out welldo not map out welldo not map out well
Be consistent in clippingBe consistent in clippingBe consistent in clippingBe consistent in clipping
methodology!methodology!methodology!methodology!
STEP #1: PREPARE 2D DATA/GEODATABASE

Recommend downloading 3DRecommend downloading 3DRecommend downloading 3DRecommend downloading 3D CitiesCitiesCitiesCities
Template and excellent tutorial.Template and excellent tutorial.Template and excellent tutorial.Template and excellent tutorial.
The template is a collection ofThe template is a collection ofThe template is a collection ofThe template is a collection of
workflows and tools for creatingworkflows and tools for creatingworkflows and tools for creatingworkflows and tools for creating
3D base layers.3D base layers.3D base layers.3D base layers.
TemplateTemplateTemplateTemplate
TutorialTutorialTutorialTutorial
STEP #1: PREPARE 2D DATA
/GEODATABASE

Additional tips for data preparation:Additional tips for data preparation:Additional tips for data preparation:Additional tips for data preparation:
Imagery and DEMImagery and DEMImagery and DEMImagery and DEM
Make sure to clip both in aMake sure to clip both in aMake sure to clip both in aMake sure to clip both in a
consistent way. If they don’t matchconsistent way. If they don’t matchconsistent way. If they don’t matchconsistent way. If they don’t match
up exactly (e.g. number of columnsup exactly (e.g. number of columnsup exactly (e.g. number of columnsup exactly (e.g. number of columns
and rows), you may not see theand rows), you may not see theand rows), you may not see theand rows), you may not see the
imagery at all in CE or you may haveimagery at all in CE or you may haveimagery at all in CE or you may haveimagery at all in CE or you may have
imagery “spillover”imagery “spillover”imagery “spillover”imagery “spillover”
Consider resolution and date ofConsider resolution and date ofConsider resolution and date ofConsider resolution and date of
elevations for DEM. Editing may beelevations for DEM. Editing may beelevations for DEM. Editing may beelevations for DEM. Editing may be
necessary to create the correctnecessary to create the correctnecessary to create the correctnecessary to create the correct
existing conditions or to create aexisting conditions or to create aexisting conditions or to create aexisting conditions or to create a
scenario where significant gradingscenario where significant gradingscenario where significant gradingscenario where significant grading
may be necessary. Alternate optionmay be necessary. Alternate optionmay be necessary. Alternate optionmay be necessary. Alternate option
to “align shapes to terrain” withinto “align shapes to terrain” withinto “align shapes to terrain” withinto “align shapes to terrain” within
CE, but does not work well onCE, but does not work well onCE, but does not work well onCE, but does not work well on
significant changessignificant changessignificant changessignificant changes
Raster Pixel Editor

More tips:More tips:More tips:More tips:
Shapes/Feature ClassesShapes/Feature ClassesShapes/Feature ClassesShapes/Feature Classes
Use “Densify” tool on featureUse “Densify” tool on featureUse “Densify” tool on featureUse “Densify” tool on feature
classes to increase number ofclasses to increase number ofclasses to increase number ofclasses to increase number of
vertices. CE aligns shapes to thevertices. CE aligns shapes to thevertices. CE aligns shapes to thevertices. CE aligns shapes to the
terrain using vertices. Alsoterrain using vertices. Alsoterrain using vertices. Alsoterrain using vertices. Also
converts true curves to segments.converts true curves to segments.converts true curves to segments.converts true curves to segments.

Consider collapsing multipleConsider collapsing multipleConsider collapsing multipleConsider collapsing multiple
street segments to take betterstreet segments to take betterstreet segments to take betterstreet segments to take better
advantage of CGA rules.advantage of CGA rules.advantage of CGA rules.advantage of CGA rules.

Consider detail of buildings beforeConsider detail of buildings beforeConsider detail of buildings beforeConsider detail of buildings before
rendering in CE, such as multiplerendering in CE, such as multiplerendering in CE, such as multiplerendering in CE, such as multiple
levels with varying heights orlevels with varying heights orlevels with varying heights orlevels with varying heights or
specific features that may need tospecific features that may need tospecific features that may need tospecific features that may need to
be textured separately. Somebe textured separately. Somebe textured separately. Somebe textured separately. Some
building footprints may need to bebuilding footprints may need to bebuilding footprints may need to bebuilding footprints may need to be
split into multiple piecessplit into multiple piecessplit into multiple piecessplit into multiple pieces....

Consider detail of buildings beforeConsider detail of buildings beforeConsider detail of buildings beforeConsider detail of buildings before
rendering in CE, such as multiplerendering in CE, such as multiplerendering in CE, such as multiplerendering in CE, such as multiple
levels with varying heights orlevels with varying heights orlevels with varying heights orlevels with varying heights or
specific features that may need tospecific features that may need tospecific features that may need tospecific features that may need to
be textured separately. Somebe textured separately. Somebe textured separately. Somebe textured separately. Some
building footprints may need to bebuilding footprints may need to bebuilding footprints may need to bebuilding footprints may need to be
split into multiple piecessplit into multiple piecessplit into multiple piecessplit into multiple pieces....
Split large polygons into smallerSplit large polygons into smallerSplit large polygons into smallerSplit large polygons into smaller
onesonesonesones –––– the interior of the polygonthe interior of the polygonthe interior of the polygonthe interior of the polygon
will not have vertices andwill not have vertices andwill not have vertices andwill not have vertices and
therefore may not align properly totherefore may not align properly totherefore may not align properly totherefore may not align properly to
the terrain.the terrain.the terrain.the terrain.

CE functions within a workspaceCE functions within a workspaceCE functions within a workspaceCE functions within a workspace
environment. You must create aenvironment. You must create aenvironment. You must create aenvironment. You must create a
workspace (recommended on local hardworkspace (recommended on local hardworkspace (recommended on local hardworkspace (recommended on local hard
drive), then create a project within thatdrive), then create a project within thatdrive), then create a project within thatdrive), then create a project within that
workspace. Finally you will create aworkspace. Finally you will create aworkspace. Finally you will create aworkspace. Finally you will create a
scene within a project.scene within a project.scene within a project.scene within a project.
STEP #2: IMPORT AND EDIT CITY LAYOUTS
All data must be imported using CE’sAll data must be imported using CE’sAll data must be imported using CE’sAll data must be imported using CE’s
interface before being added to a scene.interface before being added to a scene.interface before being added to a scene.interface before being added to a scene.
When importing data, a copy is created forWhen importing data, a copy is created forWhen importing data, a copy is created forWhen importing data, a copy is created for
that specific projectthat specific projectthat specific projectthat specific project –––– any change to theany change to theany change to theany change to the
data within CE does not change databasedata within CE does not change databasedata within CE does not change databasedata within CE does not change database
outside of CE and vise versa.outside of CE and vise versa.outside of CE and vise versa.outside of CE and vise versa.

Importing streets or “graphs”Importing streets or “graphs”Importing streets or “graphs”Importing streets or “graphs”
Default options forDefault options forDefault options forDefault options for
importing include graphimporting include graphimporting include graphimporting include graph
clean up, simplify graph,clean up, simplify graph,clean up, simplify graph,clean up, simplify graph,
etc. which may drasticallyetc. which may drasticallyetc. which may drasticallyetc. which may drastically
alter your geography if leftalter your geography if leftalter your geography if leftalter your geography if left
checked. Recommendchecked. Recommendchecked. Recommendchecked. Recommend
unchecking defaults andunchecking defaults andunchecking defaults andunchecking defaults and
cleaning up manually.cleaning up manually.cleaning up manually.cleaning up manually.

Aligning graphs and shapesAligning graphs and shapesAligning graphs and shapesAligning graphs and shapes
Alignment options under two menus:
one for graph (streets or other line
features) and one for shapes
(buildings, etc.)
Align graph and shapes to terrain
(remember, more vertices, the better
it will align.)
Aligning to terrain may not produce
accurate results if the shape or
segment is not in the exact place
that the DEM is expecting it to be.
For small fixes, using align terrain to
shapes. For large fixes, may need to
reposition shape or create more
vertices.

Generate 3D streetsGenerate 3D streetsGenerate 3D streetsGenerate 3D streets
By default, CE will draw streetsBy default, CE will draw streetsBy default, CE will draw streetsBy default, CE will draw streets
using basic parameters unlessusing basic parameters unlessusing basic parameters unlessusing basic parameters unless
specified by the user, includingspecified by the user, includingspecified by the user, includingspecified by the user, including
sssstreet width, lane width,treet width, lane width,treet width, lane width,treet width, lane width,
sidewalks, etc. By default anysidewalks, etc. By default anysidewalks, etc. By default anysidewalks, etc. By default any
segments that end abruptly aresegments that end abruptly aresegments that end abruptly aresegments that end abruptly are
treated as cultreated as cultreated as cultreated as cul----dededede----sacs using thesacs using thesacs using thesacs using the
“Smart” type.“Smart” type.“Smart” type.“Smart” type.
Attributes can be mapped toAttributes can be mapped toAttributes can be mapped toAttributes can be mapped to
user data by using theuser data by using theuser data by using theuser data by using the
connection editor and choosingconnection editor and choosingconnection editor and choosingconnection editor and choosing
the corresponding fieldthe corresponding fieldthe corresponding fieldthe corresponding field
STEP #3: GENERATE 3D BUILDINGS AND STREETS

Generate 3D streetsGenerate 3D streetsGenerate 3D streetsGenerate 3D streets
Assign a rule file: “Assign a rule file: “Assign a rule file: “Assign a rule file: “CompleteCompleteCompleteComplete
StreetsStreetsStreetsStreets” is a rule package” is a rule package” is a rule package” is a rule package
created by ESRI staffers thatcreated by ESRI staffers thatcreated by ESRI staffers thatcreated by ESRI staffers that
can be downloaded for freecan be downloaded for freecan be downloaded for freecan be downloaded for free
and used to style 3D streets.and used to style 3D streets.and used to style 3D streets.and used to style 3D streets.
It also includes rules andIt also includes rules andIt also includes rules andIt also includes rules and
assets for parking lots,assets for parking lots,assets for parking lots,assets for parking lots,
buildings, and landscaping.buildings, and landscaping.buildings, and landscaping.buildings, and landscaping.

UUUUsesesese CGA shape grammarCGA shape grammarCGA shape grammarCGA shape grammar rules (Computerrules (Computerrules (Computerrules (Computer GeneratedGeneratedGeneratedGenerated
ArchitectureArchitectureArchitectureArchitecture) to extrude buildings and add textures to) to extrude buildings and add textures to) to extrude buildings and add textures to) to extrude buildings and add textures to
shapes.shapes.shapes.shapes.
The concept of CGA is to define rules that iterativelyThe concept of CGA is to define rules that iterativelyThe concept of CGA is to define rules that iterativelyThe concept of CGA is to define rules that iteratively
refine an architectural design by creating more andrefine an architectural design by creating more andrefine an architectural design by creating more andrefine an architectural design by creating more and
more detail. This is accomplished by splitting shapes.more detail. This is accomplished by splitting shapes.more detail. This is accomplished by splitting shapes.more detail. This is accomplished by splitting shapes.
Kind of like CSS on some serious steroidsKind of like CSS on some serious steroidsKind of like CSS on some serious steroidsKind of like CSS on some serious steroids
The learning curve for CGA can be from about a week ifThe learning curve for CGA can be from about a week ifThe learning curve for CGA can be from about a week ifThe learning curve for CGA can be from about a week if
you have previous programming experience to ayou have previous programming experience to ayou have previous programming experience to ayou have previous programming experience to a
month or two if you are a beginnermonth or two if you are a beginnermonth or two if you are a beginnermonth or two if you are a beginner

Generate 3DGenerate 3DGenerate 3DGenerate 3D BuildingsBuildingsBuildingsBuildings
Extrude building usingExtrude building usingExtrude building usingExtrude building using
a simple CGA rulea simple CGA rulea simple CGA rulea simple CGA rule
based on the buildingbased on the buildingbased on the buildingbased on the building
footprint heightfootprint heightfootprint heightfootprint height
attribute. Step 4attribute. Step 4attribute. Step 4attribute. Step 4
deals with addingdeals with addingdeals with addingdeals with adding
facades and roofs.facades and roofs.facades and roofs.facades and roofs.

Texture buildings withTexture buildings withTexture buildings withTexture buildings with
facades:facades:facades:facades:
Create a basic rule fileCreate a basic rule fileCreate a basic rule fileCreate a basic rule file
with options for height,with options for height,with options for height,with options for height,
roof type, and a textureroof type, and a textureroof type, and a textureroof type, and a texture
chooser, and otherchooser, and otherchooser, and otherchooser, and other
attributes.attributes.attributes.attributes.
STEP #4: TEXTURE BUILDING FACADES

Generate 3D BuildingsGenerate 3D BuildingsGenerate 3D BuildingsGenerate 3D Buildings
The complete streets ruleThe complete streets ruleThe complete streets ruleThe complete streets rule
package contains severalpackage contains severalpackage contains severalpackage contains several
simple to advanced rulessimple to advanced rulessimple to advanced rulessimple to advanced rules
for modeling buildingsfor modeling buildingsfor modeling buildingsfor modeling buildings
Can easily model by usageCan easily model by usageCan easily model by usageCan easily model by usage
and number of floorsand number of floorsand number of floorsand number of floors
Low level of detailLow level of detailLow level of detailLow level of detail –––– flatflatflatflat
image on extrudedimage on extrudedimage on extrudedimage on extruded
buildingbuildingbuildingbuilding

Generate 3D BuildingsGenerate 3D BuildingsGenerate 3D BuildingsGenerate 3D Buildings
Can use façade wizard for specificCan use façade wizard for specificCan use façade wizard for specificCan use façade wizard for specific
buildings that must have a unique lookbuildings that must have a unique lookbuildings that must have a unique lookbuildings that must have a unique look
Can have a low or high level of detailCan have a low or high level of detailCan have a low or high level of detailCan have a low or high level of detail

Façade wizardFaçade wizardFaçade wizardFaçade wizard
Can be used to create customCan be used to create customCan be used to create customCan be used to create custom
facades by splitting andfacades by splitting andfacades by splitting andfacades by splitting and
repeating an imagerepeating an imagerepeating an imagerepeating an image
interactivelyinteractivelyinteractivelyinteractively
Creates a custom CGA fileCreates a custom CGA fileCreates a custom CGA fileCreates a custom CGA file
which can be applied to awhich can be applied to awhich can be applied to awhich can be applied to a
shape.shape.shape.shape.
Is not recommended, as it isIs not recommended, as it isIs not recommended, as it isIs not recommended, as it is
not intuitive and is timenot intuitive and is timenot intuitive and is timenot intuitive and is time
consumingconsumingconsumingconsuming

After aligning buildingsAfter aligning buildingsAfter aligning buildingsAfter aligning buildings
to terrain andto terrain andto terrain andto terrain and
assigning a rule file,assigning a rule file,assigning a rule file,assigning a rule file,
the building maythe building maythe building maythe building may
look skewed.look skewed.look skewed.look skewed.
To get the footprint toTo get the footprint toTo get the footprint toTo get the footprint to
lay “flat” and thelay “flat” and thelay “flat” and thelay “flat” and the
building itself to lookbuilding itself to lookbuilding itself to lookbuilding itself to look
correct, align to y=0correct, align to y=0correct, align to y=0correct, align to y=0
first, then align tofirst, then align tofirst, then align tofirst, then align to
terrain to fix.terrain to fix.terrain to fix.terrain to fix.

VISUALIZE OTHER 3D FEATURES
Visualize trees or plantsVisualize trees or plantsVisualize trees or plantsVisualize trees or plants
CE comes with a default plant library andCE comes with a default plant library andCE comes with a default plant library andCE comes with a default plant library and
set of CGA rules which includes manyset of CGA rules which includes manyset of CGA rules which includes manyset of CGA rules which includes many
species of trees, shrubs, and flowers.species of trees, shrubs, and flowers.species of trees, shrubs, and flowers.species of trees, shrubs, and flowers.
Choose from “analytical”, “fan”, orChoose from “analytical”, “fan”, orChoose from “analytical”, “fan”, orChoose from “analytical”, “fan”, or
“realistic” vegetation models.“realistic” vegetation models.“realistic” vegetation models.“realistic” vegetation models.
Performance decreases as detailPerformance decreases as detailPerformance decreases as detailPerformance decreases as detail
increases.increases.increases.increases.
For best performance in web scenes, useFor best performance in web scenes, useFor best performance in web scenes, useFor best performance in web scenes, use
the trees that are categorized as “proxy”the trees that are categorized as “proxy”the trees that are categorized as “proxy”the trees that are categorized as “proxy”
trees.trees.trees.trees.

Landscaping orLandscaping orLandscaping orLandscaping or hardscapinghardscapinghardscapinghardscaping
Landscape DesignLandscape DesignLandscape DesignLandscape Design is an ESRIis an ESRIis an ESRIis an ESRI
created rule package thatcreated rule package thatcreated rule package thatcreated rule package that
includes rules and assets forincludes rules and assets forincludes rules and assets forincludes rules and assets for
creating fountains, pergolas,creating fountains, pergolas,creating fountains, pergolas,creating fountains, pergolas,
trellises, hedges, and othertrellises, hedges, and othertrellises, hedges, and othertrellises, hedges, and other
greenspace featuresgreenspace featuresgreenspace featuresgreenspace features

Add existing 3D modelsAdd existing 3D modelsAdd existing 3D modelsAdd existing 3D models
Import OBJ files, SketchImport OBJ files, SketchImport OBJ files, SketchImport OBJ files, Sketch----upupupup
files, etc.files, etc.files, etc.files, etc.
Drag and drop existingDrag and drop existingDrag and drop existingDrag and drop existing
models (people, cars, etc.)models (people, cars, etc.)models (people, cars, etc.)models (people, cars, etc.)
right on to viewer in CEright on to viewer in CEright on to viewer in CEright on to viewer in CE
Scale, rotate, and position asScale, rotate, and position asScale, rotate, and position asScale, rotate, and position as
necessarynecessarynecessarynecessary
https://3dwarehouse.sketchuhttps://3dwarehouse.sketchuhttps://3dwarehouse.sketchuhttps://3dwarehouse.sketchu
p.com/?hl=enp.com/?hl=enp.com/?hl=enp.com/?hl=en

Export models toExport models toExport models toExport models to
WebSceneWebSceneWebSceneWebScene to share onto share onto share onto share on
ArcGIS Online (3ws file)ArcGIS Online (3ws file)ArcGIS Online (3ws file)ArcGIS Online (3ws file)
Options for models to beOptions for models to beOptions for models to beOptions for models to be
exported to otherexported to otherexported to otherexported to other
formats as well (fileformats as well (fileformats as well (fileformats as well (file
GDB, KML, etc.)GDB, KML, etc.)GDB, KML, etc.)GDB, KML, etc.)
STEP #5: VISUALIZE AND SHARE 3D CITY MODEL

Choose compact textures,Choose compact textures,Choose compact textures,Choose compact textures,
simplify terrain meshes,simplify terrain meshes,simplify terrain meshes,simplify terrain meshes,
etc. to get size of file downetc. to get size of file downetc. to get size of file downetc. to get size of file down
to around 15MB for bestto around 15MB for bestto around 15MB for bestto around 15MB for best
performanceperformanceperformanceperformance
Choose quality of layers, groupChoose quality of layers, groupChoose quality of layers, groupChoose quality of layers, group
layers, enable visibility, etc.layers, enable visibility, etc.layers, enable visibility, etc.layers, enable visibility, etc.
This only creates the 3ws file,This only creates the 3ws file,This only creates the 3ws file,This only creates the 3ws file,
it does not publish it.it does not publish it.it does not publish it.it does not publish it.

It is important to preview yourIt is important to preview yourIt is important to preview yourIt is important to preview your
scene, as it might revealscene, as it might revealscene, as it might revealscene, as it might reveal
some issues that you couldsome issues that you couldsome issues that you couldsome issues that you could
not see within CE.not see within CE.not see within CE.not see within CE.
Once 3ws file is created,Once 3ws file is created,Once 3ws file is created,Once 3ws file is created,
preview in a browser bypreview in a browser bypreview in a browser bypreview in a browser by
navigating to where younavigating to where younavigating to where younavigating to where you
saved the file within CE andsaved the file within CE andsaved the file within CE andsaved the file within CE and
double clickingdouble clickingdouble clickingdouble clicking
Backface culling (always on in web
scenes) shows only one side of a
shape for performance reasons. To
combat this, you must include the
CGA operation "reverseNormals“ in
your code.
https://geonet.esri.com/thread/160487

Other issues might be found whenOther issues might be found whenOther issues might be found whenOther issues might be found when previewing…..previewing…..previewing…..previewing…..

When ready to publish, you can doWhen ready to publish, you can doWhen ready to publish, you can doWhen ready to publish, you can do
so directly from CE by rightso directly from CE by rightso directly from CE by rightso directly from CE by right
clicking on 3ws file andclicking on 3ws file andclicking on 3ws file andclicking on 3ws file and
choosing the “share as” option.choosing the “share as” option.choosing the “share as” option.choosing the “share as” option.
AAAA fewfewfewfew tipstipstipstips::::
Use Chrome or Firefox to viewUse Chrome or Firefox to viewUse Chrome or Firefox to viewUse Chrome or Firefox to view
web scenes most efficiently.web scenes most efficiently.web scenes most efficiently.web scenes most efficiently.
TurnTurnTurnTurn offoffoffoff the shadowsthe shadowsthe shadowsthe shadows in webin webin webin web
scenes to increasescenes to increasescenes to increasescenes to increase
performance, particularly if youperformance, particularly if youperformance, particularly if youperformance, particularly if you
have many tree modelshave many tree modelshave many tree modelshave many tree models
To use comparison mode inTo use comparison mode inTo use comparison mode inTo use comparison mode in
the browser, features that youthe browser, features that youthe browser, features that youthe browser, features that you
want to compare have to bewant to compare have to bewant to compare have to bewant to compare have to be
grouped together whengrouped together whengrouped together whengrouped together when
exporting to a 3ws file:exporting to a 3ws file:exporting to a 3ws file:exporting to a 3ws file:
PutPutPutPut the layers in Groups:the layers in Groups:the layers in Groups:the layers in Groups:
• Existing Conditions
• Existing Conditions Effected
• Proposed design
• Set the swipe operation between the
Existing conditons effected and
proposed design groups when you
export the webscene.
Philadelphia Example

A FEW LESSONS LEARNED
CityEngineCityEngineCityEngineCityEngine is NOT easy to learnis NOT easy to learnis NOT easy to learnis NOT easy to learn –––– it takes a significant amount of time andit takes a significant amount of time andit takes a significant amount of time andit takes a significant amount of time and
effort…. ….but it is getting easiereffort…. ….but it is getting easiereffort…. ….but it is getting easiereffort…. ….but it is getting easier
Worthwhile to learn how to navigate using keyboard/mouse shortcuts andWorthwhile to learn how to navigate using keyboard/mouse shortcuts andWorthwhile to learn how to navigate using keyboard/mouse shortcuts andWorthwhile to learn how to navigate using keyboard/mouse shortcuts and
perform functions with shortcuts (press “F” key to frame a selectedperform functions with shortcuts (press “F” key to frame a selectedperform functions with shortcuts (press “F” key to frame a selectedperform functions with shortcuts (press “F” key to frame a selected
object, spacebar to expand viewer to screen, etc.)object, spacebar to expand viewer to screen, etc.)object, spacebar to expand viewer to screen, etc.)object, spacebar to expand viewer to screen, etc.)
Documentation and training for the software isn’t plentiful or up to dateDocumentation and training for the software isn’t plentiful or up to dateDocumentation and training for the software isn’t plentiful or up to dateDocumentation and training for the software isn’t plentiful or up to date ––––
many tutorials use version 2012, which includes an outdated GUI tomany tutorials use version 2012, which includes an outdated GUI tomany tutorials use version 2012, which includes an outdated GUI tomany tutorials use version 2012, which includes an outdated GUI to
code in CGAcode in CGAcode in CGAcode in CGA
Not a lot of information available about “best practices”Not a lot of information available about “best practices”Not a lot of information available about “best practices”Not a lot of information available about “best practices”
Tutorials assume random building creation using blocksTutorials assume random building creation using blocksTutorials assume random building creation using blocksTutorials assume random building creation using blocks –––– in the real world,in the real world,in the real world,in the real world,
you know exactly where the building goesyou know exactly where the building goesyou know exactly where the building goesyou know exactly where the building goes
Planning a project is extremely important: Plan out as much of your projectPlanning a project is extremely important: Plan out as much of your projectPlanning a project is extremely important: Plan out as much of your projectPlanning a project is extremely important: Plan out as much of your project
as possible BEFORE you create it inas possible BEFORE you create it inas possible BEFORE you create it inas possible BEFORE you create it in CityEngineCityEngineCityEngineCityEngine to avoid having to reto avoid having to reto avoid having to reto avoid having to re----dodododo
The level of effort depends on the level of detail you needThe level of effort depends on the level of detail you needThe level of effort depends on the level of detail you needThe level of effort depends on the level of detail you need
Simple extrusion/solid color of buildings is far easier and quicker than
creating a specific façade for every building in your project
Creating random vegetation within a polygon is significantly less involved
than mapping each individual tree
If terrain is not taken into account, many of the issues covered simply do
not exist

SOME ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
CityEngineCityEngineCityEngineCityEngine Map and App Gallery. DMap and App Gallery. DMap and App Gallery. DMap and App Gallery. Downloadownloadownloadownload existing rule packages, examples, workflows, etc. fromexisting rule packages, examples, workflows, etc. fromexisting rule packages, examples, workflows, etc. fromexisting rule packages, examples, workflows, etc. from
here.here.here.here. A treasureA treasureA treasureA treasure trove of data!trove of data!trove of data!trove of data!
httphttphttphttp://://://://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapAndAppGallery/index.html?appid=275eab8ec3054bf79d108139d1a2b363www.arcgis.com/apps/MapAndAppGallery/index.html?appid=275eab8ec3054bf79d108139d1a2b363www.arcgis.com/apps/MapAndAppGallery/index.html?appid=275eab8ec3054bf79d108139d1a2b363www.arcgis.com/apps/MapAndAppGallery/index.html?appid=275eab8ec3054bf79d108139d1a2b363
Essential Skills Tutorials:Essential Skills Tutorials:Essential Skills Tutorials:Essential Skills Tutorials:
http://http://http://http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/cityengine/latest/tutorials/introductiondesktop.arcgis.com/en/cityengine/latest/tutorials/introductiondesktop.arcgis.com/en/cityengine/latest/tutorials/introductiondesktop.arcgis.com/en/cityengine/latest/tutorials/introduction----totototo----thethethethe----cityenginecityenginecityenginecityengine----tutorials.htmtutorials.htmtutorials.htmtutorials.htm
3D Cities tutorial site3D Cities tutorial site3D Cities tutorial site3D Cities tutorial site
httphttphttphttp://://://://desktop.arcgis.com/en/3d/3ddesktop.arcgis.com/en/3d/3ddesktop.arcgis.com/en/3d/3ddesktop.arcgis.com/en/3d/3d----cities/3dcities/3dcities/3dcities/3d----citycitycitycity----basebasebasebase----layers/introductionlayers/introductionlayers/introductionlayers/introduction----totototo----3d3d3d3d----city.htmcity.htmcity.htmcity.htm
ESRI Virtual CampusESRI Virtual CampusESRI Virtual CampusESRI Virtual Campus
Several free or low cost virtual campus courses/training seminars. Search keyword “CityEngine”:::: httphttphttphttp://training.esri.com/://training.esri.com/://training.esri.com/://training.esri.com/
CityEngineTVCityEngineTVCityEngineTVCityEngineTV YouTubeYouTubeYouTubeYouTube channelchannelchannelchannel
httpshttpshttpshttps://://://://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq_4ineLg8X0_w6uqWcWxhQwww.youtube.com/channel/UCq_4ineLg8X0_w6uqWcWxhQwww.youtube.com/channel/UCq_4ineLg8X0_w6uqWcWxhQwww.youtube.com/channel/UCq_4ineLg8X0_w6uqWcWxhQ
Additional documents for creating/attributing base data:Additional documents for creating/attributing base data:Additional documents for creating/attributing base data:Additional documents for creating/attributing base data:
Obtaining elevation information for building footprints:
http://resources.arcgis.com/EN/HELP/MAIN/10.2/index.html#//00q80000007n000000http://resources.arcgis.com/EN/HELP/MAIN/10.2/index.html#//00q80000007n000000http://resources.arcgis.com/EN/HELP/MAIN/10.2/index.html#//00q80000007n000000http://resources.arcgis.com/EN/HELP/MAIN/10.2/index.html#//00q80000007n000000
Creating raster DEMs and DSMs from large lidar point collections:
http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//015w0000004q000000http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//015w0000004q000000http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//015w0000004q000000http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//015w0000004q000000
Raster Pixel Editor: https://blogs.esri.com/esri/arcgis/2013/09/26/applyinghttps://blogs.esri.com/esri/arcgis/2013/09/26/applyinghttps://blogs.esri.com/esri/arcgis/2013/09/26/applyinghttps://blogs.esri.com/esri/arcgis/2013/09/26/applying----functionsfunctionsfunctionsfunctions----onononon----aaaa----subsetsubsetsubsetsubset----ofofofof----pixelspixelspixelspixels////
The CEThe CEThe CEThe CE GeoNetGeoNetGeoNetGeoNet communitycommunitycommunitycommunity –––– people usually respond pretty quickly if you post a problem!people usually respond pretty quickly if you post a problem!people usually respond pretty quickly if you post a problem!people usually respond pretty quickly if you post a problem!
httpshttpshttpshttps://geonet.esri.com/community/gis/3d/cityengine://geonet.esri.com/community/gis/3d/cityengine://geonet.esri.com/community/gis/3d/cityengine://geonet.esri.com/community/gis/3d/cityengine
Transportation/Urban Planning in CE (rules/links/etc. related specifically to transportation/urbanTransportation/Urban Planning in CE (rules/links/etc. related specifically to transportation/urbanTransportation/Urban Planning in CE (rules/links/etc. related specifically to transportation/urbanTransportation/Urban Planning in CE (rules/links/etc. related specifically to transportation/urban
planning):planning):planning):planning):
httpshttpshttpshttps://geonet.esri.com/message/472523#472523://geonet.esri.com/message/472523#472523://geonet.esri.com/message/472523#472523://geonet.esri.com/message/472523#472523

THANK YOU!!!
Alicia C Newberry, GISP
GIS Manager, City of Milton, GA
Alicia.newberry@cityofmiltonga.usAlicia.newberry@cityofmiltonga.usAlicia.newberry@cityofmiltonga.usAlicia.newberry@cityofmiltonga.us
678-242-2515
Questions or
comments?
Credits
City of Milton, GA,
City of Johns Creek, GA,
ESRI, Garsdale Design,
City of Portland, Oregon,
City of Boston, Massachusetts,
& random Google image searches

From Flat to Stacked - Alicia C Newberry - City of Milton

Recomendados

Recomendados

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Destaque

Destaque (15)

Semelhante a From Flat to Stacked - Alicia C Newberry - City of Milton

Semelhante a From Flat to Stacked - Alicia C Newberry - City of Milton (20)

From Flat to Stacked - Alicia C Newberry - City of Milton