3DW was commissioned by Lightsource BP to develop an interactive 3D visualisation for the proposed Maen Hir Solar Farm.
The project required a large-scale digital environment to support design, planning and community consultation. Our team developed a large study area covering the whole of Anglesey, utilising detailed terrain mapping. For enhanced context users can interactively switch between this high detail terrain mapping and an Ordnance Survey colour raster map.
Within the central study area 3DW represented buildings as accurate low detail block structures with appropriate roof shapes. To aid orientation and address heritage concerns, six landmark buildings including St. Michael’s Church and Tre-Ysgawen Hall were modelled to a high level of detail using photographic imagery taken by the 3DW design team. The model also features a selected number of roads “cut into” the terrain for increased definition and includes 3D representations of trees and woodlands with a toggle feature to demonstrate the effectiveness of seasonal screening.
The 3D application is designed for versatile engagement, running on standard PCs for live presentations or online via screen-sharing platforms. 3DW also provided a pre-rendered video fly-through of the site, complete with text captions, ensuring the project's key messages can be communicated effectively as a standalone presentation for those unable to attend live events.
By providing a completely immersive experience, 3DW added significant value to the planning process, allowing people to fully understand the proposals. This visual clarity helped move the conversation beyond technical drawings, enabling stakeholders to make informed judgements based on a realistic representation of the project's impact on the Anglesey landscape.