TABLE OF CONTENTS EDP practitioners use computer-aided visualization (CAV) to explore ideas, to enhance the decision-making process through communication and persuasion, and to implement strategies through project documentation. However, CAV covers lots of visualization op-tions, some of which are more useful to EDP work than others. Let's take a closer look at the types of e-graphics that are most useful to the environmental design and planning professions.
Normally, when types of graphics are mentioned, the discussion centers on things like plan views, sections, elevations, axonometric views, and perspectives.
However, in this case, the discussion is being directed toward the digital means used to depict these traditional types of visualizations. Common types of e-graphics used for these purposes include:
Digital photography
Digital sketching
Color rendering of bitmap images
Vector illustrations
3D modeling
Visual simulation
A variety of topics related to digital photography were introduced earlier in the book. Digital cameras were discussed in chapter four, beginning on page 76, while digital photography was introduced in chapter six, beginning on page 108. The discussion of scanning, beginning on page 110, also relates to the acquisition of photographic-type images from photographic prints and slide transparencies.
Analytical photographs, like those shown in Figure 7.01, have always been useful in EDP work. This is where digital photography shines. Regardless of whether the images are acquired by digital photography or by scanning photographic prints or slide transparencies, bitmap images of existing conditions are ideal for use in digitally prepared reports and presentations.
