EDUCATION ON URBAN CORRIDOR ISSUES THROUGH COMPUTER ANIMATION

This project was undertaken in coordination with the Environmental Assessment process on the Mt. Vernon Road Improvements project in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The goal of the research was to determine the cost effectiveness of combined photo-imaging and computer animation as a presentation tool describing public road improvements. The Public Hearing, in combination with the involvement of a Citizen's Resource Group, afforded an opportunity to have an evaluation of the processes by interested citizens who were not familiar with engineering drawings or the construction industry. Considering this process is in the research and development stage, and that computer hardware continues to improve at a rate that doubles capacity annually, preparation of the evaluated media for small projects appears to be economically feasible within a few years. In conclusion, the photo-imaging process is currently cost effective and very effective in displaying potential future appearances from a single perspective. The computer animation is also very effective in showing appearances and therefore is a valuable tool for showing complicated areas and long segments. To be effective, mixing or alternating of presentation methods should be done with consideration for the orientation of the viewer.