Before the Environment Court at Auckland ENV-2013-AKL-000174 In the Matter of the Resource Management Act 1991 And In the Matter of Notice of Motion under Section 87G requesting the granting of resource consents to Waiheke Marinas Limited to establish a Marina at Matiatia Bay, Waiheke Island, in the Hauraki Gulf Evidence of Tim Johnson on behalf of Waiheke Marinas Ltd Dated 29 April 2014 Richard Brabant/Jeremy Brabant Barristers Broker House, Level 2, 14 Vulcan Lane PO Box 1502, Shortland St Auckland City Ph: 09 309 6665 Fax: 09 309 6667 Email: richard@brabant.co.nz/jeremy@brabant.co.nz
Introduction 1 My full name is Timothy William Johnson. I have a Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree from the University of Auckland (2006). 2 I have 9 years work experience in surveying, aerial mapping, computer programming and visualisation. I currently work for Buildmedia Ltd (Buildmedia) as a senior visualisation artist and studio lead. Buildmedia is a New Zealand company which specialises in providing accurate computer imagery and real-time visualisation software for the architecture and infrastructure industries. The last 7 years of my work experience have involved working on the preparation and presentation of 3D computer models, visual simulations, rendered computer imagery and full computer generated 3D video simulations depicting proposed developments of various kinds using 3DS Max software and Real-Time visualisation software. 3 I have completed a wide range of different visualisation projects from visual simulations of quarries to large infrastructural projects such as motorways and wind farms. These include: Ara Tuhono - Puhoi to Wellsford visualisation and visual simulations; Visual simulations and visualisation for Western Ring Route; Tauranga Eastern Link visualisation; Visual simulations and visualisation of wind farm developments prepared for Mighty River Power, Meridian and Genesis; Visualisation for Auckland Airport Property; Visualisation for Sydney Olympic Park Authority; Visualisation for New South Wales Hunter Development Corporation; Visual Simulations for Auckland Council Quay Street Development; and Visual simulations for Bunnings Limited Takanini and New Lynn. 1
4 Buildmedia was instructed by Waiheke Marinas Ltd in July 2010 to prepare imagery visualizing the post-construction appearance of the proposed Matiatia Marina on Waiheke Island. 5 I am familiar with the area to which the application for resource consent relates. 6 I record that I have read and agree to abide by the Environment Court s Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses as specified in the Environment Court s Consolidated Practice Note 2011. This evidence is within my area of expertise, except where I state that I rely upon the evidence of other expert witness as presented to this hearing. I have not omitted to consider any material facts known to me that might alter or detract from the opinions expressed. Scope of Evidence 7 In my evidence I provide: (a) (b) Summary of Visual Simulation Methodology Conclusion Scope of Work 8 Buildmedia was engaged to prepare imagery visualizing the postconstruction appearance of the proposed Matiatia Marina on Waiheke Island. 9 The viewpoints were selected by LA4 Landscape Architects in conjunction with input from other consultants engaged on the project. 10 Buildmedia are recognized specialists in this discipline and utilise the best surveying and computer visualisation practices available. The proprietary techniques and processes Buildmedia has developed, create robust and dependably accurate imagery. 2
11 Buildmedia's work does not include the assessment or interpretation of the visual simulations for issues relating to the development visibility and its visual effects. 12 The following methodology description explains the steps Buildmedia employed in the creation of the Matiatia Marina visual simulations. Process Methodology 13 The Visual Simulations created by Buildmedia and Precision Aerial Surveys were prepared using best surveying and visualisation practices and involve a series of processes and steps to ensure consistency and accuracy in the development of each image. The following steps briefly identify the method in which the Proposed Matiatia Marina was visualised On Ground Photography 14 A series of photographs were captured at each location on 11th October 2012 (Viewpoints 02-07) using a professional Canon 5D Mk II digital camera with a 24 mm lens (1.0 multiplier) using a level tripod. Photographs were captured every 30 degrees using a specialist panoramic head to remove parallax error. 15 Camera positions (for Viewpoints 02-07) were recorded using high accuracy Trimble 5800 RTK GPS (SN 4627118402) equipment with an accuracy of +/- 0.02m. The coordinate system used was Mount Eden 2000. 16 Camera positions (for Viewpoints 02-07) were tied to known local geodetic survey mark A5XG located on Delamore Drive, Oneroa. A5XG survey mark is of a second order vertical accuracy to Auckland Vertical Datum 1946. 17 An additional series of photos were taken on the 26th October 2012 (Viewpoint 01) using a Canon 7D with a 16mm lens (26mm equivalent with a 1.6 multiplier). These images were captured from 3
a boat, and the position of the camera triangulated using the camera match function in 3DS Max from tie points in the field of view within the photograph. This Viewpoint is to be regarded as a photomontage, rather than a Visual Simulation, as the camera location was unable to be surveyed to the same accuracy. 18 Camera heights were then corrected to "Matiatia chart datum" as supplied by Axis Survey Consultant Max Horley. Development of the 3d model of the Development 19 The 3D model of the proposed development was supplied to us as a 2D DWG file 4208-07 Rev.G.dwg by Wardale Marine Industry Consulting. The co-ordinate system used was Mount Eden 2000. 20 The 3D model of the suspended car park was developed using drawings supplied by International Marina Consultants Drawing numbers 4208-113 4208-121 dated 18th March 2014. 21 The DWG file 4208-07 Rev.G.dwg was imported into 3DS Max where it was then developed into a 3d model. 22 The 3d model was compared to both hard and soft copies of plans and elevations to ensure consistent accuracy. 23 The tides for each image were calculated from the Land Information New Zealand website: http://www.linz.govt.nz/hydro/tidal-info/tide-tables/index.aspx 24 The high and low tide information was taken from the Standard Port table for Auckland. Matiatia Bay is listed on the Secondary Ports Table, and adjustments are required in accordance with LINZ tables to accurately determine tide heights for those secondary ports. Buildmedia undertook the necessary adjustments using the LINZ formula. This information was applied to the graph to find the specific height of a tide at a given date/time: http://www.linz.govt.nz/hydro/tidal-info/tide-tables/calculate/index.aspx 4
25 The level of the pontoon and boats within the model were adjusted accordingly for each viewpoint, based on this determined tide height. Creating the Panoramic Photo 26 All photographs captured on site by Precision Aerial Surveys were post-processed to remove any elements of lens distortion and stitched together using specialized panoramic software. 27 Each photograph was then tied into its adjacent photograph using relative tie points to create an accurate panorama. A minimum of 10 control points were used to ensure a high level of accuracy. 28 Panorama photographs are generated with 124 degree field of view using true rectilinear projection to accurately simulate a camera lens with an equal field of view of 124 degrees. Virtual Camera Placement 29 Virtual cameras are placed into the 3D scene matched to the GPS coordinates of the field camera position ascertained on site by Precision Aerial Surveys when the photography was taken. These positions have an accuracy of +/- 0.02mm. 30 The field of view and aspect ratio of the virtual camera was then adjusted to match the rectilinear image field of view of 124 degrees. Generation of Tie Points for each Panorama 31 Tie points are specific, identifiable surveyed objects visible in both the 3D model and the panorama photograph. They are used to match the virtual camera target to the rectilinear image. 32 Tie points were generated from aerial photography taken on 31st May 2010 at 1:6000 photo scale and have an accuracy of +/- 0.15m. The result of the air triangulation set up root mean squared was rmsx = 0.01423m, rmsy = 0.00746m and rmsz = 0.01254m Total 5
RMS = 0.02m. 3D tie-point position indicators were added into the scene at the actual positions as determined by Precision Aerial Surveys. The virtual cameras were then altered in direction so that the tie points matched the rectilinear image. 33 Multiple tie points were used across the whole width of the view to ensure consistent accuracy. They were then rendered and overlaid onto the existing panorama. 34 Contour data, sourced from Auckland Council website ALGGI, was used to help align images where there was a shortage of known tie points (Viewpoint 07). This was due to the large body of water in the foreground, which was unsuitable for traditional tie points. The contour data was converted into a 3D mesh and added to the scene file. The virtual cameras were then altered in direction so that the contour data matched with the rectilinear image, as well as the known tie points. Rendering 35 In the 3D model, the sun and environment was simulated at the precise day and time each original photograph was captured. This ensures the lighting of the development as well as the shadows cast, are accurate representations of how the project would appear post construction in the field. Final Image Enhancements 36 2D image editing software was used to correctly edit what would normally appear in the foreground of the image. Foreground features were transcribed out of the original photograph and placed into their exact position in front of the 3D object. 37 Buildmedia carefully compared onsite photography, landscape plans and aerial photography when photo-editing the photography. 6
38 Final post effects such as blurring the higher resolution 3d render to match the photography plus mimicking other environmental factors such as distance haze were applied as post effects to improve the quality of the final result. 39 Final Image Correction 40 A final image correction is applied to remove the stretching found at the edges of the rectilinear image. This distortion is corrected by applying a rectilinear perspective correction. This removes the stretching on the sides of the image and provides a more accurate simulation of the view. Presentation sheet layouts 41 The final images were assembled using Adobe InDesign into PDF sheets that included titles, tie-point information, and necessary camera information. Conclusion 42 Buildmedia and Precision Aerial Surveys use the best surveying and visualisation practices and involve a series of processes and steps to ensure consistency and accuracy in the development of each visual simulation. These visual simulations accurately represent the proportions and location of the proposed development and views from the selected locations as prescribed by the design information available. 43 As explained above the images are created to represent the view from a specific location and time capturing the primary human field of view, they are designed to be viewed at a certain size and resolution. I understand that when evidence is exchanged the images created by Buildmedia will be circulated digitally given the large number of parties. I note that care needs to be taken when viewing the visual simulations on a computer screen. 7
44 The digital files will be preset to open at the appropriate scale. However it will be possible to zoom into the image on a computer beyond a human s visual acuity. If a viewer chooses to zoom in, this can over emphasise the visual impact of the development. Secondly the scale of the visual simulations can also be difficult to gauge as there are many different sized screens with different resolutions, both of which affect how a person views and interprets the digital visual simulations. Lastly if the digital versions are printed, the resolution of the printed image and the scale at which it is printed can also affect the visual impact of the development in a visual simulation. A notation on the bottom of the images provides a scale reference to assist in this regard. Timothy William Johnson Date: 29 April 2014 8