Strategies for Landscape Representation by Cureton Paul

Author:Cureton, Paul.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Taylor & Francis (CAM)

Principles of Perspective

A number of highly accurate survey modes mean that landscapes, cities and territories across scales can be accurately mapped and compared. Historical records can also be accessed to measure change. Chapter 1 discussed mapping data types and these sources can be integrated here in the generation of perspectives. Given these possibilities and availability of this mode, this section discusses working and creating such models, its use in survey and in developing design work alongside modes discussed previously.

Most common perspectives are created using artistic perspective, which are eye measurements of the relative scale and position of assets within a composition. Two-point perspective or three-point perspective gives a rigidity which is unhelpful. The perspective does not have to be a wholly artistic output; the perspective can make real reference to existing conditions and situations.

To create a perspective two strategies are possible. The perspective may be created from scratch or with reference to a 2D site photograph or sketch. The second option derives from a perspective view of a 3D CAD/GIS model. The 3D model may also be referenced to a site photograph, CAD work or sketch using perspective-matching tools.

Digital advances mean these two different strategies have become blended. You may use 3D elements in a 2D image. You can convert 2D images into a 3D object. You can also use 2D or 3D images to create a time-lapse motion perspectives. These options can mean efficiency in production; however, often the biggest hurdle in landscape perspectives is the choice and location of view. These three elements should be considered in the planning of your perspective in whichever strategy is used.

Framing. The choice of frame should be carefully considered. The extent of view of the site should focus on the key elements to be communicated.

Aperture. This is the opening of the lens. While this should be considered in the gathering of site photography, it may also be used in image editing and in the construction of the perspective as a way of blurring or focusing objects, and the depth of field in your digital perspective. For example, a smaller aperture lets in less light and gives a longer depth of field, ensuring the foreground and background are in focus in landscape shots. A wide-angle lens and ensuring the subject is at a distance to the camera ensures sharpness and depth. A larger aperture creates bokeh or out-offocus points of light for foreground and background parts and this can be used if certain aesthetic effects are required (Mackie et al., 2008).

Personal viewpoint. The personal viewpoint is the viewer’s position in the perspective. It may be advantageous for off-centre low or high viewpoints for the perspective to give emphasis and disrupt the standard composition. It may also be necessary to shoot at specific heights and distances if this is part of a legislative requirement. The aerial perspective for example is preferred when wishing to represent whole schemes.

Source. Using climate data, a diverse image stock, personal sources, sketches and site images to create the perspective will mitigate the danger of creating ‘images of images’ and a generic composition.

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