The Viewshed tool is a powerful feature that helps users understand the visibility or “line of sight” from a specific location. It is crucial for urban planning, as it shows how objects can affect visibility in real-time within a 3D environment.

While our ZTVs focus on gauging the visibility of whole buildings, the Viewshed tool offers users the ability to examine line of sight from up to 4 points in space simultaneously, with the results seamlessly mapped onto both terrain and buildings. The Viewshed results can be extended by amending camera position and loading the necessary tiles for analysis.

1. Set up the camera
   Position the camera and set the view cone parameters (Height, Pitch, Lens, Range).
   
   
2. Activate Viewshed
   • Save the view and exit camera options.
   • Click the Viewshed icon on the camera to display the visibility cone in the 3D environment.

Visibility analysis identifies the geographical area visible from a specific location, highlighting line-of-sight obstructions from terrain, buildings, and other features. It is used in urban planning to preserve scenic or historic views, support archaeological site analysis, and optimise security camera placements.

Practical applications

Reverse massing

Use the Viewshed tool and the Create tool to ensure new constructions do not obstruct protected views. Create massing on a site, place cameras in key locations, turn on the Viewshed, and adjust the massing until it is hidden from key views.

CCTV coverage

Place cameras around a site to represent the line of sight of security cameras. Adjust the positions to optimise coverage and eliminate blind spots.