Creating Visual Simulations

Visual simulations can help managers and stakeholders understand the impacts of their decisions, and these simulations can be created using many software programs. Programs range from free tools for inexperienced users to powerful software for more complex images. The descriptions below include links and images available for download – including docks, houses, vegetation, boats, and buoys – to help you create your own visual simulations.

CanVis Software

CanVis allows users to quickly and easily add objects to their images and is a great option for those who have little to no experience or access to photo editing or 3-D software. CanVis software is available free of charge from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and can now be obtained through the NOAA Coastal Services Center. The only drawbacks of this program are its image resolution limits (600x800 pixels – good for PowerPoint and Web use but not for large prints and posters) and its inability to make fine adjustments to images.

How can this site help you with CanVis?

If you need the software, click on the Get CanVis button to receive a copy by mail, along with a training CD and a visual simulation guide developed by the USDA National Agroforestry Center.

If you are looking for information, the "Guidance Documents and Resources" section provides

• Easy step-by-step guide to the software (with an emphasis on docks and piers applications)
• PowerPoint presentations with examples of how CanVis can be used in coastal settings
• Link to the USDA National Agroforestry Center website for additional information and resources on the product

If you have CanVis but need some objects to add to your base imagery, several collections, such as docks, boats, and houses, are available below for your library.

Get CanVis!

Guidance Documents and Resources
CanVis Software: www.unl.edu/nac/simulation/ (It is advisable to request the two free additional disks that accompany the software because they provide additional information and video tutorials.)

Guide to Using CanVis for Docks and Piers Visualization (PDF document, 4MB)
CanVis Presentation for Docks and Piers (PDF, 1.66MB)
CanVis Presentation for Docks and Piers (PowerPoint, 27MB)

CanVis website at USDA National Agroforestry Center

Objects: (download zip files with TGA objects)

• Docks (1.5MB)
• Boats (2MB)
• Houses (3MB)
• Vegetation (5MB)
• Google Earth Docks (.5MB)
• Other (1.5MB)

• Full Package (17MB) All Object Files and Guide to Using CanVis for Docks and Piers Visualization

Contact us at canvis@csc.noaa.gov.