A meeting for a potential project is underway. The computer connected to the presentation screen has multiple tabs open—bullet points, Google Street View, and examples of past or similar projects. The meeting ends shortly after a hasty napkin sketch is made to show everyone a concept. People leave with more questions than answers. Excitement was higher going into the meeting than after, and soon the conversation is forgotten.
Avoid confusion and boost engagement by using terrestrial and aerial scanners, artificial intelligence, and a bit of creativity to create a visually accurate representation of your project. This approach prompts better questions, influences design decisions, fosters community involvement, and results in a memorable visual document that can be shared and referenced throughout the project.
The use of drones and terrestrial scanners is becoming standard in the engineering industry. The data captured—not only used to design floor plans or plan subdivisions—can also be integrated into software like Photoshop or Twinmotion to give non-technical stakeholders a clearer view of the final product and how it affects them. Walking down a familiar street with a proposed building or restored stream—even in a digital environment—is far more memorable and engaging than looking at a 2D site plan.
PROJECT EXAMPLES
Orchard Canal Stream Restoration
A strong example of this approach is the Orchard Canal stream restoration project in West Allis. Photogrammetry and LiDAR were used to capture the existing stream and surrounding homes, providing highly detailed and accurate site conditions. That data was then imported into Twinmotion, where a proposed restoration design was developed and visualized in a real-world context. This process allowed designers, stakeholders, and residents to see exactly how the restored stream would integrate into the existing neighborhood. Deliverables like photos, videos, and immersive digital street views were exported with lifelike detail—helping spark informed discussion, build public trust, and move the project forward with confidence.
Video Flythrough Made in Twinmotion
Rendering created in Photoshop from scanner intake
City of Oconomowoc - NORTHEAST PARK CONCEPT
Concept Plan for the park, submitted to the City’s council.
Even without drone data, Twinmotion and Photoshop are powerful tools when used with AutoCAD. For example, the Oconomowoc Northeast Park concept plan highlights existing and proposed amenities—showing traffic flow, parking locations, and overall site cohesiveness. Even though the rendering is a conceptual snapshot, it remains flexible and easy to reference throughout the design phase. The visual helped stakeholders understand the intent quickly and clearly. This flexibility encourages iteration rather than locking a project into a rigid idea. It's especially valuable for both designers and the community, promoting transparency and meaningful engagement.
A few hours spent drawing and revising can make a lasting impact—and the value it brings often outweighs the cost. The illustration not only guided internal discussions and public feedback but also served as a flexible reference point throughout the design phase. It encouraged collaborative revisions, helped address concerns proactively, and built early excitement around the project—all without committing to a final design too soon.
In any design process, conveying intent can be challenging. Including a hand sketch or digital rendering in the project budget helps keep things on track by moving the conversation beyond questions like, “What does that blue line represent?” and toward more meaningful discussions about layout, parking, stormwater management, and overall design. These visual tools foster collaboration, minimize misunderstandings, and provide a shared understanding among all stakeholders. A clear illustration not only communicates the plan—it builds support, encourages feedback, and leads to better, more informed decisions.
NEXT STEPS
Want to see how visual tools could support your next project? Contact our team to learn more!
About the Author
ERIC VIDHAMALI
CIVIL SERVICES DESIGNER
Eric is a Civil Services Designer with Axiom Consultants, a Ruekert & Mielke Company, with a background in landscape design, bringing a unique blend of technical precision and conceptual design. He specializes in turning early-stage ideas into clear, visual plans that support project coordination, community engagement, and smooth transitions from concept to construction.