View Full Version : Cool site plans?
How do you normally present your site plans. All the way up until december 2005 I've been pen and pencilling my way through it, trying to charm my way out of flaws. But my new "digital self" :o is still struggling with this problem...
Doeas anyone have any examples/references?
I think this is a pretty good example, right here from ppb2
http://www.pushpullbar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2795&page=8
BrianMyers
17-04-2006, 20:15
What software programs do you have access to? Just trying to point you in the right direction! :)
I use sketchup, the adobe package, trying to learn Artlantis and I have access to Autocad, but I'm finding it hard to even draw a line there :o
I use sketchup, the adobe package, trying to learn Artlantis and I have access to Autocad, but I'm finding it hard to even draw a line there :o
if you can give me some time I will post some examples of master plans/site plans I have done at my work using Photoshop from cadd drawings and even hand drawings... I have a technique down using actions to refine the process... anyhow, I have a deadline to get out so will have to post them after that is done...
This is an example of a quick site plan with marker type trees. This one took approx. 3.5 hours to fill in the color. Pretty simple to do in Photoshop. This is done using lines already drawn in Autocad.
Sweet wizum!!!
There's no rush, really But I would very much appreciate to see some examples of your work.
Good luck with your deadline! :)
This one is a mix of 2d color layers with 3d shadows. Again done in Photoshop in about 3 to 4 hours. The site model was done in formz and rendered with white materials then brought into photoshop and used as a multiply layer. Still very simple stuff.
It would be nice if Ryo would shed some light on how he manages to make magic happen with his site plans.
These are very good examples cheffey, thank you very much!
I like that you keep it relatively simple. I probably would never have thought of the 3D shadow multiply layer myself - very cool!
I've mostly been keeping everything except my actual buildings in greyscale, but it tends to "glorify" your work too much!
Francisco
17-04-2006, 23:06
This one is from my last University proyect.
Just Sketch Up. Mabye it doesnt show sufficient surroundings.
I think Photoshop should help you a lot.
ajwtaylor
17-04-2006, 23:27
When you are tryin to overlay an export from a rendering package onto say a 2d cad drawings, what is the best method of matching the scale of the export to that of the cad drawing?
I have tried plotting my CAD dwgs to eps and opening in PS, ticking the constrain proportions option and not changing the size in PS. I suppose my main question is what is the best method of matching the rendered or SU output to that of the CAD image in PS?
I suppose the two could be matched in a cad package by scaling the image up to the correct size however I imagine a lot of quality would be lost in the image by the time it was at the correct size?
:cheers:
here is a few examples 2kemon...
As I mentioned before I have actions set up to help the rendering process and to gain consistancey in the presentation work. Also it allows others in the office to hopefully be able to produce the same renderings so that we have consisency in the office for our presentations... anyhow, the work my firm mostly does is religious, medical, and educational work... when it comes down to it our firm is pretty straight forward and plays it safe... I will post several examples with links also to larger images from my flickr page so you can view them at a larger size...
The general process is that I will export the site plan/master plan from a cadd file, being as clean as possible showing only what is neccessary for the presentation. After that I will open in PS and then begin to select my areas that will be filled using any number of the selection tools (hopefully mostly the magic wand tool :)) once I save my paths (with specific names so my actions will select the correct ones) I will go through my actions to let my layers be created, with proper settings, and the fills and textures are created to render out the plan... thats about it... I initially spent about 2 to 3 weeks developing a baseline style that we were happy with and that the principals felt strongly for using for their standard... these are just a few examples of around 50 or 60 that I have done (might be more but I loose track after a while :))... hope this is useful...
this first one has a few "custom" texture and fills but most of it was using my process... this is a typical board showing a master plan layout...
here is a close-up of the previous image so you can see the texture I used...
this particular board for a master plan, for a school addition, illustrated some "blow-ups" or areas of focus... also notice the satelite photo under the rendered plan... I try mostly to use those if the image is available... its an effective method...
HERE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/84279479@N00/93914072/in/set-72057594055804272/) is the flickr link
This master plan board, similar to the first one I posted, but I was able to refine it... its for a private school and again has some "custom" uses of trees and textures...
the fickr link HERE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/84279479@N00/93913815/in/set-72057594055804272/)
Hope this gives you some further ideas from the others aready posted... it really comes down to developing a style that you think is appropriate and works for you... and there is many ways to accomplish this... good luck... :cheers:
...again, thanks wizum! I really appreciate it.
I like your methods, and I can see the potential in using actions in PS. I think I might try and tutorial my way to making some myself?! Your site plans are good examples and I find it particularly cool, that they almost look even better up close, where the textures really come into play...
Personally, I would probably create a style involving a bit stronger colors and contrasts. But then again, that might make it stand out to much?!
...again, thank you for taking the time to do this!
Francisco, is that really a raw SU output. That's very good!!! Maybe I shouldn't really look for magic to produce some good results. Just sticking with SU and PS seems to be the way for me, when it comes to rendering!!!
saniya9919
18-04-2006, 10:53
Thanks wizum!Really cool job.
Wizum, you definitely have that down. I haven't thought of using actions in this, definitely an eye opener. thanks. One thing I have used that you might get some mileage out of is taking a multiply layer and a screen layer at very low opacity settings like 5 to 9% and drawing some swooshes for lack of better term. ala Coca-Cola. You would draw in white on the screen layer and dark purple on the multiply layer. If you do this with the fall of the topo it can give a nice effect as well. I'm going to try to setup some of those actions as you described though, thanks again.
Another thought would be to select a new layer, pick two colors for your trees in the foreground/background picker and select the Bert Monroy Maple leaf brush. Then in the brush settings select the color dynamics and set foreground/background to 70-80% and change the hue, saturation & brightness jitter just a bit. Then paint your happy trees. You can add a thin stroke effect to the layer and a drop shadow to complete it. This one might come in handy on the larger scale plans like in post #7.
merengue
18-04-2006, 13:34
Wow men this is like the presentation kitchen !!. And this are some easy to follow tips. THANKS FOR SHEARING ALL OF YOU. :clap:
Another thought would be to select a new layer, pick two colors for your trees in the foreground/background picker and select the Bert Monroy Maple leaf brush. Then in the brush settings select the color dynamics and set foreground/background to 70-80% and change the hue, saturation & brightness jitter just a bit. Then paint your happy trees. You can add a thin stroke effect to the layer and a drop shadow to complete it. This one might come in handy on the larger scale plans like in post #7.
Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you: The Maestro of Site plans
:not worth :not worth :not worth :not worth
:clap: :clap: Excellent work there wizum I particularly like the feel of No 13
drichards
18-04-2006, 20:48
Nice presentation graphics for site plans. Clean and the clarity is fantastic.
As far as your set up goes for layers and actions in ps do you simply set the actions per layer, based on what is is? Example: layer name = grass with working path selected. Actions record: 1. color fill (green) 2. create layer mask (texture fill). Apply action to each drawing. Do you also have a batch process to apply this to multiple site drawings?
This sounds really intersting. Definitely a time saver and an easy way to create a consistant presentation style. If you could share some of the benefits and drawbacks of this I would greatly appreciate it.
Actions and batches would save a huge amount of time. Now only if there was a way to predetermine the areas straight out of cad. Like say, a solid hatch color that is recognized by photoshop for selecting all your areas. Then having photoshop create working paths based on the color. Example export cad drawing to epsf pdf, tiff, ps action select by color (green = working path of grass), then applies grass action as stated above. This would be a sweet set up, and you would easily be able to have this applied to any site once a standard was set up.
This takes care of the color, but what about your tree effect in post #13 in the right hand corner. Is this also a ps action? If so would you mind sharing how?
Oh man I am going to have to remember this one. I will work on it when I get a chance after moving to a new city (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada). Definitely going to watch this thread develop. Thanks for the inspiration and thought process.:not worth :clap: :rock on:
Nice presentation graphics for site plans. Clean and the clarity is fantastic.
As far as your set up goes for layers and actions in ps do you simply set the actions per layer, based on what is is? Example: layer name = grass with working path selected. Actions record: 1. color fill (green) 2. create layer mask (texture fill). Apply action to each drawing. Do you also have a batch process to apply this to multiple site drawings?
This sounds really intersting. Definitely a time saver and an easy way to create a consistant presentation style. If you could share some of the benefits and drawbacks of this I would greatly appreciate it.
Actions and batches would save a huge amount of time. Now only if there was a way to predetermine the areas straight out of cad. Like say, a solid hatch color that is recognized by photoshop for selecting all your areas. Then having photoshop create working paths based on the color. Example export cad drawing to epsf pdf, tiff, ps action select by color (green = working path of grass), then applies grass action as stated above. This would be a sweet set up, and you would easily be able to have this applied to any site once a standard was set up.
This takes care of the color, but what about your tree effect in post #13 in the right hand corner. Is this also a ps action? If so would you mind sharing how?
Oh man I am going to have to remember this one. I will work on it when I get a chance after moving to a new city (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada). Definitely going to watch this thread develop. Thanks for the inspiration and thought process.:not worth :clap: :rock on:
Some good suggestions and ideas Drichards... unfortunetly I have to manually create the paths per master plan drawing... when I came up with the color, texture, and so forth that we decided to use as our standard, I could spend about 3 hours for the standard plan to render... with the actions though I have been able to get it down to about 1 hour of work... now if there is some custom stuff that is done with a particular drawing then of course it adds to the time of the drawing... but overall it has been a BIG BIG time saver and makes my job much easier...
But going back to your suggestions... I am not aware of any way of having photoshop, or anyother program, to recognize areas to select based on a color field... an intersting thought for sure... also, I am not sure how you could make this become a batch operation...
When it comes down to it, sometimes you just have to manualy do some things even though it becomes slightly redundant... remember that presentation quality is key and that even though you can break things down to a formula of sorts there is still an artistic touch that needs to be placed on the drawings to make them truely look good and work... it isn't all computer :)
If I can get some time I will possibly post some of my actions and maybe do a walk through of how I go about generating a master plan... I am sure then that someone can see how I go about it and maybe make suggestions to make it even better and maybe even faster and more efficient :)
Wizum,
I totally agree, we don't want it to be completely automated. What I like about what you are doing is that it leaves more time for the custom touches that really allows you to quickly taylor the drawing to the specific project. I have developed a kit of parts approach to pull from other psd's. I really want to get into developing a way to incorporate the actions but still leave the flexibility of a layered drawing.
I am not aware of any way of having photoshop, or anyother program, to recognize areas to select based on a color field... an intersting thought for sure... also, I am not sure how you could make this become a batch operation...
what about select>color range? if used in an action, it remembers the color code and the fuzziness level...
or you were talking about something else?
I think that's the ticket. You could take the color fill RGB # from your CAD output and use that selection in your mask creation.
Nice work! Tips galore here!
SezzaCrow
22-05-2006, 11:48
what is 3D shadow multiply layer ???
any one got any tips for presentation techniques? i'm a third year uni student- and i'm looking for some ideas on really effective ways to present work
what is 3D shadow multiply layer ???
a photochop layer that is set at multiply which has a 3d drop shadow of the scene on it.
as to the rest of your question, just search around the forum until you find a more specific question to ask. Welcome to the forum!
what about select>color range? if used in an action, it remembers the color code and the fuzziness level...
or you were talking about something else?
I am in the process of making a post regarding presentation techniques for site plans as discussed in this thread... I have put some thought into the ideas of trying to create "color fields" from cadd to then have an action recognize the color and select it and then make it a path for selecting to add fill color too...
My thoughts on this are that I don't know if this really would be too helpful... I think it would be just as fast to make your selection areas manually in PS and create the paths for the different fill areas... I think the time you would spend in Cad making these color areas would be about the same time you would spend doing your selections in PS... But maybe I am crazy :)
I will try and put together a post soon to elaberate a bit more on my actions and how I use them to put my presentations together... primarily site plans...
I think the time you would spend in Cad making these color areas would be about the same time you would spend doing your selections in PS... But maybe I am crazy :)
I agree the time would be the same, but if someone else is doing the Cad work then it saves you time. Of course, the big problem with going that route is the person doing the Cad drawing would actually have to adhere to specific criteria and I have yet to run across anyone doing site work that's very precise with their drawings.
I agree the time would be the same, but if someone else is doing the Cad work then it saves you time. Of course, the big problem with going that route is the person doing the Cad drawing would actually have to adhere to specific criteria and I have yet to run across anyone doing site work that's very precise with their drawings.
thats for sure... on the precise thing... I am always having to do cleanup stuff on the Cadd drawings :bang head
I am actually putting together an outline to do an internal tutuorial for my office, on my process for doing master plans via photoshop... what I will be posting soon is a outline of that process... I can't get too detailed but hopefully can reveil enough info for everyone to understand the process and be able to create their own actions... besides I think you should have to create your own just to understand how they work and how powerful of a tool they really are...
I've got a funny feeling u gonna help a heck load of people wizum :not worth
Thanks:cheers:
franjayo
14-07-2006, 23:55
Nice work Wizum! I guess that's where the Wiz name comes from, you are the wizard of site presentations.
Nice work Wizum! I guess that's where the Wiz name comes from, you are the wizard of site presentations.
Well I'll let you guys be the judges of that I guess when I finish posting my tut... :)
actually the wizum name is from my initials of my real name WSM... If you were to say my initials as a word it would sound like "wizum"... or so thats how I came up with it... or rather a friend of mine a long time ago... yes... dorky... but I have been using it for forever...
It will probably be sometime this weekend before I can make that site plan tut. post but it will be sometime this weekend...
I have put together an outline tutorial of the process I go through to create site plans for presentation using the actions for automating the process. You can find it HERE (http://www.pushpullbar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3786)
A_Minima
18-07-2006, 10:46
Water plant Station for 20000 unhabitants
One type of site plan I used to present for competitions :
aerial colour photography convert to grayscale
intention projected in colour
model made with SU to place shadows
All the plan is an EPS file traced from Autocad with the eps plotter.
I used to trace at 300dpi and work at 300 dpi.
Once finished, I reduce to 150dpi and send it to the print office as an eps file.
Works fine.
This picture is originaly a iso A0 at 150dpi. Here reduced to 72dpi and 700pix high
Using the aerial photo has been a tool I have used quite often too... It helps put the project in a context that clients seem to realy identify with and they always seem very impressed too... Nice work A_Minima...
Moita_UFF
19-07-2006, 14:14
Some of my work with site plans...
Moita_UFF
19-07-2006, 14:15
Another one...
Moita_UFF
19-07-2006, 14:20
All done in PS, in a very similar process to wizum's (http://www.pushpullbar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3786)
Nice work Moita_UFF... so you have set up actions as well for your process of rendering your site plans?
this is so cool..plz can u teach me..i like my site like that#39..plz..
here is a close-up of the previous image so you can see the texture I used...
.......Should that perhaps read 'retention pond'........
perhaps we should do a thread about embarrasing spelling mistakes on drawings.....
.......Should that perhaps read 'retention pond'........
perhaps we should do a thread about embarrasing spelling mistakes on drawings.....
ah no, detention is right.
We could do a thread about embarrassingly incorrect accusations of spelling mistakes? :poke fun: :D
ah no, detention is right.
Well only maybe! Depends whether the intention actually is to retain or detain!!! I understand the intent is different.
Have often wondered why this term is always so argued when possibly neither (in sydney terms anyway) is really strictly correct!
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