Geodesign Services

• Design framework — combining geospatial design elements towards framework creation for understanding existing uses. 

• Iterative process — includes stakeholder input, modeling, simulations, and feedback to create holistic designs. 

• Geographic information — using geographic information science (GIS) to link geographic entities to scientific information. 

• Environmental resilience — helping to improve environmental resiliency on all scales, from neighborhoods to regions to the planet. 

• Communication — well conceived visualizations support positive collaboration between stakeholders.

Our process includes the development of detailed analysis workflows to refine available spatial data for the evolution of assessment and planning strategies. Combinations of spatial datasets which can be used for analysis include, but are not limited to: 

• Terrain — Analysis of project area terrain slope is crucial to the preliminary development of any assessment strategy.  Terrain data combined with geology and hydrology data analysis can also help to identify areas which may require focused critique.  It can also be used to identify places where areas of geologic hazards might require special design considerations.    

• Geology — Soil and bedrock geologic data can be used to identify a variety of project area conditions without the need for extensive ground proofing.  For example, certain soil types that include significant amounts of bentonite clay found on northern slopes where snow accumulates might be needed to be avoided.  Bedrock outcrop data can help to predefine areas of ground stability, as-built infrastructure durability, and natural geologic hazards.

• Hydrology — Defining stream basins and subsurface water table levels can help to identify locations that may require the special consideration and can help to guide infrastructure development site selection.  Perennial streams and other surface waters, which typically include riparian habitat, may include conditions where special maintenance techniques also need to be considered.  In conjunction with terrain data, hydrologic data can be used to identify areas of both desirable and undesirable seasonal conditions.

• Nature vs. Purpose-built — Positively identifying the existing natural conditions and any historic as-built ground shaping, can contribute to positive in-field differentiation between areas requiring detailed assessment and those that do not.  In conjunction with terrain slope analysis, complete site characterization can help to ensure long-term durability. 

• Sensitive Resources — If available, sensitive data such as archeology, paleontology, and wildlife habitat can greatly help to predefine or highlight areas which may require specific assessment steps.  Sensitive spatial data can also be used to help identify and prioritize areas that will require additional safeguards to protect resources.