Verified Views

We help Architects and Developers to secure Planning Permission with high quality Verified Views

What are Verified Views?

Verified Views, also known as Accurate Visual Representations, are computer-generated photomontages where a fully rendered image is integrated into a photograph. These visuals are often required by planning authorities to support planning applications. At Avixual, we specialize in delivering photorealistic and compelling Verified Views for clients throughout London and the UK.

By using Verified Views, decision-makers gain a clear understanding of a proposed development’s placement, visibility, form, and materials, ensuring the final result matches what observers will see in reality.

What makes a good Verified View?

A high-quality Verified View not only aids architects and developers in securing planning permission but also ensures the project is visually convincing. While the process is technically precise, artistic choices are equally significant.

Lighting plays a pivotal role when capturing baseline photos. Factors like time of day and weather impact the visual tone. For instance, late-afternoon diffused light softens shadows, enhancing architectural details.

Seamless integration of the new development into the baseline photograph is crucial. The goal is to make it appear as if it “always belonged” in the scene.

Example of Verified Views in 71 Victoria Street (London) - Before

Example of Verified Views in 71 Victoria Street (London) - After

Verified Views types and classifications

The London View Management Framework categorizes Verified Views into four levels: AVR0, AVR1, AVR2, and AVR3. The primary difference between these types lies in the level of photorealism and detail. Simpler classifications focus on basic placement and scale, while more complex ones include detailed architectural features and materiality.

Typically, AVR0 and AVR3 are most often requested by planning authorities to meet varying levels of assessment needs, depending on the project’s design stage and impact evaluation.

AVR 0

Accurate Visual Representation Level 0. Shows the location and size of the proposed development. It’s the simplest representation and does not consider the visibility of the project.

AVR 1

Accurate Visual Representation Level 1. Displays location, size, and degree of visibility. It outlines the development in context with surrounding buildings.

AVR 2

Accurate Visual Representation Level 2. Adds more detail, showing location, size, visibility, and architectural form, represented with a basic clay material.

AVR 3

Accurate Visual Representation Level 3. Provides the highest detail, including location, size, visibility, architectural form, materials, and lighting for a fully photorealistic view.

Original Photograph Baseline for Verified Views in 71 Victoria Street (London)

Survey Photographs for Verified Views in Victoria Street (London)

3d Model for Verified Views. 71 Victoria Street

Final Verified View Photomontage for 71 Victoria Street (London)

Verified Views Methodology

Briefing

We begin by consulting with local planning authorities to determine the precise viewpoints required for the Verified Views. These are pre-mapped on a site plan.

Photography

High-resolution photographs are taken using a full-frame camera with a prime lens, typically 50mm for its human-eye perspective. Each location is marked and documented for accurate revisits. Factors like time, lighting, and weather conditions are meticulously recorded to ensure consistency in the final photomontage.
Every location is marked with a semi-permanent spray to allow the surveyor to record the exact location on a subsequent visit.

Time of the day, date and the weather and lighting conditions are recorded for every visit. This information will be later used to perfectly match the lighting conditions in the 3d software.

Lighting / materiality / Rendering

This the part when we apply physically based materials to the 3d model that will represent the ones in the new development. Then the real lighting conditions of the photograph are recreated and finally a photo-real render is produced.

Survey

Professional surveyors capture viewpoint coordinates and control points using point clouds. This ensures precise camera matching in the 3D modelling stage. Survey data is integrated into our 3D software to align virtual cameras with real-world perspectives.
This information will posteriorly allow a high degree of accuracy in the camera matching process.
We provided the surveyors with photographs and detailed locations so they can identify every camera point. All recorded surveyed point cloud information is opened in the 3d software and will be ready for the camera matching.

Camera Matching

A detailed 3D model is built based on architectural plans, sections, and elevations. Contextual models include surrounding buildings and landscapes to accurately simulate shadows and reflections.

3d Modelling

Physically accurate materials are applied to the model, replicating real-world textures. Lighting conditions from the original photograph are recreated to produce a photorealistic render.

Photomontage production

The rendered model is seamlessly integrated into the original photograph using advanced photo-editing software to create a convincing, verified view.

Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment Report

Each project includes a comprehensive Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment Report, detailing our process, viewpoints, control points, camera data, and methodology, ensuring transparency and accuracy.

Verified Views documentation report for London

Some of the clients we have work with

Have More Questions?

Explore our Verified Views FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions about our process, benefits, and how Verified Views can support your planning applications.

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