3D simulations in environmental impact assessment

The increase of petrol cost and the failure of Kyoto agreement generated huge investments in renewable energy sources. In recent times a lot of local authorities allowed wind farm location. In many cases, environmental impact assessments do not take into account visual aspects sufficiently. This component, often ignored, is the most observed by local communities. Visual noise produces strong opposition and public resistance to wind turbine generator placements. Some kinds of 3D simulations can support visual impact assessments each one with some limits and only for few aspects. This paper aims to highlight advantages of several techniques of 3D geo-visualization and improvements obtainable by means of geographical analysis as a support for environmental impact assessments. The study case has been applied in a region located in southern Italian Apennine with elevated wind power and at the same time excellent landscape from a naturalistic point of view.