Reality: There are many free tools available for visualization creation. For example, using Paint.net can be used to manipulate photographs to display before and after comparisons or using the free version of Google SketchUp you can quickly create a 3-D Street Scene.

Reality: Visualizations are useful in imagining the final product, but can be misleading as well. Make sure to ask the right questions. View web tutorial on this topic.

Reality: Sometimes "sketchy" representations or even abstract representations that just show mass and bulk are more helpful. High levels of detail tend to give audiences the impression that no changes are possible or that every detail has been thought out and decided. If you are early in the process, that may not be true.

Reality: Visualization spans the range from static photo simulations, to pre-recorded videos, to animations, to interactive scenes, to immersive simulations.

Reality: More and more government agencies are using visualization as an unbiased assessment and decision-making tool. Visualization is now inexpensive enough that it's worthwhile to create models of many possible scenarios or alternatives before choosing among them.

Reality: For all but the highest-end visual modeling, off-the-shelf computer hardware will usually suffice.

Reality: Some tools allow the user to create a visual scene entirely from imagination; though in practice most visualizations are based at least loosely on actual plans. CAD- and GIS-based tools allow the visual to incorporate technically accurate dimensions, location, and other information, though there is room for error. Most frequently, visuals you see combine some accurate real-world information and proposals with additional decorative or interpretive details.

Reality: There are many ways a visual representation can create misleading impressions. If you are creating visuals, be careful to present accurate, fair representations. If you are viewing visuals, use them as a tool for understanding but don't take them literally and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Reality: With many of the tools described on this site, a useful (though perhaps coarse) model of a real transportation project can be created in a matter of hours or days and can often be changed during the course of a meeting or conversation.

Reality: You can create 3D models of large areas showing existing structures as well as new.

Reality: Another popular and useful application is showing data and information in a visual format, such as 3D bar charts overlaid on the landscape.