Document Type

Project

Creation and/or Acquisition Date

12-16-2019

Institutional Repository Publication Date

2024

Description

This project examines early postwar suburban development in the U.S. by creating a 3D model of the Wolcott Road neighborhood in Levittown, NY (1947-1950). Drawing from archival sources, including photographs and historical maps, the project creates digital reconstructions of multiple Levittown house models and their variations. The project used SketchUp Pro to create the 3D models, which were published on SketchFab and compiled into a computer-based visualization on ArcGIS StoryMap for public access. This project adheres to the principles of the London Charter for best practices in using computer-based visualization of cultural heritage and promotes both accessibility and sustainability by ensuring the model’s long-term preservation and access.

Format

3D models outputted in SketchUp; published in ArcGIS StoryMap and SketchFab. Additional formats include COLLADA (.dae) and .kmz for use in Google Earth Pro.

Period of Significance

1947-1949

Instructions

SketchUp file can be viewed in SketchUp Pro (desktop application) or SketchUp Free (cloud-based). Ensure that you are using the latest version for optimal compatibility, ArcGIS StoryMap can be accessed through a web browser using the following URL: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1cc51596f9e542e4886ce471da7ca01c, 3D models are also available on SketchFab: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/levittown-ny-wolcott-road-neighborhood-model-2be9bac25bc9423b9204b531b0510b9f. Accessing Models in SketchUp Pro (.skp file): 1. Download and install SketchUp Pro, or use computers at EMU that already have the software installed. 2. Download the .skp file to your device. 3. Upload the .skp file into SketchUp. 4. For guidance on using SketchUp, refer to the official instructions: https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup/getting-started-sketchup Accessing Models in SketchUp Online (.skp file): 1. Visit the SketchUp for Web page: https://www.sketchup.com/en/products/sketchup-for-web 2. Click the “Start Modeling” button. 3. Create a SketchUp account or log in with your existing account. 4. Once logged in, click “Open,” then select “From Device.” 5. Upload the .skp file to view and edit the model. Accessing Models in SketchFab (.skp file): 1. Download the .skp file 2. Navigate to the SketchFab webpage: https://sketchfab.com/feed 3. Create a SketchFab account or log in with your existing account. 4. Once logged in, click “Upload,” then select the .skp file or files to view the model.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

External URL

ArcGIS StoryMap can be viewed through the following URL: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1cc51596f9e542e4886ce471da7ca01c Models can also be viewed in SketchFab through the following URL: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/levittown-ny-wolcott-road-neighborhood-model-2be9bac25bc9423b9204b531b0510b9f

Institution of Origin

Eastern Michigan University

Source

Levittown History Collection: A digital collection of 59 historic photographs and advertisements published by the Levittown Public Library, New York. This collection provided aerial photographs and house images. Google Maps and Street View: Screenshots of homes, photographs, and aerial views were used to verify current conditions and identify original house models. Zillow: Photographs of houses were sourced from real estate listings to provide additional visual reference for the neighborhood models. Rutgers University Library, Jersey Digital Highway: The 1947 Cape Cod House Floorplan was sourced from this archive to accurately model house dimensions

Spatial Coverage

Latitude: 40° 43’ 37.65” N, Longitude: 73° 31’ 58.13” W

Paradata

Processes, Decisions, and Methods: The project selected the Wolcott Road neighborhood in Levittown, NY, as a sample of early suburban development. Historical data from archival photographs and maps focused on house types from 1947-1949. 3D models of the five Cape Cod house types were created using SketchUp Free and Pro. ArcMap was used to digitize the neighborhood layout, and Google Street View to verify extant houses. The models were published on SketchFab and integrated into an ArcGIS StoryMap. Accuracy was prioritized while reducing polygon count for performance, with limitations in terrain detail and georeferencing noted for future improvements. Limitations: The models do not contain any interior details. Georeferencing the models in Google Earth Pro and ArcScene proved difficult, leading to incorrect geographic placement of the models. Exporting the SketchUp models as COLLADA files resulted in flat polygons instead of 3D representations, while the .kmz format was more successful but still lacked precise geolocation. ArcMap Pro lacked the required 3D Analyst license, which limited the models to 2D visualization. Neighborhood models lacked finer details such as sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and vegetation.

Provenance

The original aerial photographs, along with images of the houses and neighborhood from 1947-1949, are housed in the Levittown History Collection, which is accessible through the Levittown Public Library on the New York Heritage Digital Collections website. These materials served as the primary data source for creating the digital 3D model of the neighborhood.

Sponsors

Eastern Michigan University, Digital Heritage Preservation Lab, Historic Preservation Program, Preservation Studies Program.

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