The capture volume on Avatar allowed for virtual set scouting, where Jim could use mocap performers and his virtual camera to actually test-shoot scenes in live action set designs, testing them out, long before construction. For Ops, Rick had me work with Len Barrit to develop a realtime 3D model of the set based on preliminary geo and artwork by James Clyne and Victor Martinez. The walkthrough/test of this model was a big success, and in fact much of the detail I'd added into texture maps went straight into the real set design pipeline. Was a big eye opener re: using lo-res textured models as a design tool.
