Opinion

Hanging with the Early Adopters

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December 17, 2014 by Allison Huffman

Well, I think naysayers will be surprised to learn that there are a lot of civil planners and engineers who are pushing the boundaries and becoming early adopters of advancing technologies. When it comes to creating 3D models there are examples out there that will knock your slide rulers right out of your shirt pockets. Have a look for yourself. Dozens and dozens of infrastructure professionals from around the world are flocking here to show off what they can do.

Yes, not every client is asking for renderings that provides real-life detail and the ability to virtually experience a design before its built, but I have no doubt they soon will be. Flat 2D drawings will lose when it comes to winning new business, visualizing design in the context of the real environment, and quickly creating alternatives. And there are many civil engineering firms and owners who are already proving this is true.

What are the benefits of being an early adopter? For one thing, it sets you apart from the competition. You come to the table with something no one else can deliver. And in the case of 3D models of the existing environment, you offer the level of detail that many owners and public stakeholders are asking for before they approve a design. Additionally, as the civil infrastructure baby boomer workforce continues to retire, civil engineering students are coming out school with an expectation that they will be using the latest technology to advance their careers. A 2D model that isn’t visually compelling and more importantly doesn’t include all the data needed to make solid design decisions just isn’t going to cut it.

So where do you fall in the world of early adopters? Whether you are just dipping your toes in the water or already swimming laps, show off what you are working on. Head to our online InfraWorks 360 Community Center and have a look around. There’s a spot there for you when you are ready to showcase your masterpieces in the InfraWorks 360 Gallery. Or if you are just looking to get started, download the InfraWorks 360 trial and take a test drive. Who knows you could be a closet early adopter yourself.

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Source: bimontherocks.typepad.com/my_weblog/2014/12/infraworks360gallery.html
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