Building information Modeling (BIM) adoption plays a significant part in supporting the creation and maintenance of green buildings. [acronym] shows how three examples highlight where BIM can help you design greener buildings today. For several reasons, not the least of which is global climate change, sustainable building has become a practice of critical interest. ‘Sustainable’ buildings minimize the use of resources such as energy, water, materials and land through optimal design. Green buildings are designed and operated to create healthier and more productive work and living environments through natural light and improved air quality. Sustainable buildings can also reduce long-term operations and maintenance expenses.

Making the transition from 2D to 3D to support engineering modeling and emergency preparedness, the City of Coppell, Texas, gained numerous cost savings and community benefits. The engineering department at the City of Coppell, Texas, is among the engineering departments in cities across North America discovering the benefits of 3D modeling. Under the guidance of Scott Latta, Engineering Technician, and with the help of Avatech Solutions, they made the transition from 2D AutoCAD® to engineering modeling using AutoCAD® Civil 3D®. Latta and the team of engineers undertake several projects per year. Designs are sent out to general bids to construction companies to build and complete projects.

4D and 5D modeling for the AEC industry is gaining momentum in the press and with software developers. In fact, applications that handle 4D and 5D modeling are rapidly becoming a reality. Read more about how these new dimensions bring time, space and cost savings for designers.

The old adage “measure twice, cut once” certainly applies to technology implementations. When it comes to moving from 2D drafting to full-fledged BIM and 3D parametric design, technology changes necessitate significant cultural, process and workflow standards adjustments as well. Based on hundreds of successful implementations, Avatech regards the following considerations vital to success.

I think it is a fair statement to say that at long last the wall dividing the CAD and GIS communities has crumbled. You have probably noticed many of the trade magazines are devoting articles with titles like “Bridging the Gap between CAD and GIS,” “GIS for Surveyors,” and “Integrating CAD & GIS.” In this article I will endeavor to convince you that the dark ages, where only those early adopters who dwell out on the bleeding edge dare to tread, is over. It is not only perfectly safe to integrate the two technologies but it is relatively simple. If you don’t begin these efforts soon you may find that the folks who have are leaving you far behind.

[acronym] magazine talked to Jon Hansen, as assistant fire chief in Oklahoma City during the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building, Jon saw technology used in ways that, at the time, were somewhat novel for first responders – using CAD drawings for search, rescue and recovery efforts. Since then, Jon has seen technology, including GIS and CAD, be put to better use.

In this article, Pete Kelsey, K-TEK Solutions’ founder and Autodesk Certified Instructor, shares his proven three-step process to help government entities manage change and maximize CAD and GIS technology ROI through standardization, implementation and education.

Read more about using BIM to integrate building design and planning with post-construction facility management. Government facility managers have a difficult but essential job: They must ensure that a building and its services are functioning as designed and as required by the building occupants. They work mainly behind-the-scenes supporting their customers—the agencies and departments that depend on the electrical, mechanical, and other building systems to perform their jobs.

Read about how BIM is revolutionizing new government building projects and how GSA is actively pursuing BIM. The Government building industry is in the midst of a revolution – a revolution in building design. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is significantly impacting new building projects, both in the commercial and government spaces. While BIM tools have been primitive and under-developed in the past, they are now mature enough to be used in prime time.

The AEC industry has some big challenges on its plate. Challenges like budget shortfalls, increased energy consumption mandates, and the task of integrating GIS data into digital designs, just to name a few.