CADD – Computer Aided Drafting and Design
Primarily the work I do is driven by my knowledge of CAD software and my experience working on projects to support Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers. Their deliverables are my deliverables.
CAD is the tool I use for creating digital documents and 3D models in pursuit of all the topics to follow
I work with Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers who get paid to collect or produce digital content, delivering that content mostly in the form of a plan set.
Plan sets are digital documents that can be printed on paper. The printed parts are called sheets. 3D models are used to create the sheets.
Digital Twins are what I produce. What does that mean?
Existing Conditions
Surveys show the observed state of existence at a recent point in time when field work was performed to gather data. Surveys represent a instant in time which designers rely on to conduct their work.
Only continuous monitoring can show current conditions.
Existing conditions surveys gather data to report, in document form, the location and size of both natural and man-made features. The technology behind it all is really interesting. GPS collected points, point clouds from laser scans, and GIS data is usually the types of data I am working with to compile a deliverable using CAD software.
As-Builts are another form of Existing Conditions. Data collected on recent construction sites is used to validate compliance with the intended design. As-Builts are also critical for Asset Management purposes.
Digital Terrain Models
Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) are used to represent both existing conditions and design features to be built. I use CAD software to make Digital Terrain Models.
Design Deliverables
Plan sets with just enough detail to get a permit for construction is usually what I see coming from Civil Engineers. It involves a level of detail appropriate for the purpose. Design Deliverables have a higher degree of labeling in their plan sets. There are paragraphs of specifications defining what and how things will be constructed. The plan set is a communication tool so construction does not go “off script”.
Digital Twins for Site Construction
Converting a design deliverable into a 3D model for the purpose of site construction is usually requested when the contractor will be using GPS guided equipment for earthwork and buried utilities construction. Everything to be constructed will have a 3D Digital Twin produced using CAD software.
Going from Design Deliverable to Digital Twin for Construction is a process I often refer to as “finishing the design”. There is a higher level of detail expected in the Digital Terrain Model with no gaps. I have to fill in the missing content that is normally not required for permitting purposes.
BIM – Building Information Modeling
BIM also uses the concept of Digital Twins but applies to buildings. You find Architects, Structural Engineers, and MEP professionals using 3D models during the design process and also during construction. BIM during construction is critical to coordinating work between crews with specialized skill sets. This coordination effort can make or break a building project.
My work is focused outside the building footprint so BIM is something I am aware of but not directly involved in. However, without buildings there is less reason to do sitework. Roads connect buildings. Drainage pipes keep buildings from flooding. All those buried utilities like sewer, water, electric, fiber optic cable, and more all go to buildings.
Mentoring
When I find people who want to develop skills that align with what I know I want to help. Sometimes I get paid to help. Most times I learn something in the process too.