Trends in information visualisation in construction

Abstract

It is widely recognised that construction is an information intensive and complex industry. Traditional computational techniques have failed because of the shear number of information interfaces and complex relationships. Modern visual technologies can resolve many of these problems by providing construction professionals with 3 dimensional information interfaces that allow them to use the visual model (3D, VR, etc.) as the medium for communication, interaction, and integration. The paper looks at trends and predictions within the construction sector for technologies such as visualisation through CAD and VR. It then presents an improved model for information interfacing through VR capabilities. The information interface model is a Web based one, developed to provide opportunities for many construction professionals across the supply chain using open technologies such as the Internet. The paper demonstrates that information visualisation is of importance and can be used by every participant within the construction sector including clients, contractors, cost estimators, project planners, and others. The paper concludes with a series of screen snap shots resulting from state of the art research on information visualisation and interfaces being conducted at the University of Salford (UK). Salford is bringing together visualisation, object oriented and Web technologies to solve the problems associated with construction information integration and communication. The paper provides an overview of this research which will help many interested parties understand how these technologies can work together.