Real Time, Visual Output Simulation - a New Process Tool for Construction Planners and Managers

We live in an era of major technological change and day by day we are presented with new technical tools and products. The construction industry is not immune from such change and recent advances, particularly in the area of computer technology, are bringing with them new opportunities for improving existing building practices and management methods. One very significant new technology that is in the process of emerging in the 1990's is that of advanced real-time computer graphics and low cost, real-time, data visualisation technology. When this new graphics technology is coupled with traditional engineering simulation methods a number of significant technical possibilities emerge as to better ways to approach old problems. It is the author's contention that purposeful and creative application of this new technology has the potential to significantly increase process efficiency and effectiveness within the building and construction industry and to assist in reducing the time taken to realise physical facilities.