Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) is a concept that emerged in the 1960s. The 2D design software did away with manual drafting and made making calculations, visualizing design and working a lot faster and easier. CAD was first only utilized by those who knew how to program computers, so hand calculations and designs were still completed during the transition period, but by the 1990s, most companies were implementing CAD and engineers were tasked with learning and using it. AutoCAD and Revit are two major platforms for computer aided drafting and are very similar programs, though often used in different ways.
AutoCAD, under AutoDesk, has been around for a while. It was first demonstrated and released in 1982 and was the first CAD program to run as a desktop app on microcomputers that did not require the use of mainframe computers to run. Since AutoCAD was one of the first, it remains a known name in the industry. I was taught AutoCAD my freshman year at Drexel and used it a lot during my first co-op. Certain companies in the transportation industry require the use of one CAD software over another, so we were required to use AutoCAD for the projects we were working on, even though the versions had kinks.
Revit was developed in 2000 and was actually acquired by AutoDesk, the same company that runs AutoCAD, in 2002. It is different from AutoCAD’s 2D interface because Revit is made for 3D modeling. Additionally, Revit has the capability to track information throughout the structures’ life cycles and is a great companion to BIM software. My industry does not utilize Revit as much, as far as I know. Highway and roadway design work is mostly done in 2D with cross sections that would show a third direction. Revit and programs like it seems to be integral to the architecture industry.
Many companies and engineers themselves often vouch for AutoCAD over other programs because it is easier to continue using something that you have always been working with, especially if there is nothing inherently wrong or bad about using it. I had coworkers who told me they did not want to learn a newer version of AutoCAD, and refused to work with it until they had to. Although I have never used Revit in the industry for a complete project, using it to complete my assignment for this class proved Revit to be simple, user-friendly, and intuitive. I immediately felt comfortable with using the program. If engineers were simply more open to embracing change, better programs can be utilized, especially Revit and its connectability to BIM.
AutoCAD, under AutoDesk, has been around for a while. It was first demonstrated and released in 1982 and was the first CAD program to run as a desktop app on microcomputers that did not require the use of mainframe computers to run. Since AutoCAD was one of the first, it remains a known name in the industry. I was taught AutoCAD my freshman year at Drexel and used it a lot during my first co-op. Certain companies in the transportation industry require the use of one CAD software over another, so we were required to use AutoCAD for the projects we were working on, even though the versions had kinks.
Revit was developed in 2000 and was actually acquired by AutoDesk, the same company that runs AutoCAD, in 2002. It is different from AutoCAD’s 2D interface because Revit is made for 3D modeling. Additionally, Revit has the capability to track information throughout the structures’ life cycles and is a great companion to BIM software. My industry does not utilize Revit as much, as far as I know. Highway and roadway design work is mostly done in 2D with cross sections that would show a third direction. Revit and programs like it seems to be integral to the architecture industry.
Many companies and engineers themselves often vouch for AutoCAD over other programs because it is easier to continue using something that you have always been working with, especially if there is nothing inherently wrong or bad about using it. I had coworkers who told me they did not want to learn a newer version of AutoCAD, and refused to work with it until they had to. Although I have never used Revit in the industry for a complete project, using it to complete my assignment for this class proved Revit to be simple, user-friendly, and intuitive. I immediately felt comfortable with using the program. If engineers were simply more open to embracing change, better programs can be utilized, especially Revit and its connectability to BIM.
Comments:
Michael,
You are totally right to bring up lack of continuity in the industry for programs like these. The fact that there is no industry standard makes it so complicated to share files, plans, and develop models across the USA or even in one's state. It is easier for companies to keep doing what they have been doing for years and say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but like you said, the benefits of converting to program like Revit or BIM outweigh the desire to remain using the same program.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-current-problems-with-revitbim.html
Stephen,
I remember having issues in AutoCAD where the model would take several minutes to load and will often be an un-updated file. We also had to run files through a converter sometimes if the format was from an older version of AutoCAD. Synchronization issues are truly annoying and cost time and money to fix. If there was a way to make the files "smarter," such as saving automatically after a certain period of time or being able to match versions with another, it would be a lifesaver.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b3-current-issues-with-bim-stephen.html
Michael,
I tend to forget that virtual reality can be used in a productive sense, rather than just in gaming. The ability to view a 3D model right before your eyes is revolutionary. Think of how that would change teaching: you could see how a beam deflects under loads and how that would look in the bigger picture, you could walk through a building to check if everything looks okay before even thinking of construction. I love the idea of making changes in real time through VR, it would save a lot of time to do so.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/future-of-bim.html
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