Latest news from º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ
15 Apr 2015
Innovative app unveiled to help tackle information overload in 3D virtual building technology
Image: Pixabay
Researchers at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ have developed new software for architects and civil engineers that searches for detailed information, including external documents or web pages, linked to 3D artefacts.
The 3D Information Retrieval (3DIR) app for Autodesk Revit allows the user to search a 3D building model for information by using specific key words or specifying a 2D area, 3D volume, or a set of 3D components. Search results are displayed either as a list or are superimposed on to the 3D model itself. Relationships between 3D objects are also used to rank search results.
3DIR works on the principle that the 3D visualisation or 3D data can be exploited when running search queries, delivering more tailored, digestible and engaging results than those produced, for example, using a web search engine.
Managing information linked to a 3D artefact in this way, helps to exploit our natural spatial cognition ability and visual memory, and overcomes any weaknesses we may have in using language to articulate queries and in perceiving text listings of search results.
The 3DIR software, which is free to download, has been developed within the Autodesk Revit Building Information Modelling (BIM) platform.
The app has received more than 100 downloads in just a few days. It is based on the research by a team of academics from the School of Civil and Building Engineering at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and partners from the former Information Science department, now part of the School of Business and Economics. The app’s development has been funded by The Royal Society and the University’s Higher Education Innovation Fund.
BIM technology is set to revolutionise the design and construction industry, following the Government announcement that by 2016, government construction projects of all sizes will need to be undertaken using the software. BIM provides structured information throughout the lifecycle of a project to help support decision making.
Dr Peter Demian, Senior Lecturer in the School of Civil and Building Engineering, said: “BIM is very important in the construction industry, and more information is being crammed into 3D BIM models, making the hunt for relevant information even more challenging.
“Our research shows that when faced with a situation of information overload such as this, the 3DIR app is a lot more effective in engaging the brain than text-based systems such as web search engines. This is largely due to the fact that the app is picture-led and links together graphical and non-graphical information in an easy-to-read format.”
To find out more, click here or email p.demian@lboro.ac.uk.
Notes for editors
Article reference number: PR 15/53
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, putting it among the best universities in the world, and was named Sports University of the Year 2013-14 by The Times and Sunday Times. º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and has been voted England's Best Student Experience for six years running in the Times Higher Education league. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.
In 2015 the University will open an additional academic campus in London’s new innovation quarter. º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ in London, based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, will offer postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities.
Contact for all media enquiries
Charlotte Hester
PR Officer
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ
T: 01509 223491
E: C.L.Hester@lboro.ac.uk