Notes

However, technology can provide governments, planners and engineers with essential feedback, offering a better way to predict behavior of the built environment— or soon to be built environment— during a crisis. In effect, advanced technology provides a proactive method to more effectively create disaster-resistant communities.

Today, technology is available from Autodesk and others that converges architectural, engineering design and geospatial data. Cities have the capability to use precise geospatial data and apply it across the entire infrastructure lifecycle, including operations and maintenance. This integration has enabled significant changes to be made to address town planning and management needs.

On a grand scale, the creation of virtual city-wide 3D models can help owners, builders, architects, engineers and even the public understand how and where to prioritize restoration efforts in the wake of a disaster so repairs can be made as quickly as possible. This is particularly relevant for damaged utilities networks, whose “up and running” status is essential for life and business to return to normal. Furthermore, the model can be used to more effectively plan the city’s future build out.

Realistic visualizations based on data-rich, engineering-accurate models allow everyone to understand these catastrophic events in ways that stacks of complex technical reports and disaggregated data have not been able to convey.

Thankfully we now have technology that allows us to model and simulate how the built environment will perform during these events. We have the almost-infinite computing power of the cloud to amass huge troves of data and simulate structural performance in numerous conditions. And we have the ability to put that wealth of structure data in the form of easy-to-navigate 3D models onto mobile devices and into the hands of the first responders and government officials who need it in a crisis.
But if we don’t act on this new wealth of data and capabilities, it doesn’t do us much good. How can we help get public and government buy-in on the costs required for needed upgrades to existing and future structures? Visualizations are part of the answer. We have the ability to visualize and animate how those structures will react to a massive flood or earthquake. Nothing concentrates the mind like seeing an aging or poorly designed bridge crumble in the face of an earthquake of a magnitude that is highly likely to occur in the not-too-distant future. It’s time for us to get to work.