The short answer
Earthworks visualisation shows an earthworks job in 3D: the site, the cut and fill, and the machines doing the work. An interactive 3D simulation goes a step further. Instead of a still image or a fixed video, it's a model of the job that you can explore.
What it shows
- The site and the ground
- Where the cut and the fill are
- The machines: excavators, trucks, dozers and rollers
- Haul roads and stockpiles
Visualisation, cut and fill plan, animation or 4D BIM?
| Type | What it is |
|---|---|
| Cut and fill plan | A 2D drawing coloured by cut and fill depth |
| Animation | A fixed video of the job, watched from start to end |
| 4D BIM | A design model linked to the construction programme, activity by activity |
| Interactive 3D simulation | A 3D model of the job that you can explore |
The difference between an animation and an interactive simulation is that an animation is a recording: you only see what the camera shows. With an interactive simulation, you can look at the part of the job you're interested in.
Earthworks visualisation in Perth
EngSiteTools provides earthworks visualisation in Perth, Western Australia.