Graphics Programs Reference
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Figure 2. 3D models of two alterative solutions
of the use of CAD, not only as a good “drawer”,
but also as an important support on the analyses
of rehabilitation works.
Both are student works. Thus, teach CAD in
school is helpful to students in order to prepare
them to consider this technology as an important
support, later in professional activity, and also to
facilitate the link between, engineering theory
and its implementation.
the integration of distinct computer applications
in the virtual model.
The main aim of a research project, which is
now in progress at the Department of Civil En-
gineering of the Technical University of Lisbon,
is to develop virtual models as tools to support
decision-making in the planning of construction
management and maintenance (Sampaio, Ferreira
& Rosário, 2009). The virtual models give the
capacity to allow them to transmit, visually and
interactively, information related to the physi-
cal behavior of materials, components of given
infrastructures, defined as a function of the time
variable. The interactive application allows de-
cisions to be made on conception options in the
definition of plans for maintenance, conservation
or rehabilitation. In this context, the research proj-
ect presents the development of a VR application,
involving knowledge of the physical aspects of
materials, in particular, those which have a short
timed function, use and environmental factors,
integrating them in digital spatial representations.
In this way, the indisputable advantage of the easy
interpretation and perception of space provided by
the visualization of 3D models, and the technical
content underlying the real characteristics of the
observed elements are brought together. Effective
integration of advanced visualization capacities is
incorporated into the interactive simulation sys-
tems. The integration of several specific applica-
tions has been established on domains such as VR
and augmented reality (AR) environments, CAD
VR Interactive models
Virtual reality is a technology that allows users
to explore and manipulate computer- generation
of 3D interactive environment in real time. This
technology offers advantages such as: representa-
tional fidelity (degree of realism of the rendered
objects), immediacy of control and high level of
participation (ability to look at objects from dif-
ferent points of view, and the ability to pick up,
examine and modify objects within the virtual
world), and the feeling of presence or immersion
(as a consequence of realism of representation
and high degree of control). It makes the VR
environment intrinsically motivating and engag-
ing by giving the users the possibility of being
part of the reconstructed world, and by allowing
them to focus entirely on the task at hand. VR is
also seen today as an integrating technology, with
great potential for communication between project
participants, and most recently, as a tool for the
support of decision-making, made possible by
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