2D to 3D

2D CAD uses two-dimensional components such as arcs and lines to create line drawings of products and structures. While used for a vast range of applications across many industries, 2D CAD is used within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector for creating construction drawings that describe how a project is built. The drawings make up part of the construction documentation – or deliverables – that are required for every project. Typically, designs are developed using 2D drawings and several iterations are required before the final solution is agreed. When the project is completed, the 2D drawings are updated with any changes that were made during construction and kept as an as-built record of the project.

3D CAD is used in much the same manner as 2D CAD, in that it is used to develop the design and create the construction documentation. However, it uses 3D volumes rather than 2D lines to create a model of the proposed works. The model can be rotated and viewed from any angle and provides a clear visualization of the design. If a topographical site survey is available, this can also be imported so that the structure can be viewed in its proposed surroundings as well. Some 3D modeling software – like ALLPLAN Architecture and ALLPLAN Engineering – feature powerful rendering engines that enable textures to be applied to the model to create photo-realistic visualizations.

2D and 3D modeling are the same as 2D and 3D CAD. In 2D modeling, a geometric model of the proposed structure or object is created within a two-dimensional plane, and each view of the object (plan, section, elevation, or detail) is drawn as an individual 2D representation. With 3D modeling, the geometric model is created using three dimensions, much like a virtual representation of the final structure. The additional details that are needed are easily created from the 3D model, which acts as a single source of truth for the project.