In keeping with this year’s theme, Transform Your Future, we spoke with our experienced engineers about how the field has evolved over the course of their careers, and technology emerged as the most significant change in both design and construction.
“From my perspective, the most significant change in civil engineering has been the advancement of technology. The fundamentals—and much of the underlying science—have largely remained the same, but the efficiencies we’ve gained through modern tools have been remarkable.
Just over 20 years ago, many offices didn’t even have internet access. When it was first introduced, it was often limited to a single shared computer that could only be used occasionally. We routinely printed plan sets, designed almost exclusively in 2D, visited archives to retrieve as-built drawings, and manually calculated drainage areas using printed 2-foot contour maps and a planimeter.
Today, the field is far more technology-driven and integrated. Tools such as BIM and 3D modeling have transformed the way we design and coordinate, allowing conflicts to be identified early in the design phase rather than discovered in the field. Surveying and site data collection have also advanced significantly—drones, LiDAR, and GIS technologies now provide faster and more accurate data, improving both design quality and overall project planning.”
“We did not have the technology that we have today, specifically GPS data. GPS data has made roadway construction much more accurate by guiding equipment and crews to place materials precisely; this has reduced errors, saved time and fuel, and helped projects stay on schedule.“
