Communic: virtual model for infrastructure projects

When a local community accepts a project to build a road or a bridge within its boundaries, a complete set of trades need to live together throughout the construction period, from the engineering company that designs it, to the public works contractor, including utility companies (water, electricity, etc.), landscape architects, etc.

The problem consists of exchanging data without losing or transforming information.  Exchanges are very often made nowadays in the form of paper drawings or computer files that are superposed to obtain an overall plan.  This can lead to ambiguous drawings that are difficult to read, resulting in misinterpretations or even mistakes on site, particularly if the players use different conventions or languages.

The purpose of the Communic project is to provide these persons with another means of representing the project, namely the 3D display.  The digital model offers a realistic and preliminary view of projects by means of simulation and optimisation.  The purpose of this use is to facilitate the different steps:  cooperative work between direct players (property managers, designers, manufacturers, operators, financers, etc.), evaluations of performance and environmental, economic and society impacts of the project and communication with influential players (Councillors, administrations, associations, neighbours, etc.).