AECCafe Voice 
Sanjay Gangal
Sanjay Gangal is the President of IBSystems, the parent company of AECCafe.com, MCADCafe, EDACafe.Com, GISCafe.Com, and ShareCG.Com. Shaping the Future of AEC with Forecasting and Growth Strategies: An Interview with Lucas Hayden, Senior Director of AEC Strategy at UnanetDecember 9th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
LAS VEGAS — In the world of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), rapid project turnaround, effective forecasting, and maintaining high levels of productivity are essential. Yet, as firms increasingly balance immediate project needs with long-term growth opportunities, industry leaders are recognizing a need for more sophisticated tools to anticipate and capitalize on future trends. At the 2024 Trimble Dimensions Conference in Las Vegas, Lucas Hayden, Senior Director of AEC Strategy at Unanet, offered insight into how Unanet is empowering firms to thrive in this complex landscape. At the conference, Hayden presented Unanet’s approach to providing tailored solutions for AEC firms, with a particular focus on their CRM and ERP technologies. “Our mission is to unify and streamline the workflows that AEC firms naturally use,” Hayden said. “Through our ERP and CRM tools, we enable firms to simplify operations, improve accuracy in forecasting, and ultimately, optimize their decision-making.” By addressing operational bottlenecks, Unanet helps firms improve profitability while encouraging a growth mindset that prioritizes not only project completion but also strategic planning for future opportunities. Insights from the AEC Inspire Report 2024
Unanet’s annual AEC Inspire Report, which has become a cornerstone reference for industry trends, serves as both a benchmarking tool and a guide for forward-thinking firms. The 2024 edition of the report, released just before the conference, gathered insights from over 350 executives across construction, architecture, and engineering firms, exploring a range of topics from project forecasting to business development. A Conversation with Trimble’s Nathan Patton: How Robotics, Data, and AI Are Reshaping ConstructionNovember 25th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
LAS VEGAS — The Trimble Dimensions Conference in Las Vegas offers a rare glimpse into the construction industry’s future. This year’s gathering featured innovative tech on display, underscoring a drive to redefine how projects are managed and built. Central to this vision was Nathan Patton, Trimble’s Product Marketing Manager for Construction Technology, who shared insight into the possibilities that AI, robotics, and data capture bring to construction. With his background as a former surveyor, Patton is as much a storyteller of Trimble’s journey as he is an advocate for its transformative potential. Patton’s path to Trimble is notable. Before joining the company, he was a surveyor using Trimble’s equipment on job sites. “I was a customer of Trimble long before I ever came to work here,” he explained. This gives him a unique perspective as someone who understands the practical realities of Trimble’s technologies and what they mean for the people using them. His role today involves taking Trimble’s sophisticated innovations — tools like terrestrial scanning, mobile mapping, and cloud data management — and distilling them into solutions that construction firms can understand, trust, and deploy.  With the Trimble Reality Capture Platform Service, users can facilitate seamless collaboration with a central source of data for visualization, issue tracking, model comparison, measuring and more — all inside Trimble Connect’s web-based interface. Bentley Systems Enhances Carbon Analysis Capabilities to Tackle Infrastructure’s Carbon FootprintNovember 13th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
 Chris Bradshaw Vancouver, B.C.— In a decisive step towards making infrastructure more sustainable, Bentley Systems announced the launch of its new Carbon Analysis capabilities at the Year in Infrastructure Conference. The enhancements, available in the iTwin Experience platform, are aimed at simplifying carbon impact assessments, enabling engineers to systematically integrate carbon analysis into their design processes. The new features promise to streamline the traditionally complex task of carbon reporting by automatically aggregating data, integrating carbon metrics, and offering 3D visualizations of carbon impacts. Chris Bradshaw, Bentley’s Chief Sustainability Officer, unveiled the Carbon Analysis capabilities at the conference, underscoring their role in addressing a critical aspect of global emissions—embodied carbon. “Given that up to 80% of today’s greenhouse gas emissions are linked to infrastructure, it’s essential that we find ways to significantly reduce the carbon impact of new construction projects and renovations,” said Bradshaw during an interview. “Our new capabilities help engineers visualize carbon data and make informed decisions early in the design process.” Tackling Embodied CarbonEmbodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gases emitted during the construction of an asset, accounting for everything from material extraction to manufacturing. These emissions represent a significant portion of infrastructure’s environmental impact—often well before an asset is even put into operation. As Savina Carluccio, executive director of the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure, highlighted, “By 2050, embodied carbon from new infrastructure could account for nearly half of the world’s carbon footprint.” Bentley’s Carbon Analysis capabilities provide a “cradle-to-gate” assessment of embodied carbon, offering a more comprehensive understanding of an infrastructure project’s environmental cost. The system simplifies the integration of carbon data by linking Bentley’s iTwin platform with third-party carbon assessment tools, such as EC3 and One Click LCA. This approach allows users to dynamically visualize carbon impact changes across different design iterations, facilitating real-time decision-making. Morpheus Technology Group: Revolutionizing Application Integration for the Construction IndustryNovember 4th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
At Autodesk University 2024 in San Diego, the construction tech world took note as Morpheus Technology Group (Morpheus) showcased their innovative approach to seamlessly integrating construction project management data with financial systems. In an exclusive interview, Randy Nolan, CEO of Morpheus, and Guy Barlow, Vice President of Sales, shared the company’s mission, the evolution of their platform, and their future plans. What started as a modest effort to bridge gaps in data has now grown into a powerful solution for some of the largest players in the construction industry. A Mission Born from Industry DemandFounded in 2001, Morpheus’ inception was driven by an industry-wide need for better synchronization between project management and accounting systems. As Nolan recalled, “The industry was demanding integration, and we saw an opportunity to step in and solve the problem.” Initially, Morpheus’ focus was on integrating just two core applications—a necessity at the time due to the industry’s heavy reliance on disparate systems for project management and financial accounting. But as technology and business processes evolved, so did Morpheus’ capabilities. Now, more than two decades later, Morpheus’ Frameworks platform addresses a growing need for adaptability, as construction companies increasingly use a variety of software applications. The platform is designed to integrate systems seamlessly, reducing manual entry and ensuring that project managers and accounting teams are always working with the same data. “Our core belief is that everybody implements cost management differently,” Nolan said. Frameworks reflects this philosophy, allowing each company to tailor integrations to their specific processes and workflows. Building a 3D Future: How Bentley Systems and Cesium are Transforming Infrastructure Through Open-Source InnovationOctober 29th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
The Year in Infrastructure Conference, hosted by Bentley Systems in Vancouver, became a stage for showcasing the future of digital infrastructure, with a compelling keynote from Patrick Cozzi, founder of Cesium and now Bentley’s Chief Platform Officer. Cozzi took attendees on an in-depth journey through Cesium’s path from a visualization tool for aerospace to an industry-defining, open-source geospatial platform now powering Bentley’s ambitious vision for infrastructure engineering. Cesium, known as an open-source platform for creating highly detailed 3D applications, has made significant strides since Bentley’s acquisition, demonstrating a groundbreaking approach to digital infrastructure. Addressing a full auditorium, Cozzi highlighted Cesium’s evolution and Bentley’s vision to create a world where digital twins, geospatial data, and 3D models work together seamlessly, all powered by Cesium’s robust capabilities.
Reinventing the Future: Autodesk’s Bold Vision for AI, Sustainability, and the LA28 Olympics at Autodesk University 2024October 21st, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
Autodesk University 2024 delivered an inspiring keynote by President and CEO Andrew Anagnost, offering a bold vision for the future of AI, sustainability, and how these transformative forces are set to reshape industries. This year’s keynote featured in-depth conversations with Casey Wasserman, Chairperson of LA28, and Raji Arasu, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Autodesk. Together, they explored Autodesk’s groundbreaking role in the upcoming LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, its application of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries, and the lasting impact of technology in a rapidly changing world. AI for Practical TransformationAnagnost opened with a candid discussion about the gap between AI’s hype and its current usefulness. He acknowledged that while much of AI’s promise remains unfulfilled, Autodesk is laser-focused on creating AI tools that deliver practical solutions today. “Technologies come with a lot of hype, but our focus at Autodesk is on AI that works for you today, delivering tangible productivity and creativity gains,” Anagnost said. His message was clear: Autodesk is driving AI innovation that empowers users across industries, from architecture to manufacturing to entertainment.
One of the standout initiatives presented was Project Bernini, Autodesk’s groundbreaking AI model. Bernini allows designers to generate fully realized 3D objects in minutes, a process that would have traditionally taken hours or even days. This AI tool is already proving to be a game-changer in streamlining design workflows, with the potential to enhance creativity while eliminating repetitive tasks. “Bernini exemplifies how AI can augment your creativity and productivity,” said Arasu, emphasizing that Autodesk’s AI is designed to solve real-world problems, not just theoretical challenges. Arasu elaborated on how Bernini allows designers to prompt AI using natural language, sketches, or images, creating a new era of rapid ideation. “We want AI to enhance your skills, not replace them. The creative work that you do is so complex and so special—AI cannot solve for your ingenuity,” Arasu said. CopterPIX: Pioneering Advanced Drone Technology for Global ApplicationsSeptember 20th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
At the recent Commercial UAV Conference in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Igal Yarmolinsky, VP of Sales at CopterPIX, an Israeli-based drone manufacturer that’s making waves in the industry. Since its founding in 2014, CopterPIX has grown from a small company into a leading provider of high-performance drones designed for both military and civilian applications. The company’s rise to prominence was marked by its exclusive contract with the Israeli Ministry of Defense, a deal that positioned CopterPIX as a serious player in the drone market. “We started manufacturing our own drones in 2018, and since then, we’ve secured several major tenders, including one where we beat industry giants like IAI, Elbit Systems and Rafael,” Yarmolinsky explained. As a result, CopterPIX is now the exclusive supplier of drones under 25 kilograms for the Ministry of Defense through 2027.  CopterPIX’s Hybrid Parallel Drone One of the key factors that differentiates CopterPIX from competitors is its 360-degree turnkey solution. This approach allows the company to handle all aspects of drone production in-house, from design to manufacturing, ensuring rapid customization based on customer needs. “We don’t outsource anything. Every component and system is built and integrated by our team, which allows us to offer drones that can operate in challenging conditions, such as GPS-denied environments, spoofing attempts or areas without LTE coverage,” Yarmolinsky said. At the conference, CopterPIX unveiled its latest innovation – the Rhino hybrid parallel drone. Unlike most hybrid drones that rely primarily on electric motors, this new model combines two combustion engines with four electric motors, enabling it to lift heavier payloads over longer distances. “Right now, we can lift 20 kilograms for apx. 50Km, but by mid-2025, we’ll be able to carry up to 100 kilograms for a distance of 100 kilometers & 2 hours endurance,” Yarmolinsky noted. This advancement is expected to have far-reaching implications, particularly for industries such as oil and gas, where long-range inspections and supply deliveries are crucial to current operations. Read the rest of CopterPIX: Pioneering Advanced Drone Technology for Global Applications Locusview’s Digital Construction Management Solutions: Revolutionizing Utility OperationsAugust 16th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
Locusview is at the forefront of digital construction management, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of electric and gas utilities. During a recent interview with Danny Petrecca, VP of Business Development at Locusview, we explored how the company is bridging the digitization gap in utility construction management, especially in the face of modern challenges such as grid modernization, distributed energy resource (DER) integration, and wildfire threat reduction. Understanding the Digital Construction Management GapDanny highlighted that while utilities have made strides in many areas, there remains a significant gap in how they manage construction data in the field. Traditional methods, often paper-based or reliant on siloed applications, introduce inefficiencies and errors, particularly in the collection and management of as-built data. This is where Locusview steps in, providing a digital construction management (DCM) solution that transforms how utilities handle data from design to closeout.
Tackling Challenges in the Electric Utility SectorElectric utilities, as Danny explained, are currently facing immense pressure to modernize the grid. This modernization involves various initiatives, from undergrounding power lines to enhancing grid resilience through advanced distribution management systems (ADMS). However, these projects demand accurate, up-to-date data, especially within a utility’s geographic information system (GIS). Unfortunately, many utilities still rely on outdated methods, which not only slow down the process but also compromise data quality. Locusview’s DCM solution addresses these challenges by digitizing the entire construction workflow. By equipping field crews with easy-to-use digital tools, Locusview ensures that accurate spatial data, material data, and inspection forms are captured and efficiently integrated back into GIS and asset management systems. This digitization significantly improves capex efficiency and accelerates project closeouts, all while reducing the potential for human error. Nearmap: Transforming Location Intelligence from Imagery to InsightsJuly 22nd, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In the rapidly evolving field of location intelligence, Nearmap stands out as a pioneering force, reshaping how aerial imagery is captured, processed, and delivered to its diverse clientele. At the recent 2024 Esri User Conference in San Diego, I had the opportunity to sit down with Steve Santovasi, Director of Product ; Dan Maurer, EVP of Strategy & Operations; and Scott Townsend, SVP of Global Marketing at Nearmap. Our conversation illuminated Nearmap’s innovative journey, its strategic goals, and the remarkable technological advancements they have achieved. The Nearmap JourneyNearmap, founded 17 years ago, has revolutionized the aerial imagery sector. From its inception, the company has focused on bridging the gap between image capture and delivery, employing proprietary camera systems to collect high-resolution imagery across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. These camera systems, now in their fourth iteration, are installed on aircraft such as the Cessna 310, Piper Navajo, and Chieftain, and are managed by a survey operations team. Dan Maurer explains, “We started by re-engineering the link between the capture of imagery and its delivery to customers. Our end-to-end process ensures that imagery is processed and delivered efficiently, whether through our web-based interface, MapBrowser, or via APIs.” Initially focused on orthogonal 2D imagery, Nearmap has since expanded its offerings to include oblique 3D images and AI-driven insights, providing users with comprehensive tools to solve their specific challenges. Maurer adds, “We’ve moved from just delivering imagery to providing insights and answers, integrating this data directly into the workflows of GIS users across various industries.” Expanding Capabilities and Humanitarian EffortsNearmap’s advanced imaging capabilities include near-infrared captures through their latest HyperCamera 3 systems, adding a valuable layer of data for environmental and urban analysis. “We are rolling out the HyperCamera 3, which captures four-band imagery, enhancing our ability to provide detailed and nuanced insights,” says Santovasi. In addition to their regular data collection, Nearmap plays a crucial role in disaster response. They conduct post-disaster capture flights known as their ImpactResponse imagery, which provides critical data to aid recovery efforts for those that need it most. “Our humanitarian flights after disasters are part of our commitment to supporting communities in need,” notes Townsend. Read the rest of Nearmap: Transforming Location Intelligence from Imagery to Insights Revolutionizing Satellite Imagery: A Deep Dive into ICEYE’s InnovationsJune 28th, 2024 by Sanjay Gangal
In a recent interview with Sagar Dubey, Product Manager at ICEYE, I had the opportunity to delve into the remarkable advancements and contributions of ICEYE in the field of satellite imagery. ICEYE, known for operating the world’s largest commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation, continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in remote sensing and data acquisition. The Power of SAR ConstellationICEYE’s impressive SAR constellation is at the core of their innovative solutions. With a substantial number of satellites, ICEYE ensures unparalleled imaging frequency and data reliability. This extensive network of satellites allows for continuous monitoring and data collection, unaffected by weather conditions or time of day. Dubey emphasized the significance of this capability, stating, “Having the world’s largest constellation allows for the kind of imaging frequency that would be difficult to achieve with a smaller constellation size.” The extensive constellation size not only enhances global coverage but also significantly improves revisit times. This means that ICEYE can provide more timely and reliable data, which is crucial for various applications ranging from disaster response to strategic site monitoring.
Read the rest of Revolutionizing Satellite Imagery: A Deep Dive into ICEYE’s Innovations |
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