Will 2015 Be The Year CAD Goes Mobile?
Although it seems that these days mobile computing is everywhere, there are certain industries where the practical benefits have been limited due to inadequate technology. When you’re talking about the world of CAD programs, for instance, you’re talking about using a lot of processing power, something which as recently as a few years ago you couldn’t find outside of a static workstation.
But this is 2015, and the exponential increase in processing power for portable systems means that CAD can finally be freed from the old-fashioned confines of the desk. Even better, these mobile workstations are reasonably priced, as shown in the article “Mobile CAD Workstations Priced Under $2,500”.
The Case of Functionality Vs. Portability
Up until recently, this has been a problem. While past attempts at mobile CAD software would indeed free up the designer from being trapped in an office, there were small working RAM issues, interface shortcomings, and limitation constraints in terms of CPUs and operating systems. Designers could either have all the CAD power they want and stay stuck inside, or have the freedom of mobility with limited practical functionality. Not a good choice.
The Times Are A-Changing
Not only are there affordable portable systems out there that do proper justice to demanding CAD software, but there are also apps out there that are meant to be used with mobile phones and can deliver the same high level of performance and reliability as a desk-bound setup.
Picture this: not only are there laptops and tablets out there that can run CAD programs, but now even a smart phone can be employed by a host of different professions that can benefit from mobile CAD processing. This is the last word in mobility, and it’s coming.
Practical Applications Of Mobile CAD
All right, so there now exists technology that allows CAD programs and apps to be run onsite. Who benefits from this? Glad you asked …
Architects. Say the words “CAD software” and many people immediately think of architects poring over their 3D designs displayed on computer screens, so let’s begin there. Architecture is a complex process that has no room for error. An architect with the ability to run CAD software at a building site enjoys the advantages of having a first-hand look at the building’s progress, while being able to make real-time adjustments and corrections.
Cartography. Things like Google Maps have raised the bar on map accuracy and detail. By having mobile CAD mapping software on location, cartographers get a more accurate view of the lay of the land, its landmarks, and other features that need to be incorporated into maps.
Civil Engineering. Urban planners can enjoy the advantages of CAD programs onsite, aiding them in the design or remodeling of industrial areas, office buildings, or even public parks.
Interior Decorators And Landscapers. Picture an interior decorator visiting a client at the place where the services are needed and bringing along a mobile CAD app. As the client talks about the design ideas, the decorator is right there entering all of the information and getting an idea what the final product will look like.
And is there anything more frustrating than a client who wants to implement changes in their house or yard while the work is still in progress? A landscaping or home decorating professional who has access to mobile CAD can not only factor those changes instantly into the overall plan, but they can also show the customer what it will look like – which may possibly make the difference between going through with the change or deciding against it if the customer doesn’t realize how their new suggestion would turn out.
Fashion Designers. In the highly-competitive world of fashion, it’s good to have an extra advantage or two up your sleeve. Designers who can bring their CAD apps with them wherever they go can use them to actually see how a particular design will fit on various models, helping the designer to handle alterations easier. CAD software can prove invaluable in determining how last-minute changes would look on an already designed creation, thereby removing the guesswork.
What many of these uses have in common is this: mobile CAD software and apps allow the designer to leave the workplace and actually be present at the site where the project will be done. Allowing the professional to be in proximity to the project, getting a clear first-hand view, and immediately making adjustments to the design results in saving a lot of time and energy; this in turn translates into saving money for the business.
Thanks to advances in technology, innovations in mobile computing, and processing power that show no signs of slowing down, 2015 is certainly gearing up to be the year where CAD effortlessly goes mobile with no need to sacrifice performance.
About Author: John Terra has been a freelance writer since 1985. He writes about everything from everyday uses of Big Data to health insurance.
