Today, BIM knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of drawing software. Initially, drawing was done entirely by hand. However, the invention and development of computers revolutionized this process. Computer graphics pioneer Ivan Sutherland (2003) paved the way for computer-aided drawing by using vector systems to run Sketchpad programs on the TX-2 at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. This marked the beginning of digital drafting.
In the 1980s, commercial companies started offering standardized computer operating platforms and drawing standards. AutoCAD 1.0, developed in 1981 for DOS, was among the first widely-used computer-aided design (CAD) software. Over time, updates introduced graphical interfaces featuring dialog boxes, making the software more user-friendly.
With advances in information technology, 3D design-oriented commercial drawing software began to emerge, signaling the arrival of the 3D design era. Different industries—such as mechanical, civil, and architectural design—adopted specialized software tailored to their needs. Despite these variations, computer drawing systems across professions standardized the formats for presenting graphic objects.
In 1986, Bentley introduced MicroStation, the first commercial graphics software dedicated to 3D design (Bentley, 2007). By 1992, OpenGL offered a cross-language and cross-platform programming interface that used open, standardized pixels to render complex 3D scenes (Shreiner et al., 2003). Meanwhile, Microsoft developed the Graphics Device Interface (GDI) for Windows software, which uses GDI commands to render and transfer graphic objects to output devices (Polyakov and Brusentsev, 2005). Additionally, VRML 1.0, a standard format for describing 3D graphics on the internet, was created in 1994 (Kay and Muder, 1996).
By the mid-1990s, 3D drawing systems had advanced significantly. The concepts of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and nD models started to take shape, with academic research focusing on 4D computer-aided drawing systems. In 2000, Intergraph developed SmartPlant, software designed for interactive browsing of complex 3D models. This tool helped identify design deficiencies and offered dynamic simulations through its Schedule Review module (Intergraph, 2008).
Also in 2000, Autodesk launched Revit, which streamlined the design change and revision process (Dzambazova et al., 2007). That same year, CINEMA 4D XL introduced a 3D texture painting module, advancing 3D imaging technology (Watkins, 2001). These developments contributed to the gradual formation of the BIM concept.
In 2003, Civil 3D (Probert et al., 2007) and ConstructSim (Common Point, 2007) were released, both featuring visual modeling capabilities. Civil 3D assists with land parcel configuration, while ConstructSim is geared towards building information planning. By 2005, research projects evaluated BIM development through real case studies. Tools like VIRCON (Dawood et al., 2005) and VISIN (Ganah et al., 2005) were proposed to support planners—VIRCON helped with accurate decision-making based on project requirements, and VISIN explored ways to facilitate model information exchange within projects.
In 2006, National Taiwan University and Zhongding Engineering Consulting Company collaborated to develop Construction Direct, a 4D BIM system. This software integrates project schedule data with 3D models to dynamically simulate construction progress over time.
To meet diverse professional needs, various commercial software solutions have been introduced. For example, 3Ds MAX released version 10.0 in 2007, offering more realistic visualizations. Autodesk’s Revit also expanded with specialized tools like Revit MEP and Revit Structure, designed for different building stages such as structural elements and piping systems (Stine, 2007). All these advancements stem from the foundational concept of Building Information Modeling.
That concludes this brief overview of the history of drawing software. Stay tuned for the next issue.
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