What do you think of when people start talking about CGI? Maybe it's the last blockbuster film you saw in movie theaters, or an action packed episode of your favorite television show. Either way, we associate the technology with Hollywood and millions of dollars spent making people, places, and things that do not exist look real.

What is not surprising is how CGI has found a home for itself within the construction industry. Here are a few popular ways the industry uses it.

For design purposes

Architects use CGI in the planning stages of a construction project to create 3D renderings of their designs. They share these images with clients as a way to help the clients visualize their proposal. They also include the renderings in application packets submitted to cities or counties for review so planning boards can see what a project should look like on completion.

For construction purposes

Construction project teams utilize CGI and traditional 2D drawings, CAD files, and photos and building documents to create scaled 3D models of construction projects before they start work. Combining these models with augmented (or virtual) reality technology, a team can walk through the design with an eye for potential issues - everything from logistics to safety concerns. Being able to address these concerns is a huge help in controlling projects costs and keeping the project closer to its original stated scope.

For marketing purposes

CGI is also utilized by marketing departments to generate interest before a development is complete. Like architects, they use CGI to make the product easier to visualize. Images and animation generated allow potential buyers to explore a building while construction is in its earliest stages. The sales process starts much sooner, creating real potential for the development to sell out by the time it is ready to use.

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