Making the transition from 2D to 3D to support engineering modeling and emergency preparedness, the City of Coppell, Texas, gained numerous cost savings and community benefits. The engineering department at the City of Coppell, Texas, is among the engineering departments in cities across North America discovering the benefits of 3D modeling. Under the guidance of Scott Latta, Engineering Technician, and with the help of Avatech Solutions, they made the transition from 2D AutoCAD® to engineering modeling using AutoCAD® Civil 3D®. Latta and the team of engineers undertake several projects per year. Designs are sent out to general bids to construction companies to build and complete projects.

[acronym] magazine talked to Jon Hansen, as assistant fire chief in Oklahoma City during the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building, Jon saw technology used in ways that, at the time, were somewhat novel for first responders – using CAD drawings for search, rescue and recovery efforts. Since then, Jon has seen technology, including GIS and CAD, be put to better use.