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AEC Tech Dictionary


Plan Review & Markup Terms

  • Plan Review – The process of examining and assessing architectural, structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) drawings for accuracy, compliance, and constructability.
  • Markup – Digital annotations, highlights, or drawings added to construction plans for edits, clarifications, or approvals.
  • Redlining – The act of marking up a drawing with red lines to indicate required changes, errors, or modifications.
  • Revision Tracking – The ability to log and track changes made to a digital plan over time.
  • Layering – A feature in digital drawings that allows users to separate different elements (e.g., structural, electrical, plumbing) for easier review.
  • Version Control – A system that ensures all stakeholders work with the latest version of a document or drawing.
  • Stamping & Approvals – Digital seals or stamps that indicate plan approval or rejection by an architect, engineer, or project manager.
  • Takeoff – The process of measuring and quantifying materials, labor, and costs from a set of construction plans.
  • As-Built Drawings – Final drawings that reflect all changes made during construction, showing the actual built conditions.

Construction Industry Digital Workflow Terms

  • BIM (Building Information Modeling) – A 3D model-based process for creating and managing digital representations of physical buildings and infrastructure.
  • CAD (Computer-Aided Design) – The use of software to create precision drawings and models of buildings and components.
  • Blueprint Digitization – The process of converting physical paper blueprints into digital formats for easier review and collaboration.
  • RFIs (Requests for Information) – Formal inquiries made during the construction process to clarify project details.
  • Punch List – A list of final tasks, issues, or corrections needed before a construction project is considered complete.
  • Construction Takeoff Software – A tool that allows estimators to measure materials, labor, and costs directly from digital blueprints.
  • Field Coordination – The process of ensuring that all teams on a construction project are aligned, often using digital tools for communication.
  • Digital Twin – A real-time digital representation of a physical building that is continuously updated with data from the project site.
  • Clash Detection – The process of identifying conflicts between different building systems (e.g., plumbing vs. electrical) before construction begins.

Hardware & Touchscreen Display Terms

  • Plan Review Table – A large-format, interactive touchscreen display designed specifically for viewing, marking up, and analyzing construction plans.
  • Multi-Touch Display – A screen that supports multiple simultaneous touch points for more intuitive interactions.
  • Capacitive Touchscreen – A type of touchscreen technology that responds to the touch of a finger or a stylus without requiring pressure.
  • Pressure-Sensitive Stylus – A digital pen that responds to different levels of pressure, allowing for precise markups on construction plans.
  • 4K UHD Display – A high-resolution screen (3840×2160 pixels) that provides detailed plan visualization.
  • Tabletop Display – A large touchscreen that is positioned horizontally, mimicking the experience of working on a drafting table.
  • Tilt Mechanism – The ability to adjust the display angle for different working positions (e.g., laying flat for collaboration or tilted for presentations).
  • Stylus or Pen Technology – An input method that offers natural input for drawing, writing, and annotating digital blueprints.
  • Glove-Friendly Touchscreen – A display designed to work even when users wear construction gloves.

Software & Collaboration Tools for Digital Construction

  • Plan Review Software – A digital platform that enables architects, engineers, and contractors to review, edit, and approve plans electronically.
  • Construction Management Software – Tools like Procore, Autodesk Build, PlanGrid, and Bluebeam that help manage construction projects and documents.
  • Cloud-Based Document Storage – Online platforms like Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive that store construction plans for easy access.
  • Remote Collaboration Tools – Features like screen sharing, video conferencing, and live document editing that enable distributed teams to work together.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) Plan Review – Using AR technology to overlay digital construction plans onto real-world environments for enhanced visualization.
  • Gesture Controls – Hand-motion-based navigation used to zoom, pan, and interact with digital blueprints without touching the screen directly.
  • PDF Annotation Tools – Software that enables users to highlight, draw, and comment on digital blueprints in PDF format.

Estimating & Cost Analysis Terms

  • Quantity Takeoff (QTO) – The process of measuring and counting materials from a digital construction plan to estimate costs.
  • Cost Estimating Software – Digital tools that help estimators calculate labor, materials, and other expenses.
  • Bid Management – The process of reviewing contractor and subcontractor bids based on project plans and estimates.
  • Change Order Management – A system for tracking and approving modifications to the original construction contract.

Presentation & Client Engagement Terms

  • Touchscreen Presentations – Interactive on-screen presentations that allow clients and stakeholders to engage with construction plans dynamically.
  • Zoom & Pan Functionality – The ability to magnify and navigate large-scale construction plans for better detail inspection.
  • Side-by-Side Plan Comparison – A feature that allows users to compare different versions of a blueprint simultaneously.
  • 3D Model Integration – The ability to view and manipulate 3D BIM models on a touchscreen display.
  • Stakeholder Review Meetings – Digital plan review sessions where architects, engineers, and project managers collaborate remotely or in person.

Industry Compliance & Standards

  • AIA Standards (American Institute of Architects) – Guidelines that govern architectural documentation and project management.
  • CSI MasterFormat – A standardized coding system used in construction specifications.
  • ADA Compliance (Americans with Disabilities Act) – Regulations that ensure accessible design in construction projects.
  • OSHA Safety Regulations – Workplace safety guidelines for construction environments.

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