Benchmarking Technology Level of Adoption

Technology Evaluation Instructions:

For the list of technologies included in the table below, please rate each technology on a scale of 0-10, based on the following criteria:

1. The current level of employee adoption across the firm (i.e., what percentage of employees leverage the technology) and;
2. How often the technology is leveraged for internal and external project work

For this survey, please evaluate each technology across the entire firm. Additionally, definitions for each of the listed technologies can be found at the end of the survey for reference.

Please also refer to the below ratings guide as you're evaluating each technology:

Rating	Definition
0	The technology is not used at all internally or externally or does not apply to my firm.
1	There are few practitioners within the firm who have some knowledge of the technology and may have used it in a very limited capacity, though not for project work.
2	There is a small number of practitioners who are interested in using or who have started using the technology within the service line; Use of the technology for client work is starting to be tested.
3	There is a growing interest in the technology from employees and a few practitioners in the firm are starting to use it on a regular basis; The use of the technology is still very limited on projects.
4	The technology is starting to be used sporadically on a few projects.
5	The technology is becoming more widely adopted and is used regularly on a moderate number of projects within the firm (~40-50% of all projects), but is not yet fully integrated into the workflow on all projects.
6	The technology is well-known and commonly used by a majority of practioners within the firm.
7	The technology is well-established and is used regularly on a high number of projects within the firm (>60% of all projects).
8	The technology is integrated into the workflow and is used on almost all projects within the firm.
9	The technology is highly valued and is used on nearly all projects within the firm, and the firm is actively seeking to improve and expand its use of the technology.
10	The technology is widely used on all projects within the service line and is fully integrated into the workflow, with efforts being made to continuously improve and expand its use. We would be considered a leader in this area relative to competitors.

Technology Definitions (sorted alphabetically)

• Advanced Design Visualization - Use of advanced graphical techniques, such as 3D modeling, animation, and rendering, to create high-quality and realistic visual representations.
   
• AI-powered Image and Video Analysis - The use of computer vision techniques such as object recognition and motion tracking to extract useful information from images and videos captured by drones, cameras and other sensors, in order to improve the quality and speed of the decision making process in areas such as construction site monitoring, asset management, and public safety.
   
• AI-powered Natural Language Processing to Accelerate Deliverable Production - Using AI to improve the speed and accuracy of the deliverable production by automating the process of data entry, summarization, and reports generation.
   
• API-Driven Dynamic Deliverables - Embedding live data feeds and connections to data warehouses into deliverables.
   
• Automated Design Generators - Uses automated deterministic or AI generated outputs including design plans and specifications based on project constraints and objectives. Typically automatically produces 30% or great de-sign documents with minimal manual effort (ie., "TurboTax for civil engineering).
   
• Automated Design Optimization - Use of design optimizers (e.g., custom, dynamo for Revit, batch processors, modeFrontier) or purpose built parametrized design tools to explore alternatives (e.g., batch jobs, custom code).
   
• Automated Feature Identification and Extraction - Techniques used to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns, trends, and important features within the data. This can be applied to various types of data such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, LiDAR point clouds, and photogrammetry.
   
• BIM for Design Services - Using BIM Level 2 or greater as core design environment to create, manage, and analyze designs and data throughout the entire design and construction process.
   
• Client Facing Web Portals - Digital and dynamic document delivery, Secure document sharing, Collaboration and Communication, Status Updates and Workflow Tracking, Streamlined Billing and Project Management, Easy access to historical data and deliverables.
   
• Decision Support Systems - Systems that uses data, models, and analytical tools to support decision-making in complex situations. These systems typically integrate data from various sources, such as GIS, remote sensing, simulation models, and sensor networks, and use advanced analytical methods, such as mathematical optimization, statistical analysis, and artificial intelligence, to generate insights often in real time.
   
• Development and Use of Web Services Based Technical Models - Adaptation/development of web services driven versions of engineering models or effective use or cloud-native modeling with API endpoints.
   
• Digital Citizen Engagement - Digital platforms and mobile apps, which allow citizens to provide feedback on city services, collect useful data, review and provide inputs on planning, and make requests for services (e.g., ISeeChange).
   
• Digital Field Data Collection Methods and Use of Field Tablets and Smart Phones - Field-to-office integration and collaboration; Data collection and surveying; Real-time training and expert input; View, edit, and collaborate on Building Information Models (BIM) and review 2D plan sets (e.g., Bluebeam), Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) and photo based reality capture, GPS and field survey.
   
• Digital Twins - Uses digital representations of assets, such as 3D models, to simulate the behavior and performance of the assets under different operating conditions and loads, allowing for the testing and optimization of designs of new assets and predicting how existing assets will perform over time.
   
• ESG Tracking Tools - Sustainability reporting and metrics, Carbon footprinting, Software for ESG tracking, ratings, and calculating indexes.
   
• Heuristic Methods - Problem-solving strategies, that are based on practical experience, rules of thumb, and knowledge rather than formal mathematical methods to find approximate solutions or feasible solutions.
   
• High Bandwidth Wireless (i.e., 5G) - 5G networks are enabling new forms of data collection, analytics, and automation in smart cities. These technologies can be used to create smart infrastructure and smart buildings, as well as to improve transportation and mobility.
   
• Immersive Design - The use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies to create immersive and interactive 3D environments for planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
   
• Integration of Geospatial & Satellite Data - Combining and analyzing geographical information from multiple sources such as maps, GPS, and satellite imagery, to generate more complete and accurate insights and make informed decisions.
   
• Integration of Client Enterprise Systems and Platforms - Service focused on connecting and aligning various software systems, platforms, and tools within an organization to ensure seamless data flow and process automation. This integration enables different enterprise applications (like CRM, ERP, and HR systems) to work together effectively, improving efficiency, data consistency, and operational performance.
   
• Internet of Things (IoT) based APM - Monitoring, analyzing and improving the performance of assets to ensure their availability, reliability, and safety throughout their life cycle, for example, pressure sensors.
   
• Large-Scale or Cloud-Based Geospatial Data Processing - Use of large-scale geospatial resources (i.e. Google Earth Engine) to store, manage, and analyze large amounts of geospatial data, allowing for more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable geospatial data analysis and modeling.
   
• No Code and Low Code App Development and Customization - Creating applications using visual drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components, making the process quicker and more accessible to technical non-computer science focused professionals.
   
• Parametric and Generative Design - Designs defined by a set of parameters and constraints; Designs driven by algorithms based on a set of inputs and goals.
   
• Physics-Based Modeling in Game Engines - Simulation and visualization of real-world physics phenomena, such as structures and materials behavior, or flows, in a virtual environment. Game engines are designed to simulate and render realistic 3D environments and objects and systems and simulate how they will behave under different conditions.
   
• Planning and Modeling Optimization Tools (e.g., Suez Optimizer, AutoCase) - Computational methods and software that are used to design, evaluate, and optimize systems by simulating and predicting the performance of different design alternatives, taking into account various constraints and criteria such as outcomes, cost, safety, sustainability, and stakeholder preferences, in order to find the most efficient, effective, and socially acceptable solutions.
   
• Predictive Maintenance and Integration with Computerized Maintenance Management System - The use of sensor data, machine learning, and historical maintenance records to predict when equipment or infrastructure is likely to fail and schedule maintenance proactively, reducing downtime and costs.
   
• Predictive Modeling - Using machine learning algorithms to build models that can predict certain outcomes, such as failure of infrastructure, project schedule and performance, by analyzing historical data, to enable proactive decision making and maintenance planning.
   
• Reality Capture - Using various technologies such as Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, Structure-from-Motion, and Terrestrial LiDAR to collect and analyze data to create accurate and detailed digital representations of physical structures and environments, with the purpose to plan, design, and improve projects and assets.
   
• Realtime Dashboards - Providing live dashboards as deliverables displacing static documents. Monitor and display data related to ongoing projects. This data can include information on project progress, resource allocation, and cost and schedule performance. Dashboards can also display data from sensors and other monitoring devices for the remote monitoring of systems and infrastructure and to aid in asset performance management.
   
• Urban Analytics - Urban analytics is the process of using data and technology to gain insights into the functioning of cities and inform decision-making and allow cities to gain deeper insights into issues such as traffic, crime, and air quality, and to use that information to improve urban services and infrastructure.
   
• Use of High Frequency and High Resolution LEO Satellite Data for Automated Recurring Services (i.e., Continuous Monitoring) - Utilizing frequently updated and highly detailed satellite imagery captured by specialized satellites to provide automated and regularly updated information services such as land-use change detection, compliance and construction progress monitoring, and disaster management.
   
• Virtual Operations Centers - Remotely monitoring and controlling industrial plants and facilities using advanced technology, such as sensors, IoT devices, and real-time data feeds. VOCs provide access to, visualization of, and control for processes at a plant or facility.