12d Model Archives - 12d Solutions Pty Ltd

History Files: North Kiama Bypass – Roads and Maritime Services NSW

For the North Kiama Bypass project in New South Wales, Australia, RMS NSW, with Project Design Supervisor John Burns, utilised 4D Model to rapidly develop an award-winning interactive presentation that supported planning approvals, enabled real-time design evaluation, and showcased the power of digital modelling in complex transport infrastructure projects.

A presentation on the proposed North Kiama bypass, developed by the RTA (Roads and Traffic Authority) Wollongong’s Technology Branch using 4D Model civil and surveying software, has won an RTA Technology Merit Award for outstanding achievement. The presentation, using a laptop computer and overhead screen, was produced for the Commission of Inquiry into the bypass and according to John Burns, Project Design Supervisor, RTA Wollongong, it was received extremely well by all present.

“And what was even more pleasing was that the whole presentation was developed in under four weeks to meet a very tight deadline,” said Mr Burns.The North Kiama bypass project had been going on for around 10 years, due largely to the fact that it impacted on an environmentally-sensitive wetlands area. The local council had refused to approve the project, so it had to be put in front of a public hearing, or Commission of Inquiry, in order to gain State Government approval. The RTA received notification that the Commission of Inquiry would take place in six weeks time.

“We had to decide in a hurry how we would prepare our presentation,” said Mr Burns. “We had to come up with something which could be done quickly but which would be accurate and also be ’live’ so that we could answer ’what-if’ questions on the spot.

“We were long-term users of Moss for road design work,” he said. “It’s a good design tool but not one which you can use for quick and accurate concept work, which was what was needed as we had to present the Commission with options for the bypass route.”We had seen 4D Model previously, so knew it was exactly what we needed to do such a job in a hurry. To make sure it could be done, we asked Lee Gregory from 4D Solutions to come down and carry out an on-site demonstration of the capabilities of 4D Model.

“We then produced a quick business plan submission and obtained approval to purchase the software. It was installed quickly but by now we only had four weeks left to go until the Commission of Inquiry. We knew that, with such an extremely tight time-frame, we would not have time to train-up on 4D Model ourselves, but we had a competent operator elsewhere in the RTA in the form of Ray Tester from our Wagga Wagga office, who was a very experienced 4D Model user. Ray was seconded, on a part-time basis, to help us out, and things got underway,” said Mr Burns.

The initial steps for the RTA were to obtain digitised contour maps of the area, plus cadastral information and aerial photographs to locate and define vegetation limits and sensitive wetland areas. This information was used to start building up layers using Microstation to create the base model. This base model was then put into 4D Model and detailed concepts, interchange layouts, earthworks, boundary details and options were established.

“We wanted to be prepared from the first day of the Commission to be able to answer any design questions and present alternatives for the Commissioner, the members of public and the RTA personnel present, in a quick, accurate format,” said Mr Burns. “With 4D Model we were able to do this very quickly and present the updated information on screen.

“Everyone was very impressed with the speed and quality of the presentation,” he said. “4D Model also allowed us to do a walk- and drive-through video presentation, which helped clarify everyone’s perceptions of what the bypass would look like and, we believe, helped with the final decision. Ray Tester’s skills in the use of 4D were crucial in the design and presentation of this project. He obviously did a great job, as not only was the reception at the Commission excellent, but we subsequently received the RTA Merit Award.

“We are, of course, still using 4D, and we now have two licences servicing 15 workstations,” said Mr Burns. “I can’t praise 4D enough and their product support is also great.

“We used to produce our initial concepts by hand from contour plans then go into Moss,” he said. “This was satisfactory for simple jobs but created problems with complex projects. Now we start with 4D Model and produce the horizontal and vertical geometry, earthworks and cross-sections then go into Moss for the final design, and we obtain a much better result. We are currently investigating the purchase of software which will enable us to scan ortho/topo maps, build up a 3D model from this and then use 4D to produce an electronic, instead of a hand-produced, concept,” he said. “Then we’ll see an even bigger improvement”

Download this Case Study as a PDF HERE.

History Files: Waterman floods the UK – Waterman Civil & Transportation Group

In collaboration with the Environment Agency in the United Kingdom, Waterman Group utilised 12d Model to undertake a detailed flood risk assessment for a major 3,000-home development, streamlining complex data workflows, enhancing analysis precision, and supporting effective planning outcomes.

Waterman Civil & Transportation Group (WCT) was one of the original 12d Model software users in the UK and have finalised an initial study for a housing development of 3000 homes at Waterlooville on the South Coast of England.

This study involved a detailed assessment of flood risk in the area. The Environment Agency had done rough flood outlines based on a 50m grid using the Flood Studies Report, but a detailed assessment was required for planning to determine the existing flood plain and to compare this with another ‘post development’ flood study.

For cost and speed, aerial photogrammetery was ordered to cover the entire site and local surveyors were used to locate the property boundary using traditional means. The resultant photogrammetery (dgn format) and boundary (dxf format) were merged into a single 12d digital terrain model of several hundred thousand points.

To obtain finer detail of the river and to verify the model of the plain, further detailed river cross sections were then surveyed. In the office, work began on building the HEC RAS project inside 12d Model.

After ensuring concurrence on hydrological methodologies with the local Environment Agency office, WCT carried out the back water hydraulic study. Graduate Engineer and 12d user Richard Russell said, “Using 12d with HEC RAS I was able to devote more time to sensitivity tests in HEC RAS and in 12d. I had the luxury of time to try different roughness coefficients and to test if ground cover picked up with the photogrammetery had a significant impact on the results. This gave us better confidence in the final results”.

In addition to creating the HEC RAS project, 12d Model was used to present the water level results. Detailed drawings were produced for submission to the Environment Agency. Internally the visualisation abilities in 12d allowed quick checking at all stages including the final water levels.

Project Director for WCT, Stuart Aldridge, commented, “12d cut the time taken for this type of study significantly. This was the first time we had used 12d for flood modelling and we were very impressed.

“Previously, significant resources were devoted to what I now view as laborious and unnecessary data entry. We also get to use survey data at a much earlier stage, which is proving useful on such a big development. We still propose a detailed survey for a later date, but for now our client can defer the significant cost of the survey until much later.”

While WCT and their client were benefiting from using 12d Model on this project, the two other parties involved also had the opportunity to see 12d in action on a live project. Although both have different interests and uses for 12d, surveyors Julian Brotherton & Partners and the Environment Agency were both impressed with 12d’s quick manipulation of data and 3d abilities. Within a few months both parties became 12d users themselves.

Download this Case Study as a PDF HERE.

History Files: 12d Model streamlines subdivision design – Jacobs (then Sinclair Knight Merz)

The Fini Group project in Western Australia, Australia, was delivered with Sinclair Knight Merz now Jacobs as consultant and Steve Park as contractor.

Mindarie Marina Aerial October 2013

4D Model (later renamed 12d Model) software has proven to be a “quick, powerful and effective tool” in the design disciplines required for the ongoing construction of Mindarie Keys, a major subdivision and marina development in Perth’s northern suburbs. Located about 30 minutes from Perth on the Sunset Coast, the development is an ongoing project of leading multidisciplinary engineering firm Sinclair Knight Merz (now part of Jacobs Group). The firm operates Australia-wide with offices in all capital cities and many regional centres, as well as in South East Asia, the Pacific, and Europe. The Perth office has a staff of more than 200.

The Mindarie Keys project has been underway for around 10 years and is expected to be finalised in another three to five years, with approximately 60 percent completed. The development offers some of Perth’s most attractive land, much of it overlooking the ocean and marina.

To date, the estate includes residential accommodation, a resort hotel, a marina, shopping centres, cafes and restaurants, and three primary schools. A private high school is currently under construction. Sinclair Knight Merz has been involved in the project since its inception.

The design for the subdivisions involves detailed bulk earthworks, roadworks, drainage, and services design to create attractive sites that maximise the varying terrain levels and views. According to project designer Steve Park, powerful software was needed to manage the large data sets required to optimise earthworks modelling for a project of this scale.

Initially designed for fast preliminary design of major roadworks, 4D Model is capable of handling projects in excess of 1,000,000 points, with 200,000 points already considered small to medium-sized. This capability was one of the key factors that attracted the firm to the software during its evaluation process.

“We were previously using a number of packages but with several large jobs coming up we wanted something which would handle more data intensive applications. We evaluated a number of packages then trialled 4D Model for a month. It met our needs and requirements, initially for the Mindarie Keys project, but then also for other large subdivision contracts we had,” Mr Park said.

“It is quick and very powerful for road design and intersections and we can put our drainage design into it to create the full model. We’re getting quicker and more accurate quantities and volume figures than before; it definitely makes the job easier. The fact that it handles such a large number of points makes it an excellent tool for large projects.”

“We no longer have to split large projects into sections, which made them more difficult to handle.”

According to Mr Park, 4D Model’s 3D interface simplifies planning of both surface and underground routes, helping identify conflicts with cables, pipes, and other services while improving perspective presentation.

“The interactive user-definable views allow us to work on any model very easily and provide immediate feedback at every stage of the design process. As all commands are transparent, our drafting personnel do not have to change models or open and close different parts of the program. A recalculation facility allows rapid redesign as modifications are made,” he added.

As well as producing earthworks quantities quickly using end area and exact methods, the software incorporates string and template design methods, providing flexibility across projects ranging from rural roads to multi-lane divided roads.

The software also supports:

Unlimited alignments
Special kerb return functions for intersections and roundabout design
Cut and fill analysis modules
Alignment, pipeline, and wastewater design modules
Custom project tasks through the 4DL programming language and extensive design function library

“Another major benefit has been the willingness of 4D’s developers to respond to our requests for particular features we may need for any jobs. There have been instances when we’ve asked for a feature and they have gone out of their way to build it in for us.”

“4D’s support and ability to respond immediately to our requests has been a significant advantage.”

Download this Case Study as a PDF HERE

History Files: 12d Takes to the Beach – Cardno (now Stantec)

Cardno MBK now Stantec, in partnership with Consolidated Properties Pty Ltd and contractor Robbie Marshall, leveraged the capabilities of 12d Model to successfully deliver the large-scale Casuarina Beach development in Australia while meeting demanding project timelines and complex design requirements.

12d Model was integral to the success of the Casuarina Beach project, allowing Cardno MBK (CMBK) to meet extremely tight deadlines by reducing the huge variety of calculations required on a project of this magnitude. One of the last ‘absolute beachfront’ sites earmarked for development on the Northern NSW Coast, Casuarina Beach will ultimately be home to more than 5000 people.

The development is the project of Consolidated Properties Pty Ltd, a Brisbane-based firm primarily involved in commercial developments. The supply of all engineering and environmental services was contracted to Cardno. The joint project is being developed by CMBK’s Gold Coast office and its Environmental Unit.

The Gold Coast office was charged with completing the designs, obtaining all Tweed Council and Authority approvals, and supervision of the construction for the infrastructure of over 400 lots and tourist resort sites, to be ready for release by mid-2001.

To achieve these deadlines, CMBK had to rely on creativity and innovation, along with the integration of advanced technology with responsive management. CMBK had successfully used 12d Model for earthworks and civil design on the Seabreeze Estate subdivision at Pottsville. The company was then confident in selecting 12d Model for the Casuarina Beach development.

As Civil Designer at CMBK, Robbie Marshall stated: “Software packages such as 12d greatly assist in meeting deadlines. The diversity and speed of 12d significantly reduced the huge variety of calculations required on a project of the magnitude of Casuarina.”

For the duration of the project, CMBK’s Gold Coast office was primarily involved in the engineering design of roadworks, drainage and trunk water mains; the design of over 4km of 200mm diameter sewer rising main; design and reporting on stormwater drainage systems for the overall development, adopting infiltration basins to complement piped and open channel drainage mechanisms; design of a sewerage reticulation system incorporating a regional pump station to benefit Casuarina Beach and adjacent developments.

The 12d Model modules catered for specific tasks involved in these functions, including such capabilities as the alignment module which uses cross-section templates and string design methods to produce roads, canals and other linear earthwork models. Cut and fill volumes are automatically produced for the design.

When adjustments are made to the alignment strings or templates, the 12d Model recalc option automatically removes invalid information and replaces it with the updated geometry and volumes.

According to Robbie Marshall, this is particularly useful when designing roads, swales, storage ponds or any situation where a number of trials are needed to determine the best position for final alignment. The drainage module supports the display of drainage networks, typically those required for new land subdivisions and development projects such as Casuarina Beach. The drainage string itself consists of manholes, joined by straight or curved pipes. Invert levels and pipe grades can be set or modified graphically or by typed input. Manhole and pipe sizes are also user definable.

Robbie explained that earthwork volumes for trenches can be calculated along the selected design line. “The bulk earthworks modelling for Casuarina was carried out using 12d,” he said. “It was an immense task over the 38-hectare site but was significantly simplified using the software.”

Use of the Volumetrics and TIN Analysis capabilities allows calculation of earthworks volumes within a user defined polygon using either end area or exact calculations. Reports of cut and fill areas and volumes are given on a section-by-section basis using the end area method or on a depth basis using prismodial volumes. Depth volumes can be colour coded for validation and plots.

The integration of these features has allowed CMBK to meet its selection criteria. Robbie explained that CMBK wanted to “increase productivity without reducing quality in the design and documentation of urban developments and civil infrastructure projects”.

Highlighting specific features which CMBK found particularly valuable, he cited the increase in speed of road designs due to the fact that preliminary designs could be simply recalculated with the use of template files; time saved using the kerb function; and the string-based design software which allows accurate finish profiles to be obtained.

He added that the software has good interaction with other packages and was easy to learn and to use, even for the non-computer literate.

Download this Case Study as a PDF HERE.

History Files: Victorian Major Projects – WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff

WSP in Victoria, Australia (https://www.wsp.com/en-AU) has been involved in a number of infrastructure projects, working alongside various clients and contractors, including David Rotton, to deliver coordinated engineering solutions.

Parsons Brinckerhoff has been involved in a number of large-scale, high-profile projects covering the design of roads, drainage, sewer, water, and other associated infrastructure, as well as bulk earthwork modelling. Their project teams used 12d Model software to address a range of complex and non-standard challenges, often requiring innovative and customised solutions. Given the scale and nature of these projects, they also needed to collaborate closely with multiple consulting engineering companies, which meant their chosen software had to interact seamlessly with different design platforms used across project teams.

A key requirement was the ability to check clearance and identify potential clashes between services designed in 12d Model and those produced in other software packages. However, limitations in compatibility between import and export formats across platforms meant that alternative methods had to be developed to enable reliable data exchange between systems. This was particularly important for transferring three-dimensional pipeline data elements across drainage, sewer, water, and related services. In addition, the team explored new applications of 12d Model by successfully modelling complex electrical and chemical box culvert systems, which had not previously been attempted.

To address these challenges, detailed working procedures were developed, including step-by-step guides to support consistent data transfer across project teams. These processes enabled 12d Model to export data in .csv format in a structure that could be read by other software, as well as import .csv data generated externally back into the model environment. A custom macro was created to extract three-dimensional pipe data from 12d Model and export it into .csv files for use in other platforms. Electrical and chemical box culverts were modelled using an adapted approach based on drainage strings, with the Drainage Network Editor used to define culvert height and width. The Drainage Plan Plot function, supported by a modified plot parameter file, was then used to represent the culverts with accurate internal geometry, enabling effective service clash detection directly within 12d Model.

Through the use of 12d Model software and these tailored workflows, the team was able to overcome a range of complex and non-standard design challenges across very large projects. This approach also supported effective collaboration with multiple consulting engineering companies, ensuring smooth interaction between 12d Model and the various design software platforms used across project stakeholders.

Download this Case Study as a PDF HERE

History Files: Forethought takes NZ architects to the forefront – Gary Pidd Architect Ltd (now Studio 26)

Working with the Ministry of Education, New Zealand, Gary Pidd Architect Ltd now Studio 26, adopted 12d Model and modern surveying technology to transform the delivery of a large-scale school database project, improving efficiency and accuracy across more than 200 school sites nationwide.

New Zealand firm Gary Pidd Architect Ltd has jumped on the cutting edge of technology with its innovative use of 12d Model for an ongoing project to build a database of over 200 schools.

The project involves surveying each site and recording all buildings and features such as paving, ramps, trees, play equipment, covered ways, car parking facilities, sealed areas, and grass areas. This information is then converted into DWG files for supply to the customer.

The firm had previously won a smaller contract to survey schools, but had completed this by hand. When competing for this larger contract, Gary Pidd Architect investigated modern equipment to see what it could do for them.

True first-time users, the firm had not previously used any surveying software, and had only used manual theodolites.

Mr Pidd initially found the New Zealand distributor for 12d Model on the Internet using a search engine. Sokkia in Wellington gave the firm a demonstration of Sokkia instruments and 12d Model software. Mr Pidd was impressed right from the outset. “With Sokkia, we went to a school site, took some measurements, then went back to our office and downloaded it straight onto our computer from the data recorder,” he said.

“We wanted a system which functioned so that when we coded the data in the field, it was automatically given colours, linestyles, symbols such as trees and flagpoles at points when downloaded and reduced. With no extra work, it was then all there as a basic outline of the school!”

Other choices of equipment for the contract included an aerial photograph system and GPS, which Gary Pidd Architect discovered couldn’t give them the accuracy they needed for this job. Using a Practise Version of 12d Model combined with the intended use of Sokkia instruments, the firm put together their proposal, and their chosen methodology won them the contract.

The company has completed plans for 20 schools to date, and estimate the project will take about 9 more months to complete. They have calculated the amount of time saved using 12d Model rather than previous methods as being around 20%!

“The program is so tailorable,” Mr Pidd said. “You don’t have to know all the codes that are in there; just use the one system that you have set up! It’s brilliant! Some of the sites have up to 400 measurements, yet you come back into the office with them, and 15 minutes later, there you are with a plan!”

Another aspect of this modern technology the firm found particularly helpful was the ability to download data files on-site, and email them back to their main office. “Some of the schools are miles away, so this is a great feature for us,” said Mr Pidd.

The firm plans to use 12d Model on all future work. In the words of Mr Pidd, “We will never use just the old theodolite equipment again!

Download this Case Study as a PDF HERE.

History Files: Export/Import Tools

Eliot Sinclair & Partners in New Zealand (https://eliotsinclair.com/) began their innovation journey with 12d Model quite some time ago, with a young Sam Cech then leading the charge with their macro development.

Not every software package makes it easy to export 12d Model data to it. A number of Eliot Sinclair & Partners (“ESP”) clients were using software packages that were open source (or not widely used), and thus custom export macros provided the best results. Below are some examples.

An ESP client working on the Wimakeriri River fish habitat studies was using a software package by the University of Alberta – River2D, a two-dimensional depth averaged finite element hydrodynamic model which has been customised for fish habitat evaluation studies.
The requested export format needed to contain point and break lines to allow the River2D package to perform its own triangulation. Roughness height value was also supplied, but more was needed to optimise efficiency on this important project.
ESP was supplied an Adobe Illustrator file in an older version, which they were unable to open. The ASCII file was deemed to likely be corrupt, so they decided to create a custom import tool for 12d Model to extract as much information as possible.
ESP client SCIRT needed the ability to import and export complex multi level attribute groups for many strings, and while there are many native options in 12d to do these exports, most only allow for one type of string.
ESP’s internal GIS package for cadastral information, Quickmap, allows for the import and management of custom information. They were eager to upload points and lines into Quickmap in order to show nationwide areas they have surveyed and benchmarks established on sites that could be reused by future surveys. Because Quickmap is an Access Database system that utilises WellKnownText, they needed another export tool from 12d Model.

Faced with these challenges, the most effective solution was to leverage the expertise of their 12d Model Customisation specialist to develop tailored 12d Model macros.

These custom macros enabled the ESP team to:
– help optimise their client’s River2D work on the Wimakeriri River
– extract all the relevant information from the corrupted Illustrator file
– assist SCIRT with importing and exporting complex multi-level attribute groups for many strings with their macro that recognises both drainage and super strings
– create the export tool they needed for working with Quickmap.

Building on these successful outcomes, ESP intends to further expand its use of 12d Model macros to drive efficiency and solve increasingly complex challenges in the future.

The Tipster: Installing 12d Model

This short video takes you through installing 12d Model through the 12d Model website (www.12d.com).

You’ll see how to navigate to the download link, download the Installation PDF, and join the 12d Model User Forum to learn from, and interact with, the 12d Model community.

We demonstrate finding the sample project and dataset which are provided with your installation of 12d Model (plus the folder structure that will install with it), and display tips for learning more, such as watching previous 12d Model webinars.

Watch the video here:

12d Tech Forum 2026

The 12d Tech Forum offers a fantastic opportunity for engaging in educational sessions, fostering valuable connections, and networking (sometimes over dinner and drinks!) with other members of the 12d community.

The 12d Tech Forum is the top destination for 12d Model and 12d Synergy customers and partners to gain knowledge and become a part of a thriving community of industry leaders and enthusiasts. It’s where the infrastructure industry’s finest minds come to learn and share, and it aims to fuel creativity, offer practical expertise, and connect.

The 12d Tech Forum 2026 will highlight 12d Model 15 C1u, which will be released before the 12d Tech Forum so you can use all the new features straightaway. The event will also feature exciting updates about 12d Synergy 6.

When and where

Dates: Sunday 26th, Monday 27th, and Tuesday 28th July 2026
Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) – Plaza Level

Cost

The Full Tech Forum Package for $1,350 +GST includes:

• Welcome Event for one person
• Tech Forum Gala Dinner *for one person
• 3 Full Days of Tech Forum Main Sessions
• Any ‘Birds of a Feather’ Sessions
• Award-winning food at all Morning/Afternoon Tea Breaks and Lunches
• 12d Polo Shirt and Other Goodies!
*Includes the 12d International Innovation Awards 2026 Ceremony

Credit card payments are accepted through our online store. Day passes are also available through the 12d Tech Forum website.

What to expect

At this three-day event, 12d Solutions will be highlighting exciting features in 12d Model including new sub-versions, as well as new developments in 12d Synergy, and more! We will continue the ever-popular ‘Birds of a Feather’ breakout sessions on Design, Surveying, 12d Water, and Information Management…PLUS a new Special Interest room which will include sessions on 12d Model Macros, and a variety of other speciality topics from 12d Model and 12d Synergy.

This event will be an invaluable learning and networking experience for users of 12d products and other industry professionals, in all areas of civil design, surveying and construction, water engineering, data management, and project collaboration. This event is suitable for users of all levels of expertise.

We’ll also have an expanded Exhibition space this time, since we’re in a bigger area—this will feature stands from suppliers such as:

·  Abtrac
·  Civillo
· C.R. Kennedy
· Aptella
· 4D Prisma
· Digital Enginuiti
· ManGoes Mapping
· CHCNav

Brought to you by our Sponsors:

Gold sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

 

Coffee Cart Sponsor

Gala Dinner Sponsor

The 12d Tech Forum offers:

• A great opportunity to increase your 12d Model/12d Synergy skills
• The ability to interact with the developers of 12d products
• The chance to network with, and learn from, other 12d users.

Reasons to attend the 12d Tech Forum 2026

#1 Gain Invaluable Education and Training

Whether you’re a tech newbie or a super user, the 12d Tech Forum is the perfect place to equip your team with invaluable tips and tricks that will boost efficiency and productivity. Discover the latest software updates, industry trends, and best practices to help your team stay ahead of the curve.

#2 Expand Your Network

The 12d Tech Forum isn’t just about education and training – it’s also a fantastic opportunity to connect with other professionals in your field. Rub shoulders with industry peers, make valuable connections, and exchange ideas that could take your career or business to the next level.

#3 Get Inspired by Industry Leaders

Elevate your knowledge and gain valuable insights from the 12d Model and 12d Synergy leaders themselves. Learn about the latest technological trends and advancements that will shape the future of the industry. Discover innovative solutions and strategies to help you take your business to the next level.

#4 Unleash Your Potential

The 12d Tech Forum offers a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, with access to the latest industry trends, practices, and innovations. Expand your knowledge and network with like-minded individuals who share your passion for technology.

#5 Join the 12d Community and Thrive Together

The 12d Tech Forum is more than just an event, it’s a chance to join a thriving community. Connect with the 12d Model and 12d Synergy teams, including executives, to share your knowledge and gain valuable insights from experts in the field. Make lifelong friends and be a part of a community that has been growing and thriving for over 30 years.

#6 Celebrate the Industry’s Achievements and Have Fun!

Our Innovation Awards Ceremony is the highlight of the event. Attend the Tech Forum Gala Dinner to applaud the ground-breaking work and extraordinary achievements of the global 12d Community.

Registrations have been rolling in; let’s get excited together…register today!