Interactive Graphics in the United Kingdom

There are many automated data processing (ADP) systems with graphics capabilities currently in use in the United Kingdom. Research and development is further enhancing and developing this aspect of design methodology. One of the factors behind this activity has been the attitude of the British Government towards the development of computer technology and its practical application. The Government has financially supported and actively participated in developing, transferring, and implementing building technology and in promoting further technological advances in the building industry. The Computer Aided Design Centre is one result of the Government's decision to promote the wider use of computers in industry. The Centre is using basic tools developed for a range of development projects to build customized computer drafting systems for engineers and architects. These tools are a variety of database management systems, language processing, and tablet and menu handling software. Applications range from building services to structural steelwork drafting. The approach captures design/drafting logic, thus achieving a cost effective solution to specific drafting problems. Recently, the Centre has been using minicomputers for program and system development. The Design Office Consortium is a mechanism for transferring research results into practical application. It evaluates programs suitable for public use. The Computer-Aided Environmental Design Analysis and Realization System is an interactive building design system intended for designers of Government offices. It provides fast, simple graphical input to applications programs. The Oxford System is an integrated, interactive system for detail design of buildings. It eliminates the repetition needed in traditional design work and reduces the cost of new buildings by 25 percent. Currently, there are at least 26 computer-aided drafting systems available in the United Kingdom. A number of different technologies could play a major role in the future of computer graphics such as cathode ray tubes, intelligent terminals, plasma panels, and raster scan and laser displays. A major research task is to aid the designer in finding his own way among the varied computer-aided techniques becoming available. The successful implementation of these systems will be conditioned by the users' attitudes toward the systems.