The move from 2D drawing to 3D modeling has significant advantages for engineers in terms of precision and efficiency. In turn, this has benefits when creating cost estimates, allowing engineers to quickly and more accurately quantify materials and volumes for robust cost projections.
The transition from 2D to 3D is the key to this increased accuracy. Instead of using CAD as a digital drawing board, models can be created that are virtual representations of the actual building. This gives insights about the project that would be difficult to visualize in 2D, such as clashes between components.