WO2015139086A1

WO2015139086A1 - Method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site

Info

Publication number: WO2015139086A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher DORIAN
Original assignee: Ethereal Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-17
Filing date: 2015-03-17
Publication date: 2015-09-24

Abstract

A method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a first site plan of the site; (ii) using location information relating to the site to determine at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval; (iii) providing a model of the improvement that is adapted to generate a design of the improvement that meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval; (iv) providing a second site plan including a representation of the design of the improvement; and (v) compiling the application using the second site plan and the design of the improvement.

Description

Method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods of, and computer implementable systems for, preparing an application to make an improvement to a site and in particular to software based methods for designing improvements and preparing compliant applications for approval, such as statutory planning and building approval. The present invention also relates to methods of visualising a proposed improvement to a site that can be used to activate sales and or assist with the design process for a given improvement. Background to the Invention

The process for designing an improvement to a site such as an outbuilding, renovation or swimming pool is time consuming and expensive. The process involves many steps and the use of many specialised services such as draftsmen, estimators, shop detailers, town planners, purchasing officers, building surveyors, project managers, architects and builders.

The design phase of a project is complicated further insofar as it the implications of any given design change on costs and other aspects of the project are not readily apparent. Furthermore, until a given design is actually built its suitability can be difficult to accurately assess. These issues complicate the design process and add costs to the exercise.

Once the design of a given project is complete it is common for it to require approval from a third party such as a council or other regulatory body who will assess the project to see if it meets the applicable planning and building requirements. The approval process can be complicated and this also adds time and expense to the process of making an improvement to a site.

With the above in mind there is a need for solutions that aid the design and build process for renovations and other improvements in the building and construction industry. References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect o the present invention there is provided a method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a first site plan of the site;

(ii) using location information relating to the site to determine at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval;

(iii) providing a model of the improvement that is adapted to generate a design of the improvement that meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval;

(iv) providing a second site plan including a representation of the design of the improvement; and

(v) compiling the application using the second site plan and the design of the improvement. The present invention also provides a method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a first site plan of the site;

(iii) providing a pre-determined model of the improvement that is adapted to generate a design of the improvement that meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval; (iv) providing a second site plan including a representation of the design of the improvement; and

(i) providing a first site plan of the site;

(iii) using a model component database to prepare a second site plan including a customised improvement design that meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval;

(iv) generating a model of the customised improvement design; and

(v) compiling the application using the second site plan and the customised improvement design.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a computer implemented system for preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the system comprising:

(i) a means for receiving location information relating to the site;

(ii) a site plan database containing a plurality of first site plans indexed by location; (iii) a planning requirement database comprising a plurality of requirements that the application needs to meet to gain the approval, wherein said requirements are indexed by the location of the site;

(iv) a model database comprising a plurality of models corresponding to a plurality of improvements; (v) a processing means for generating a design of the improvement based on the model of the improvement, wherein said design meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval;

(vi) a processing means for generating a second site plan including a representation of the design; and

(vii) a processing means for compiling the application using the second site plan and the design of the improvement.

The present invention also provides a computer implemented system for preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the system comprising:

(i) a means for receiving location information relating to the site;

(ii) a site plan database containing a plurality of first site plans indexed by location;

(iii) a planning requirement database comprising a plurality of requirements that the application needs to meet to gain the approval, wherein said requirements are indexed by the location of the site;

(iv) a model component database for preparing a customised improvement;

(v) a processing means for generating a model of the customised improvement that is adapted to generate a design of the customised improvement that meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval;

(vi) a processing means for generating a design of the improvement based on the model of the improvement, wherein said design meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval;

(vii) a processing means for generating a second site plan including a representation of the model of the improvement; and (viii) a processing means for compiling the application using the second site plan and the design.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of visualising an improvement to a site the method comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a first site plan of the site;

(v) visualising the second site plan and/or the design of the improvement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of methods and systems, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a simplified schematic illustrating the workflow of a preferred embodiment of a method of the present invention involving the use of pre-determined designs;

Figure 2 is a simplified schematic illustrating the workflow of a preferred embodiment of a method of the present invention allowing for a higher degree of customised design;

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a schematic of a more detailed workflow of a preferred embodiment of a method of the present invention, where Figure 3B is a continuation of the process in Figure 3A; Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a schematic of a more detailed workflow of another preferred embodiment of a method of the present invention, where Figure 4B is a continuation of the process in Figure 4A;

Figure 5A is a schematic of a first site plan that forms part an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 5B is a schematic of a second site plan that forms part an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention. The second site plan is derived from the first site plan in Figure 5A.

Detailed Description of the Invention According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a first site plan of the site including;

(v) compiling the application using the second site plan and the design of the improvement. Preferably, the method is computer implemented.

The model of the improvement may be two dimensional or three dimensional.

The model of the improvement may be a line drawing or image.

The model of the improvement may be obtained from a library of existing models.

The model of the improvement may be generated from a library of model components that can be assembled to form the model.

Preferably, the model of the improvement is a visual model. Preferably, the model of the improvement is adapted to be manipulated to generate a plurality of design options.

Preferably, the design options are viewable.

Preferably, the model is adapted to be resized automatically in real-time based on one more requirements that the application needs to meet to gain approval.

Preferably, the model of the improvement is a parametric model.

Preferably, the model of the improvement is constrained by at least one rule that relates to at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval. Preferably, the at least one rule may be a plurality of rules in a database, such as a computer database.

Preferably, the improvement is selected from the list of improvements comprising: an outbuilding such as a shed, a building extension, a swimming pool, a wall such as a retaining wall, fences, patios, pergolas, decks, sheds, garages, carports, shade sails, pylons, signs, ancillary dwellings (granny flats), mobile phone towers, lighting poles, agricultural sheds and transportable buildings.

Preferably the third party is a party selected from the list comprising: a statutory authority or body, a government entity (local, state or federal), private building surveyors and planners. Preferably, the first site plan is two dimensional. Preferably, the first site plan includes one or more of: site boundaries, ground levels, ground contours, existing buildings, underground services such as sewerage, gas, water and electricity, North point, scale and dimensions.

Preferably, the first site plan is selected from a site plan database. The first site plan from the site plan database may be used as presented from the database, alternatively, the method may further comprises the step of a user adding one or more features to the site plan from a database or annotating, marking or delineating one or more features on the site plan such as one or more of site boundaries, ground levels, ground contours, existing buildings, underground services, North point, scale and dimensions, to create an annotated first site plan.

One or more of the added features on the annotated first site plan may be used to inform the at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval. For example, improvements to a site often have requirements regarding set backs from features on a site such as site boundaries, existing buildings and the like. The annotated first site plan can then constrain or inform the model of the improvement to the site. One example of this is an improvement in the form of a swimming pool, the design of which, is impacted by the presence of other structures and features on the site such as building footings, site boundaries and retaining walls. An embodiment of the present invention that relates to a swimming pool is described in detail later herein. Preferably, the site plan is obtained from a geographic information system. In this regard, the location information may comprise geocode or other geographical related information from a suitable geographical information system or database.

Preferably, the at least one requirement is a planning requirement such as a planning requirement selected from the list comprising: boundary setbacks, site areas, plot ratios, open areas, fencing, fencing visual permeability, car parking bays, driveways, planning zoning information, dwelling type, public transport routes, heritage buildings, and building height.

Preferably, the planning requirement is determined from a planning requirement database, such as a computer implemented planning requirement database. Preferably, the at least one requirement is an engineering requirement such as an engineering requirement selected from the list comprising: wind loading information, geotechnical data, earthquake loading, material durability requirements.

Preferably, the engineering requirement is selected from an engineering requirement database. The design of the improvement is derived from the model of the improvement and hence is dependent, at least partially on the said model.

Preferably, the design of the improvement meets at least one pre-determined requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval such as an engineering requirement. Preferably the representation of the design of the improvement is a visual representation such as a plan view.

Preferably, the second site plan includes one or more of the features included in the first site plan such as one or more of: site boundaries, ground levels, ground level contours, existing buildings, underground services, North point, scale and dimensions.

Preferably, the representation of the improvement is adapted to be manipulated within the second site plan to a desired position.

Preferably, the model of the improvement is selected from a model database. In this regard, the parameters of the model may be set prior to providing the second site plan such that any design generated therefrom will satisfy at least one requirement set by the third party. In this form of the invention, there is less flexibility to develop customised design options. Users may select a two dimensional design of an improvement that corresponds to a pre-determined model. Thus, the present invention also provides a method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a first site plan of the site;

(ii) using location information relating to the site to determine at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval; providing a pre-determined model of the improvement that is adapted to generate a design of the improvement that meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval;

(v) compiling the application using the second site plan and the design of the improvement. The model of the improvement may also be formed using one or more components from a model component database. In this form, a user can use components from the model component database to develop more customised design options. Preferably, the model components are two dimensional shapes such as polygons that are adapted to be converted to a parametric model. Users may select various two dimensional model components to design a customised improvement that corresponds with a parametric model.

Thus, the present invention also provides a method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a first site plan of the site including; using location information relating to the site to determine at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval;

(iv) generating a model of the customised improvement design; and (v) compiling the application using the second site plan and the customised improvement design.

Preferably, the step of using a model component database to prepare a second site plan including a customised improvement design that meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval comprises the step of applying one or more model components to the first site plan.

Preferably, the methods herein further comprise the step of providing a costing of the improvement derived from the model of the improvement or a design of the improvement based thereon. Preferably, the costing is provided in real time and is updated when changes are made to the model or design.

Preferably, the methods herein further comprise the step of providing a list of materials required to construct the improvement. Preferably, the list of materials is provided in real time and is updated when changes are made to the model or design.

When the method comprises the step of providing a list of materials required to construct the improvement, the method may further comprise the step of preparing and forwarding the list to one or more suppliers. Preferably, the methods herein further comprise the step of providing a cost of labour required to construct the improvement. Preferably, the cost of labour is provided in real time and is updated when changes are made to the model or design.

Preferably, the methods herein further comprise the step of providing a set of drawings for use in the manufacturing and construction of the improvement. Preferably, these drawings are generated from the model or design. Even more preferably, they are updated in real time based on changes made to the model or design. The drawings include engineering drawings or sections, CNC drawings or machine files and shop drawings. Preferably, the methods herein further comprise the step of providing an augmented reality view of one or more of the model, a design produced therefrom, the first site plan and the second site plan.

Preferably, the methods herein further comprise the step of sending the application to another party for review prior to sending the application to the third party.

(i) a means for receiving location information relating to the site;

(iv) a model database comprising a plurality of models corresponding to a plurality of improvements;

(v) a processing means for generating a design of the improvement based on the model of the improvement, wherein said design meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval;

Preferably, the system further comprises a means for visualising one more of: the first site plan, the model of the improvement, the design of the improvement based on the model, the second site plan and the application.

Preferably, the system further comprises a user interface for manipulating one or more of: the first site plan, the model of the improvement, the design of the improvement based on the model, the representation of the second site plan and the application.

Preferably, the system further comprises an export engine for exporting one or more of the first site plan, the model of the improvement, the design of the improvement based on the model, the second site plan and the application.

(i) a means for receiving location information relating to the site;

(iv) a model component database for preparing a customised improvement;

(vii) a processing means for generating a second site plan including a representation of the model of the improvement; and

(viii) a processing means for compiling the application using the second site plan and the design. Preferably, the model component database comprises a plurality of two dimensional shapes or polygons.

(i) providing a first site plan of the site including;

(v) visualising the second site plan and/or the design of the improvement.

Preferably, the step of visualising comprises the use of augmented reality techniques.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of providing shop drawings of the improvement and/or providing a list of materials required to construct the improvement. Preferably, the list of materials is provided in real time and is updated when changes are made to the model or design.

General

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features. Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness. None of the cited material or the information contained in that material should, however be understood to be common general knowledge.

To the extent that more than one aspect of the present invention is described herein, preferred features described in relation to one aspect can be taken to be described in relation to other aspects, providing it is reasonable to do so given the nature of the relevant feature. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

The invention described herein may include one or more range of values (e.g. size etc). A range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range, provided such an interpretation does not read on the prior art.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Likewise the word "preferably" or variations such as "preferred", will be understood to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable but not essential to the working of the invention.

Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

A preferred embodiment of a method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site in accordance with the invention is illustrated schematically in Figure 1 . The methods in Figure 1 and 2 involve the use of parametric model, but it will be appreciated that they could also involve the use of model that is not parametric.

The process of the preferred embodiment will typically be embodied in a computer software program to significantly automate the process. The illustrated embodiment of the method 10 relates specifically to the building and construction industry and more particularly to a residential building project for an outbuilding such as a shed where an application needs to be submitted to a third party, usually in the form of a local government authority, for building and/or planning approval. It will be understood that the method according to the invention may be equally applicable with minor modifications to other building projects such as, for example, home extensions, carports and other outbuildings, swimming pools and retaining walls.

Figure 1 illustrates the workflow of the method 10, typically facilitated by a computer software program, during the design and application phase of a project. The method commences at step 1 1 with a user accessing the software. At step 12 the user selects the type of improvement they plan to make to the site - in this case a shed. The user may select from a number of pre-determined improvement options and types or choose to custom design their improvement (see Figure 2).

The user enters the location of the site at which the improvement will be located 14. The software uses the location information 14 to determine applicable building and planning requirements and uses these to generate a first site plan (not shown) and a parametric model of the shed 16. The requirements may be hard coded into the software or be provided in a separate database 17 that is queried to obtain the necessary information to apply to the parametric model 16.

The parametric model of the shed 16 can be viewed by the user and manipulated to alter dimensions or other characteristics of the shed. From a building requirements perspective, constraints may be applied that relate to one or more engineering requirements for the shed. For example, one or more dimensions may have set minimums and maximums based on the use of standard sized components such as beams and connections. However, instead of preventing a user from breaching a given constraint, the method may allow a user to do so and flag the issue as an exception for further consideration or action by the user. In this regard, the method may allow a user to specify a shed with non-standard dimensions but also identify the associated cost implications. Thus, the system allows for various information to be presented to the user in real time such as costings or a list of material required for the improvement. In so doing, the user is able to immediately see the impact of changes being made to the design.

To enable the user to visualise the improvement on a site plan the software generates a plan view of the improvement designed in the parametric model 16 and combines it with the first site plan to form the second site plan 18. At this stage, the user can move the plan view of the improvement to test various locations for the improvement on the second site plan 18. However, one or more limitations may be applied to where the improvement can be located on the plan to prevent a breach of one or more planning requirements. For example, the method may prevent the shed being located within a minimum set back. Alternatively, the method may allow for the shed to be located within a minimum set back but flag the issue as an exception for further consideration or action by the user e.g. the second site plan 18 may be finalised with the shed located within at least one minimum set back but may also prompt the user to seek consent from one or more parties for a concession to have the shed built within the setback. It will be appreciated that the system allows for an iterative design process where the parametric model can be used to assess various design options that can then be assessed in situ - on the second site plan.

At step 20 the design and its location on the site are finalised by the user and the software compiles the application into a ready to submit format. In step 22, the application is submitted to a third party in the form of a local council or other statutory authority for approval. Prior to submission to the third party for approval the application may also be sent to another party such as a structural engineers or building surveyor for certification, as required for the approval process.

Another preferred embodiment of the method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site in accordance with the invention is illustrated schematically in Figure 2. The embodiment in Figure 2 is similar to the embodiment in Figure 1 but allows for a user to choose to custom design their improvement. Again the embodiment in Figure 2 describes the use of a parametric model but a non-parametric model may also be used.

The method 1 10 commences 1 1 1 with a user accessing the software. At step 1 12 the user selects the type of improvement they plan to make to the site, but in contrast to the first preferred embodiment, the user chooses to custom design the shed instead of using a pre-determined design from the system.

At step 1 14 the user enters the location of the site at which the improvement will be located. The software uses the location information to determine applicable building and planning requirements and to generate a first site plan (not shown). As in the first embodiment, the requirements may come from an external database 1 17.

At step 1 15 the user uses a model component database that includes a number of predetermined two dimensional shapes to design the shed on the first site plan or draws or places a polygon on the drawing to create the second site plan 1 18. At step 1 16 the software generates a parametric model of the shed based on information in the second site plan 1 18. This parametric model can be constrained and manipulated, if required, as described in relation to the first preferred embodiment in Figure 1 . If changes are made then an updated version of the second site plan is created. Once the design phase has been completed at step 120 the application is compiled using the final version of the second site plan, including the design of the shed taken from the parametric model. In step 122, the application is submitted to a third party in the form of a local council or other statutory authority for approval. Figures 3A and 3B depict a more detailed work flow of a software implementable method according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The work flow is presented across both of Figures 3A and 3B that are connected via A. The details of each step of the workflow in Figures 3A and 3B is set out in Table 1 below.

Table 1

14. Allow user to upload contour levels vector file or raster plan and trace or 3D laser scan of terrain

15. Is the structure the only/ last proposed on the site?

16. Planning requirements are queried from the database for the location, planning any planning issues shown to the user in real-time.

17. Is contour information for location adequate from GIS

System for the structure OR is contour data required?

18. The 2D polygon from GIS is sent to parametric model for

3D dimension manipulation and additional features to be added if required

19. The plan of the 3D model is sent back to the GIS plan to check the planning and structural implications, querying the databases

20. Are the planning restrictions OK?

21 . Does the client want to go to a town planner for alternative decision?

22. Send drawing to town planner for alternative decision

23. Await planning approval

24. Alternative planning approval achieved?

25. Notify client

26. End

27. Drawings of the site plan and structure(s) generated, if any forms, calculations, material take-offs or shop detail drawings are generated then generate them.

28. Does insurance companies, or statutory authority allow for totally automated service?

29. Authorise professional(s) check of structure for statutory requirements

30. Generate files required for approval

31 . Query database with the requirements of the statutory authority and lodge according to their requirements

32. Statutory Authority lodgement requirements

33. Lodge files

34. Does user want to wait for statutory approval before ordering materials?

35. Await statutory approvals

36. Are there any components that can be sent to CNC machines for production?

37. Does the client want to get the materials delivered to site?

38. Does the client want to shop detail drawings or material take offs?

39. Does the user want to send for CNC production?

40. Send members for CNC production

41 . Send material take off to material supplier(s) for delivery to site

42. Send material take offs and shop detail drawings to user

Figures 4A and 4B depict a detailed work flow of a software implementable method according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention that shares common aspects with the work flow in Figures 3A and 3B. Where steps in Figure 4A and 4B correspond to those in Figure 3A and 3B consistent numbering has been used. The work flow is presented across both of Figures 4A and 4B that are connected via A. The details of each step of the workflow in Figures 4A and 4B is set out in Table 2 below.

Table 2

on material quantities from parametric model and suppliers' costs

20. Are the planning restrictions OK?

21 . Does the client want to go to a town planner for alternative decision?

22. Send drawing to town planner for alternative decision

23. Await planning approval

24. Alternative planning approval achieved?

25. Notify client

26. End

29. Authorise professional(s) check of structure for statutory requirements

30. Generate files required for approval

32. Statutory Authority lodgement requirements

33. Lodge files

34. Does user want to wait for statutory approval before ordering materials?

35. Await statutory approvals

36. Are there any components that can be sent to CNC machines for production?

37. Does the client want to get the materials delivered to site?

38. Does the client want to shop detail drawings or material take offs?

39. Does the user want to send for CNC production?

40. Send members for CNC production

41 . Send material take off to material supplier(s) for delivery to site

42. Send material take offs and shop detail drawings to user

43. Structure selected that does not have parametric model in library

44. Apply buffer offsets around existing structure polygons for selection of details/ drawings. Buffer dependent on the metadata added to the polygon

45. Structure selected that does have parametric model in library

46. Perform rules on selecting details/ drawings based on buffers, site parameters

47. Is this the only /last non-parametric structure proposed on the site? 48. Detail/ Drawing selection rules

49. Suppliers rates

50. Is the output from a parametric model?

51 . Does the user want to order materials through the system?

52. Structure does not have parametric model in library

53. Structure does have parametric model in library

An embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 5A and 5B that depict images of site plans used as part of an application to make an improvement to a site in the form of swimming pool.

Figure 5A is a representation of a first site plan in the form of a residential site plan 100 including an existing structure in the form of a house 1 10, delineated by outline of the house as would be viewed from above, such as from a satellite image retrieved from a GIS database. By using the location of the site a database containing the statutory requirements for swimming pools built at the location can be queried to retrieve the relevant requirements. The site plan 100 also includes side boundaries 102, 104 and front and rear boundaries 106, 108.

To locate the walls of the house 1 10 on the site plan 100, a user traces an outline 1 1 1 on the site plan 100 around the house 1 10. This outline 1 1 1 can then be used to take account of the eaves (not shown) and the alfresco area 1 12, that includes a roof supporting brick pier 1 14, to locate the existing walls of the house 1 10.

Existing walls or fences on the boundary of the site can also be given attributes by the user according to whether they separate the site from wall 1 16 between a neighbouring site and the site or a fence or wall (not shown) between a road reserve 1 18 and the site.

A user then provides a model of the swimming pool by forming an outline of the swimming pool 120 on the site plan 100, this is best shown in Figure 5B. A user can add attributes to the lines that form the outline of the pool including the depth of the swimming pool 120 and details of any special features built on the edge of the swimming pool 120, such as screen walls, walls of the existing house 1 10, planter boxes, steps, ledges and/or raised pool edges. This is shown on Figure 5B where part of the outline of the wall 122 is marked to include attributes such as depth of the pool of 1400mm and another part of the wall 124 is marked to include attributes such as depth of pool of 1200mm. The inclusion of the attributes forms an annotated site plan and the software implemented form of the invention uses the attributes, such as those marked at 122 and 124 to create buffers 126, 128 that constrain or select the correct details of the swimming pool 120 to ensure it meets requirements to gain approval. In this regard, the various attributes of the swimming pool 120 and the existing structures on the site will impact at least setbacks between the swimming pool and existing structures on the site (i.e. where the pool can be located on the site) and the engineering requirements of the swimming pool in terms of wall thickness and the requirements for additional reinforcing. Once the model and design of the swimming pool 120 is finalised, a second site plan including a representation of the design is provided and compiled into an application for submission to the relevant authorities

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims

The Claims defining the invention are as follows:

1 . A method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a first site plan of the site;

(v) compiling the application using the second site plan and the design of the improvement.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the model of the improvement is two dimensional.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the model of the improvement is two dimensional.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the model of the improvement is three dimensional.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the model of the improvement is a line drawing.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the model of the improvement is obtained from a library of existing models.

7. A method according to claim wherein the model of the improvement is generated from a library of model components that can be assembled to form the model.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the model of the improvement is a visual model.

9. A method according to claim 1 wherein the model of the improvement is adapted to be manipulated to generate a plurality of design options.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the design options are viewable.

1 1 . A method according to claim 1 wherein the model of the improvement is a parametric model.

12. A method according to claim 1 wherein the model of the improvement is constrained by at least one rule that relates to at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the at least one rule is provided in a computer database.

14. A method according to claim 1 wherein the improvement is selected from the list of improvements comprising: an outbuilding, a building extension, a swimming pool, a wall, a fence, a patio, a pergola, a deck, a shade sail, a pylon, a signs, a mobile phone tower, a lighting poles, and a transportable building.

15. A method according to claim 1 wherein the third party is a party selected from the list comprising: a statutory authority or body, a government entity, a building surveyor, an architect and a planner.

16. A method according to claim 1 wherein the first site plan is two dimensional.

A method according to claim 1 wherein the first site plan includes one or more of: site boundaries, ground levels, ground contours, existing buildings, underground services such as sewerage, gas, water and electricity, North point, scale and dimensions.

18. A method according to claim 1 wherein the first site plan is selected from a site plan database.

19. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of a user adding one or more features to the first site plan from a database.

20. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of annotating, marking or delineating one or more features on the first site plan to create an annotated first site plan.

21 . A method according to claim 19 or 20 wherein the features are one or more of site boundaries, ground levels, ground contours, existing buildings, underground services, North point, scale and dimensions.

22. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the feature on the annotated first site plan are used to inform the at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval.

23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the at least one requirement is a setback and the feature is a site boundary or existing building and the annotated first site plan is adapted to constrain or inform the model of the improvement to the site.

24. A method according to claim 1 wherein the first site plan is obtained from a geographic information system.

25. A method according to claim 1 wherein the location information concerning the first site plan comprises geocode.

26. A method according to claim 1 wherein the at least one requirement is a planning requirement.

27. A method according to claim 26 wherein the planning requirement is selected from the list comprising: boundary setbacks, site areas, plot ratios, open areas, fencing, fencing visual permeability, car parking bays, driveways, planning zoning information, dwelling type and building height.

28. A method according to claim 26 wherein the planning requirement is determined from a computer implemented planning requirement database.

29. A method according to claim 1 wherein the at least one requirement is an engineering requirement.

30. A method according to claim 29 wherein the engineering requirement is selected from the list comprising: wind loading information, geotechnical data, earthquake loading, material durability requirements.

31 . A method according to claim 29 wherein the engineering requirement is selected from a computer implemented database.

32. A method according to claim 1 wherein the design of the improvement meets at least one pre-determined requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval such as an engineering requirement.

33. A method according to claim 1 wherein the representation of the design of the improvement is a visual representation.

34. A method according to claim 33 wherein the representation is a plan view.

35. A method according to claim 1 wherein the second site plan includes one or more of the features included in the first site plan.

36. A method according to claim 1 wherein the representation of the improvement is adapted to be manipulated within the second site plan to a desired position.

37. A method according to claim 1 wherein the model of the improvement is selected from a computer implemented database.

38. A method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a first site plan of the site;

(iii) providing a pre-determined model of the improvement that is adapted to generate a design of the improvement that meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval;

39. A method of preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a first site plan of the site;

(iv) generating a model of the customised improvement design; and

40. A method according to claim 39 wherein the step of using a model component database to prepare a second site plan including a customised improvement design that meets at least one requirement that the application needs to meet to gain the approval comprises the step of applying one or more model components to the first site plan.

41 . A method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising the step of providing a costing of the improvement derived from the model of the improvement or a design of the improvement based thereon.

42. A method according to claim 41 wherein the costing is provided in real time and is automatically updated when changes are made to the model or design.

43. A method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising the step of providing a list of materials required to construct the improvement.

44. A method according to claim 43 wherein the list of materials is provided in real time and is automatically updated when changes are made to the model or design.

45. A method according to claim 43 further comprising the step of preparing and forwarding the list of materials to one or more suppliers.

46. A method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising the step of providing a cost of labour required to construct the improvement.

47. A method according to claim 46 wherein the cost of labour is provided in real time and is automatically updated when changes are made to the model or design.

48. A method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising the step of providing a set of drawings for use in the manufacturing and construction of the improvement.

A method according to claim 48 wherein the drawings are generated from the model or design.

A method according to claim 48 or 49 wherein the set of drawings are updated automatically in real time based on changes made to the model or design.

A method according to any one of claims 48 to 50 wherein the drawings are one or more of engineering drawings, sections, CNC drawings, machine files and shop drawings.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising the step of providing an augmented reality view of one or more of the model, a design produced therefrom, the first site plan, the annotated first site plan and the second site plan.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising the step of sending the compiled application to another party for review prior to sending it to the third party.

A computer implemented system for preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the system comprising:

(i) a means for receiving location information relating to the site;

55. A system according to claim 54 further comprising a means for visualising one more of: the first site plan, the annotated first site plan, the model of the improvement, the design of the improvement based on the model, the second site plan and the application.

56. A system according to claim 54 further comprising a user interface for manipulating one or more of: the first site plan, the annotated first site plan, the model of the improvement, the design of the improvement based on the model, the representation of the second site plan and the application.

57. A system according to claim 54 further comprising an export engine for exporting one or more of the first site plan, the annotated first site plan, the model of the improvement, the design of the improvement based on the model, the second site plan and the application.

58. A computer implemented system for preparing an application to make an improvement to a site, for submission to a third party for approval, the system comprising:

(i) a means for receiving location information relating to the site;

(iii) a planning requirement database comprising a plurality of requirements that the application needs to meet to gain the approval, wherein said requirements are indexed by the location of the site; (iv) a model component database for preparing a customised improvement;

(viii) a processing means for compiling the application using the second site plan and the design.

A system according to claim 58 wherein the model component database comprises a plurality of two dimensional shapes or polygons.

A method of visualising an improvement to a site the method comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a first site plan of the site;

(iv) providing a second site plan including a representation of the design of the improvement; and (v) visualising the second site plan and/or the design of the improvement.

61 . A method according to claim 60 wherein the step of visualising comprises the use of augmented reality techniques.

62. A method according claim 60 further comprising the step of providing shop drawings of the improvement and/or providing a list of materials required to construct the improvement.

63. A computer software program that embodies a method according to any one claims 1 -53 or 60-62.

64. A method according to claim 1 wherein the model of the improvement is adapted to be resized automatically in real-time based on one more of the requirements that the application needs to meet to gain approval.