David Simper

Where do you currently work?
The Computer Modelling Group (CMG) within the Directorate of Navy Platform Systems that is mostly a civilian engineering area of the Department of Defence. The CMG is situated in Campbell Park Offices in Canberra Australia.

What is your role there?
I am the technology manager for the Computer Modelling Group. This involves the management and administration a team of five CAD modellers and 3D graphics artists. Administration tasks include the creation of CAD requirements and specifications for Navy. I need to attempt to keep up the design viz industry, ensuring the CMG output is as efficient as possible while producing high quality work in often tight deadlines. When time allows I do some modelling, compositing and video editing for the group.....I would like to do more!!

What's your average day like?
It's never dull and almost always rewarding. My group has worked very hard over a number of years to raise the awareness of the technology we use, and how it can benefit the great work being done by the engineers that support Navy. This takes a lot of effort and it is very rewarding to see our efforts have not been wasted. More than ever, engineers within Navy Platform Systems rely on our capabilities so that has been a real win.

Is it challenging and rewarding work?
Absolutely.

What does your future hold?
Personally I would like to see the work we do become common-place in the engineering world. It makes so much sense to give engineering results a graphic "front-end" which allows a wider audience to appreciate the engineering work being done here. It's the old "a picture is worth a thousand words" analogy.

Is there a particular project or job that has shaped your perspective more than others?
The Location and Scenario Training System for submarine training authority. This project involved the creation of detailed and accurate models of the interior of the Collins Class submarine. These models were exported from 3D Studio MAX and used to create a game level in the Unreal Tournament 2 game engine. Submariners in training could play this game to practice locating equipment in the compact and complex compartment spaces of the submarine so that when they are posted to the real thing they already know where the equipment is. This is just one of many applications for this technology which I believe could be a growth area in the engineering world in general.

What qualities/strengths make a good 3d visualisation artist in your field?An understanding of technical drawing, CAD, design and engineering. Due to the technical nature of the work we do and the clients we deal with, technical qualifications are essential for members of the group. Obviously a flair for design viz is essential also. Desirable qualities would be the ability to survive without sleep and food so we can meet our deadlines!!

What value do you put on training in terms of 3D?
3D computer graphics applications are huge in scope, a challenge to use and have a steep learning curve. Training is essential to make effective use of computer graphics software to realise your goals in graphics. Each individual will have their preferred method of learning; from books, DVD's or the internet, however none of these are as good as tutoring given in person. A class situation provides a pool of minds to draw ideas and solutions to problems while learning.

What impact has 3D visualisation had in your particular field?
The use and visibility of 3D graphics and simulation in the engineering and design sector of Defence is increasing. The ability to quickly visualise and sometimes test concepts and outcomes using 3D graphics is an invaluable asset to engineers and designers. It reduces the need to produce physical mock-ups of designs which saves time and money.

Do you believe it's a growth area and if so why?
The increased visibility of the group's work has had a follow on effect of increasing the volume of work that the CMG has to complete. As the benefits of 3D visualisation are experienced by more and more projects in Defence this can only increase further. Unfortunately with limited staff and hardware we cannot service all requests. The use of games software for simulation and training purposes is another avenue for growth that is slowly gaining more acceptance within Defence. The simplicity in its delivery is what makes this technology so powerful. It is easy for the user to become immersed in the training material which ultimately means they should learn quicker and retain more information. It is also worth noting that the age group the Defence Force are aiming to recruit are likely to have grown up playing first-person games that our training concept has been developed in, and that means they should adapt to this type of training material with relative ease.

What words of advice would you give someone looking to enter into your particular field of visualisation?
Have a sound understanding of engineering principles. This will be a huge asset when determining the best way to visualise engineering output.

Why did you choose mad academy*?
They offered courses that were appropriate for what we were tying to achieve with 3DS Max, and had flexibility in their syllabus that gave us a more focussed level of training.

Do you think that your mad academy training was useful?
Definitely.

What was the most pleasing aspect of your training at mad academy?
A combination of the relaxed atmosphere and the freedom to discuss certain topics without feeling forced to stick to a schedule.

Would you like to do any more training at mad academy*? If so in which areas?
We are very interested in advanced lighting using the VRay plug-in.