Information modeling for theatre and events technology can be realised with AutoSTAGE.

What is information modeling?
Among other things information modeling means:

• Entering and importing
• Processing and editing
• Evaluating
• Further processing and exporting

of design data.

What is design data?
Design data examples are:

• Positions and angles of lights, speakers, stage elements, trusses
• Weights and performance information
• Colours, light numbers, DMX addresses, position and reference details
• And any other data needed for a project

The graphical representation of the design is the best way for our brain and intellect to understand the design data in a meaningful way.

      > The design is the graphical representation of the design data for a project <

AutoSTAGE is responsible for the processing and management of the design data. The basis used for AutoSTAGE Pro is AutoCAD, while for AutoSTAGE Easy it is Bricscad. Thus, for theatre and events technology, AutoCAD and Bricscad respectively are the engines for information modelling, and AutoSTAGE is the body.

What AutoSTAGE achieves is an exact image of reality, based on the graphical user interface of AutoCAD and Bricscad. When working with AutoSTAGE all data necessary for a project is generated and entered at the planning stage. This creates an accurate replica of the project in the preliminary and planning stages of a project’s design, as it will actually be implemented at some later point. Changes and enhancements to the design are possible at any time and relevant stock lists, planning information and data are automatically updated. The design becomes a master of information, the place where all the technical information on a project is stored.

Working in the 2D and 3D world

Basically, you can work with CAD (Computer Aided Design) in either a 2D or 3D world. Both worlds have specific advantages and disadvantages and should therefore be used in accordance with the requirements of the project. Choosing the right world for a project must always be guided by the required tasks. For this the motto is: The right tool for the job. 

The 2D world is ideally suited to engineering designs and construction outlines. The big advantage of the 2D world is the small amount of data used for 2D symbols.  As a result, a 2D design performs well even with many design elements. However, 2D also means that the design is quite technical and abstract. For this reason, it is sometimes difficult for the end customer  to understand. Many people, especially inexperienced viewers have problems in imagining a 3D world from an abstract 2D design.

The abstractness of the 2D world can be avoided in the 3D world through 3D modeling and visual images in 3D. The use of 3D creates a design that is visually and intuitively better understood and perceived in comparison to a 2D design. 3D designs are less abstract and correspond better to the natural human perception of reality. It should however be considered that the file size of 3D symbols is on average 10 times larger then the comparable 2D symbols. This has a big impact on the performance of the design: The inclusion of an increasing number of 3D symbols produces an increase in computer calculations. The potential exists that the manipulation of 3D designs becomes very difficult when they include a large number of 3D design elements.

The more appropriate tool for engineering designs and construction outlines is definitely the 2D design. However, when trying to win over a customer for a technical concept, for example, then work should be in the 3D world. The three-dimensional representation allows a natural, visual experience and perception of a technical concept or design.

AutoSTAGE in 2D and 3D

AutoSTAGE consists of the two modules: AutoSTAGE 2D and AutoSTAGE 3D.

You can implement engineering designs and construction outlines with AutoSTAGE 2D in a 2D world. AutoSTAGE 2D is intended for the technical planner that needs to implement technical concepts in the staging of events. A technical planner can for example be a lighting master, a sound engineer or a rigger.

AutoSTAGE 3D is used for 3D modeling and visual images in 3D to provide a visual and intuitive design and plan. The three-dimensional design of AutoSTAGE 3D allows a natural perception of the design drawing. Thus, AutoSTAGE 3D creates visual images that can be used for presentations or selling of a technical concept.

The two modules of AutoSTAGE 2D and AutoSTAGE 3D can be compared to the two sides of a coin. Each module has specific properties related to the 2D or 3D world and hence also has its specific advantages and disadvantages. AutoSTAGE 2D is the right tool for a professional engineering plan and design.  AutoSTAGE 3D is best used to convince a customer of a technical concept.

With that a bridge is created between the two worlds of AutoSTAGE. All design data and project information exists regardless of whether you work only in the 2D or in the 3D world. With a simple command it is possible to produce a two-dimensional plan for an engineering design with an AutoSTAGE 3D created visual image - or vice versa, create a three-dimensional visual image from a two-dimensional engineering design.

User-entered design and information data remains saved even when switching between the two worlds. Thus, the user achieves maximum flexibility with the application of 2D and 3D designs and can make full use of the advantages of both worlds, effectively bypassing the disadvantages.