Last reviewed 16 Sept 2026 · Facts as of 16 Sept 2026 · 9 min read
Information and communication technology (ICT)
ICT — technologies for capturing, storing, processing, transmitting and presenting information — computers, software, networks, the internet, mobile devices, sensors and communication systems.
Components
- Hardware — computers, servers, mobile devices, sensors, drones, surveying instruments.
- Software — applications, operating systems, databases, analytics platforms.
- Networks — internet, mobile networks (4G/5G), wireless sensor networks, satellite links.
- Data — the core resource; people and processes using the technology.
Role in engineering
Faster and more accurate design, collaboration across locations, data-driven decision-making, automation, real-time monitoring, transparency in procurement and execution, improved quality, safety and productivity.
Design and analysis tools
| Tool category | Examples | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| CAD (computer-aided design/drafting) | AutoCAD, MicroStation, BricsCAD | 2D/3D drawings, detailing |
| Structural analysis and design (CAE/FEM) | STAAD.Pro, ETABS, SAP2000, ANSYS, ABAQUS, MIDAS, Tekla Structural Designer | Analysis of buildings, bridges; finite element modelling |
| Geotechnical software | PLAXIS, GeoStudio | Slope stability, foundations, seepage |
| Hydraulics and water resources | HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, EPANET, SWMM, MIKE | Flood modelling, water distribution networks, stormwater |
| Transportation | VISSIM, Synchro, HDM-4, Civil 3D, OpenRoads | Traffic simulation, road design, pavement management |
| BIM (Building Information Modelling) | Revit, Tekla Structures, ArchiCAD, Navisworks, OpenBuildings | Coordinated models, clash detection, 4D (time) and 5D (cost), quantity take-off, facility management |
| Computational/parametric design | Grasshopper, Dynamo | Optimisation, form finding |
| Programming and scripting | Python, MATLAB, Excel VBA | Custom calculations, automation, data analysis |
Finite element method (FEM) — divides a structure into small elements, solves equations numerically for stresses/deformations — essential for complex geometries.
Project management and collaboration tools
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Scheduling software — MS Project, Primavera P6 | CPM/PERT schedules, resources, earned value |
| Common Data Environment (CDE) — Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bentley ProjectWise, Trimble Connect | Single source of truth for drawings and documents, version control |
| Cloud collaboration — Microsoft 365, Google Workspace | Shared documents, video conferencing |
| ERP systems | Integration of finance, procurement, inventory, HR |
| Mobile site apps | Daily progress reports, photos, snag lists, quality and safety checklists, attendance |
| e-procurement — CPPP, GeM, state e-procurement portals | Transparent tendering, online bid submission and evaluation |
| Electronic measurement books and e-billing | Digital records of measurements and payments |
| Document management and digital signatures (DSC) | Paperless approvals |
Geospatial technologies
| Technology | Description | Engineering applications |
|---|---|---|
| GIS (Geographic Information System) | Capturing, storing, analysing and displaying spatial data in layers | Route planning, land use, utility mapping, flood hazard zoning, asset management, urban planning |
| GNSS / GPS (including NavIC) | Satellite positioning | Surveying (RTK/DGPS), machine control, vehicle tracking, geotagging of assets |
| Remote sensing | Satellite/aerial imagery (optical, multispectral, radar) | Land use mapping, watershed analysis, crop monitoring, disaster assessment, InSAR for ground deformation |
| LiDAR | Laser scanning (airborne, terrestrial, mobile) — dense 3D point clouds | Topographic surveys, corridor mapping, as-built models, forestry |
| Drones (UAVs) | Aerial photogrammetry and inspection | Rapid topographic surveys, volume computation of stockpiles, progress monitoring, bridge and tower inspection |
| Total stations and digital levels | Electronic measurement | Setting out, monitoring |
India's Bhuvan geoportal (ISRO/NRSC) provides satellite imagery and thematic maps; SVAMITVA scheme uses drones for mapping rural inhabited areas (property cards).
Monitoring, automation and control
| Technology | Description | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Strain gauges, accelerometers, piezometers, inclinometers, crack meters, temperature and humidity sensors, flow meters | Data acquisition for structures, soils, water systems |
| IoT (Internet of Things) | Networked sensors transmitting data to cloud platforms | Smart water meters, air quality monitoring, smart parking, concrete maturity sensors, equipment telematics |
| SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) | Centralised monitoring and control of distributed assets | Water supply and sewerage networks, pumping stations, canal gate automation, power grids |
| PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) | Industrial control | Treatment plants, conveyors, batching plants |
| Structural health monitoring (SHM) | Continuous sensing of structural response | Long-span bridges, dams, tunnels, heritage buildings |
| Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) | Sensors, cameras, communication for traffic management | Adaptive traffic signals, variable message signs, electronic toll collection (FASTag — RFID), automatic number plate recognition, incident detection |
| Automation and robotics | Machine control, robotic total stations, 3D printing | Automated grading, bricklaying robots, 3D concrete printing |