AI Search vs Keyword Search
Comparing AI-powered semantic search with traditional keyword search for construction documents.
Definition
AI semantic search understands meaning and context, while keyword search matches exact text. For construction documents, AI search can find relevant information even when exact terms aren't used, understand construction terminology, and rank results by relevance. Keyword search works well when you know exactly what you're looking for.
In Depth
The difference between AI semantic search and traditional keyword search is not just a feature comparison — it fundamentally changes how project teams find information. Keyword search finds documents containing the exact words you type. AI semantic search finds documents containing the information you need, regardless of the specific words used.
A practical example: a structural engineer searches for "seismic lateral force resisting system." Keyword search returns documents that contain that exact phrase. Semantic search also returns documents that discuss "SFRS," "seismic bracing," "moment frames for earthquake resistance," and "lateral system design" — all different ways of expressing the same concept. In construction, where every firm has its own terminology and abbreviations, this semantic matching is the difference between finding the answer and not finding it.
The other advantage is question-answering versus document-finding. Keyword search returns a list of documents that contain your keywords, and you still have to open each one and read through it to find the actual answer. AI search returns the answer directly, pulled from the relevant document section, with a citation to the source. This completes the search process in one step instead of two.
Examples
Finding requirements without knowing exact wording
Searching across different document types
Understanding synonyms and related terms
Nomic Use Cases
See how Nomic applies this in production AEC workflows:
Frequently Asked Questions
AI semantic search understands meaning and context, while keyword search matches exact text. For construction documents, AI search can find relevant information even when exact terms aren't used, understand construction terminology, and rank results by relevance. Keyword search works well when you know exactly what you're looking for.
Finding requirements without knowing exact wording. Searching across different document types. Understanding synonyms and related terms.
Project Research: Instantly access all project-critical information from a single search interface.