Conversion between BIM and GIS models - objectives and selected issues

Abstract

Interest in creating and using BIM (Building Information Modeling) models has been noticeably growing. This is due, among other things, to regulations that enforce the development of models and the use of BIM procedures for many types of construction investment in some countries. BIM is both, a complex and costly set of data and a complex information management process from the design phase of the building, through its construction, to its use. Initially, BIM models were of interest almost exclusively for architectural, construction and building experts. The needs of users in the field of property management, building protection, location and indoor navigation have resulted in parallel creation of GIS systems, presenting exteriors, as well as interiors of buildings. This has led to interest in BIM's development expressed by geoinformatics professionals. For economic reasons, creating two independent models for the same building is at least debatable. One way to reduce costs is to use BIM models and convert them as needed to GIS models. Because of the fundamental conceptual, technological, and functional differences, converting a BIM model to a GIS model is not an obvious and simple task. This paper summarizes the results of the tests and attempts to evaluate the complexity of this process. Attention is paid to both, technological issues (including conversion between different data formats), as well as issues related to the need to supplement and transform data according to the intended uses.

Received 4.10.2017 Accepted 9.01.2018 Published 15.02.2018