The ArcGIS GIS platform includes tools and standalone applications for creating geographic context for BIM. ArcGIS allows you to integrate GIS into different phases of the BIM lifecycle. For this, desktop, web and mobile applications of the ArcGIS geographic information platform are used.
Planning
ArcGIS Pro is a GIS desktop application that includes tools for creating, importing / exporting, and analyzing spatial data. This is the starting point for adding geographic context to BIM. Free gis software can be used to improve decision making during the planning phase. First of all, for the preparation of thematic maps of the future development site and the provision of this cartographic information to interested parties. Below is an example of several land plots for the proposed development.
Before you begin the design phase is necessary to analyze the constraints and risks , in order to avoid potential problems during construction and operation.
The following example analyzes the terrain data (slope angles in degrees) – the layer in the screenshot below “Terrain: Slope in Degrees” and the data on possible flood zones – the layers in the screenshot are: “OS Open Rivers” and “Environment Agency Flood Alert Areas” … This data is superimposed on the street map and potential building sites, which already allows for the first conclusions.
Design
Let’s take a look at how ArcGIS can interact with 2D architectural drawings to transform into intelligent 3D scenes. Traditionally, architectural design begins in CAD. The ability to quickly add geographic data from the planning phase along with design data provides a more holistic view and can help prevent potentially critical design errors. ArcGIS for AutoCAD is a free plug-in for accessing GIS data in AutoCAD.
CityEngine for ArcGIS is another desktop application of the ArcGIS platform that allows you to create conceptual 3D projects in direct relation to the surrounding geography. Add important design characteristics and constraints to procedural rules to automatically create conceptual models. CityEngine allows you to perform interactive visibility analysis or show shaded areas, and you can also measure distances and areas in 3D. Adding geodata allows you to explore the project from different angles, for example:
- How the project will look from different points,
- buildings will cast shadows at different times of the day and year,
- How the project fits into the existing transport infrastructure and engineering networks.
CityEngine will be useful in the early design stages, but simulation results can be imported into ArcGIS Pro for deep geospatial analysis. And to demonstrate the result, you can publish the model as a three-dimensional web scene. Including the ability to display the model in virtual reality glasses.
Building
ArcGIS web maps are a great way to make information available to project staff, giving them easy yet secure access to the data. Create maps for different user groups and customize web applications for browser access, or ArcGIS applications for phone and tablet . Mobile applications can work offline – without Internet access.
Explorer for ArcGIS is one of the ArcGIS mobile applications for accessing web maps on smartphones and tablets. Various assets can be inspected using the application’s tools: obtaining information about the object and creating notes for future analysis. In the following example, we’ll look at how Explorer can be used to control objects in the field, specifically to flag a faulty fire extinguisher. The screenshots below show a note-up tool that allows you to share notes with other users. Geolocating your device makes it easy to find yourself on the map.
Exploitation
The Operational Phase is by far the longest part of the project. ArcGIS can be used to improve asset management processes and exchange information more efficiently. For example, the Collector mobile app for ArcGIS can be used to collect digital information on mobile devices, replacing paper forms. This can save time and reduce errors when generating damage reports, service requests, asset checks, and more.
The mobile app can automatically sync data to keep the information up to date on the device and in the office. It is possible to collect both new data and update existing information, supplementing. It with photographs or other attachments, such as documents.