Why do we hear more and more about the integration between BIM and GIS?

May 25, 2022
Laser scannerComments Off on Perché si sente sempre più spesso parlare di integrazione tra BIM e GIS?

The construction sector is becoming more and more advanced. This is thanks to new technologies and working methodologies such as BIM and GIS, which used in synergy can bring numerous advantages at every stage of the project.

Let's see what they are, the advantages of integration and the areas of application.

What is GIS?

We know the situation well by now BIM methodology, which allows you to create a digital model of the building full of information regarding all the stages of the building's life, and which together with the laser scanner survey gives life to the process Scan to BIM.

The GIS, or rather the Geographical Information System, in Italian Geographic Information System, collects the data not on the single building but on the territoryIt is a tool that performs analysis and representations of space and the events that occur within it, thus allowing for correct management and planning of the territory.

Both tools are based on the data and their integration has several purposes:

  • Provide a Geospatial context of the building (e.g. flood risk, infrastructure status, etc.) to make better decisions about the entire project at every stage of its life (from materials, to exposure, maintenance, etc.);
  • Have in one place the BIM and GIS data of the work, such as geometric model, technical data sheets, position, territorial plans, cadastral data, etc.  
  • Make a unique database even richer in information, easily accessible, secure and updatable, where GIS data enriches the BIM model and BIM enriches GIS information systems.

What are the advantages of integrating BIM and GIS?

It's clear how the synergic use of BIM and GIS brings numerous advantages, among which we can list:

  • Have a more realistic context for design of the works;
  • Less chance of error in the planning stage;
  • Reduction of timing and costs of project execution;
  • Greater involvement and collaboration between team members and greater interoperability;
  • Realization of more sustainable and local-friendly projects. GIS and BIM information can in fact be used to improve the optimization of environmental resources, energy saving, safety, etc.;
  • Possibility of Building smart cities using IoT and the ability to connect objects to each other thanks to the shared coordinate system.

Finally, one of the main advantages of integrating BIM and GIS is that although there are software to integrate the data, in reality there are numerous tools already in our possession to merge data and avoid the cost of new software.

Among these we find:

  • The use of the Open Street Map maps;
  • The use of the shapefile;
  • The import of land through the Digital Terrain Map.

The application sectors

There are numerous areas where the union of BIM and GIS can provide numerous advantages, both in the public and private sectors.

  • It can be used effectively in the design of a work, but also in architecture and in all fields where it is necessary to take into account the territorial component;
  • It is also necessary for the small or large scale infrastructures to obtain a complete cartographic system, for example of bridges, rest and service areas, etc.;
  • Finally, it is fundamental adoption for the Public Administration, which will be able to manage the territory more effectively and even create structures for the automated control of building practices.

One of the future applications of the integration of GIS and BIM could for example be the creation of a public works register, which could be linked to the National Information Archive of Public Works to monitor its status and evaluate the interventions to be carried out.