Those who ready my blogs will know that, GeoBIM is now a change in direction for geospatial, which is close to my heart. It provides context to the focused BIM project. Building Information Management (BIM) is a practice undertaken by any planning or construction project, which provides a method for many architects and project managers as well as engineers, to work collaboratively. This is mostly done as a series of CAD drawings or 3D objects. The detail provided by BIM is phenomenal, one can expect a complete building model to have radiators, light fittings, plumbing and even plug sockets mapped in a detailed 3D environment.
The issue with this data, is that it is not geospatial because the Geographic Information System (GIS), is not equipped to handle the level of accuracy, that is required. Therefore GeoBIM exists, where the detailed BIM model can be “watered down” to provide the necessary shell, floors and other items (as defined in the agreement) from the IFC (BIM) format over to a GIS friendly format, normally in CityGML. By doing this the BIM team can understand the model in context, so rather than being a single building which is designed to perfection, it can also be considered as related urban issues. It is believed that GIS and GeoBIM are the driving force for BIM.
Also Read: BIM series #2 – Challenges in CAD to BIM transition in India
What is ArcGIS GeoBIM
There is a collaboration between AutoDesk and Esri, due to which Esri has gained a good amount of understanding about its functions in the last 5yrs. There is already integration between ArcGIS and Revit, AutoDesk and Civil 3D, which is why the GeoBIM solution enables more efficient sharing of data between these platforms.
Also Read: The future of BIM software — what to expect
The new solution is that you can access your BIM & GIS data in a single place and Esri has given this solution on their dashboard capability, so that it can provide real-time feedback on issue completion, timelines and asset locations. Furthermore, ArcGIS GeoBIM connects to Autodesk Docs, a cloud-based document management and common data environment for project information in the Autodesk Construction Cloud platform.
GeoBIM hasn’t exploded into mainstream like 3D GIS or AI, and this software seems to be the perfect tool to bridge the gap. I am sure in places like Schiphol airport, who already is using a GeoBIM solution will be dialing up the phone to Esri, as we speak.
