• Preprint 296

Technical Report 296, c4e-Preprint Series, Cambridge

The slow engagement of planning scholars with BIM-GIS-Semantic integration: A literature review

Authors: Hou Yee Quek, Franziska Sielker*, Jethro Akroyd, and Markus Kraft

Reference: Technical Report 296, c4e-Preprint Series, Cambridge, 2022

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Highlights
  • Contrasting the active BIM-GIS integration discourse in AEC against the slower pace in planning discourses
  • Semantic web integration with BIM-GIS could progress the bottleneck challenge of interoperability
  • Rapid growth of BIM-GIS papers over time mostly in AEC and smart city journals
  • Lagging behind commercial work, BIM-GIS planning scholars are still exploring theories with few applications
  • As urban interdependencies grow, the mediator role of planners should be considered more in BIM-GIS discussions
Abstract

Graphical abstract The growing research interest in the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) arise from their potential to overcome the growing urban complexities for a sustainable future. In understanding their capabilities, this paper attempts to shift the perspective from the prevailing Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries towards that of urban planning, which is at the intersection of all urban domains. However, are planners reluctant to fully adopt these technologies due to the rigid techno-centric mindset, the prevalence of weak interoperability and collaborative processes, or other reasons? We conducted a systematic literature review to understand the ongoing planning discourse for BIM-GIS integration, their integration opportunities with the semantic web, and identify future research needs. This review of 43 articles first reinforces the significance of BIM-GIS for planning more sustainable futures. Second, it highlights the limited research scopes and resources dedicated to this endeavour. Third, in advancing BIM-GIS-semantic web integration, proactive dialogue with planners is necessary. This would re-acknowledge the mediatory role of urban planning, to untangle and accommodate the complex network of actors and their conflicting interests involved in the city’s development across disciplines and scales, for more sustainable cities.

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