BIM-GIS implementation - BIM Business case study

Topography of

CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE And BIM-GIS implementation plan

@VisitBritian / Eric Nathan

UBLMM4-30-M – BIM in Business and Practice Student Number: 21039883 Word Count: 2,297

CONTEXT 1

Introduction………………………………………………………………… 2

2

Topography of Clifton suspension Bridge – Business case…………..

3

3

BIM-GIS strategy – implementation……………………………………..

6

4

Conclusion………………………………………………………………….

10

5

References…………………………………………………………………

11

ABBREVIATIONS BIM – Building Information Modelling CC0 – Creative Commons GIS – Geographical Information System AEC – architectural Engineering and construction UE4 – Unreal Engine 4 SDK – software development Kit AR - Augmented Reality VR – Virtual reality ISO – International organization o standards API – application programming interface

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1 INTRODUCTION BIM is being used globally since it is one of the most critical aspects of a project's long-term viability. COWI is a prominent consultancy organization with the main goal of being 100 percent sustainable in the next 3-to 4 years (cowi, 2022). COWI has thoroughly embraced BIM (Knott and passe, 2021). First and foremost, what exactly is BIM? BIM creates and distributes information throughout the life cycle of a construction project (Hamil, 2021). The study explains how they aligned with COWI and worked on a BIM visualization project for the Clifton suspension bridge.

The main objectives of the project are to build a Clifton suspension bridge model that includes the bridge, geography, and harbour; Create a user manual for the model, as well as asset information; All plugins, and CCO textures used in the model, as well as all software utilized, should be freely licensed.

The major aim of the project is to complete it on a gaming engine, such as Unreal Engine 4 (UE4). COWI has been doing this for ten years, and the same principle is being used on High speed 2 railway (HS2) (Knott and passe, 2021); COWI is an expert in this area (Knott and passe, 2021). As seen in the image below, the model is the result of a collaboration between the Architectural Construction and Engineering (ACE) industry and gaming engines. ACE uses Unreal Engine 4 to create things more realistic, while UE4 is the most versatile and powerful tool designed for engineering, architecture, game, and film creation (Anon, 2022).

Image 1: AEC and game engine collision

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Because this project is being done for charity, Clifton Suspension bridge, it is mandatory to utilise all free models, materials, and plugins. The visualised information model will be used to find clashes through visualisation, and it contains asset information in an aesthetically pleasing model (Knott and passe, 2021). The model should be ready to be imported and used by the sandbox arena platform. Because this model is open for everyone to use, it is being challenged to make it more acceptable for a project's tender stage, to aid in educating staff and BIM specialists, and to provide a visualisation impact that will assist future projects (Knott and passe, 2021). COWI addressed all of these concerns during the Kick - off meeting.

The project is been executed by a group of five different individuals where in this piece of the report is being discussed on the topography of the project. The main objective is to have georeferenced topography.

2 TOPOGRAPHY OF CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE – BUSINESS CASE STUDY According to the Cambridge dictionary, topography is defined as the aesthetic appearances of a land's natural characteristics, particularly the pattern of its surface (topography., 2022).

When we say topography, we mean components like land, roads, trees, and rocks. The key factors evaluated throughout this project are having a georeferenced model, the model's aesthetics, and its accuracy. By breaking down the process into topography and other, they are explained in detailed below.

2.1 TOPOGRAPHY The main objective of the topography is that it should be georeferenced. In the process of achieving that objective three different methods were tried in three different tools they are by using displacement map, using ArcGIS SDK plugin, and using Blender GIS. The more detail explanation of its application and its limitations are explained below. When talking about georeferencing it is important to understand the term georeferencing. It is nothing but the coordination of the visualized data to the real world data (USGS, 2022). This can be done by adding geospatial data to the game engine (Laksono and Aditya, 2019). An object, event, or phenomenon that has a location on the surface of the earth is considered geospatial data (Stock and Guesgen, 2016).

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Initially, the topography has been created using a displacement map. Displacement maps display height above a polygon surface by the intensity of the grayscale image (Maxon,

Image 2: displacement map of Clifton area 2022). This displacement plan, as illustrated in image 2, was obtained from a website (tangrams.github.io). It has been outlined to the Clifton Bridge region and imported into UE4.

The main drawback encountered is that the outcome is not accurate, the topography created was not georeferenced, and the data retrieved from the website does not match the realtime. As a result, the process has been accelerated by the search for new approaches.

Second, it has been targeted to implement georeferencing to the model. ArcGIS has launched a new plugin aligning with UE4 in October 2021 which is available free as it is its first addition (Hansen, 2020). The plugin has the real-time Esri data The plugin has been used to bring out using as the topography layer for the model (as shown in the image 3) as it is the most accurate data ever (esri, 2010).

Image 3: ArcGIS SDK plugin in UE4

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With the goal of becoming the most accurate data with georeferencing, Esri created a beta version of the plugin. It is available for free when in beta version, however not all functions are available (ArcGIS, 2022). Because it is mandatory to utilise a totally free tool, it has not been employed, and the look for the next method has proceeded.

Third, looking for tools that are free and simple to use, Blender is noticed. A free add-on to blender that has been used to create the topography of the Clifton bridge. Blender GIS is an add-on helps to import topography, buildings, roads, rivers. Etc (‘BlenderGIS Addon Blender’, 2020). The image 4 below study the results of importing esri GIS data. This has ticked al the need that is needed for the model i.e., has georeferencing, done in free model, and easy to use and edit. As seen in the picture, the legs of the Clifton bridge obtained from GIS data make it easier to find the Clifton bridge than the previous model. Importing the Blender file into UE4 is done using data smith plugin. Despite these benefits, there remains a constraint that affects the model's visualisation. The data collected from blender GIS isn't really correct because the project is aimed for being extremely little and with more couture.

Because visualisation is the most important factor for client consideration, this approach is likewise a failure.

Image 4: output from Blender GIS Until far, three methods have been explored, resulting in three distinct models, and none of them have been fully successful. However, it is critical to finalise a model that is acceptable for linking with the bridge and harbour. By evaluating three strategies, as shown in the table below, and analysing them in the decision-making process.

Approach 1 Tools Displacement used map

Approach 2

Approach 3

ArcGIS SDK for Blender unreal

GIS

add-on

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Advantage Easy to do

Has

Has

georeferencing

georeferencing, free,

easy

to

model, and easy to

import

into

UE4

Limitation Not

accurate, Not

doesn’t

free,

not

have completely

georeferencing

accessible.

Table 1: comparing three approaches The three outcomes were displayed to COWI participants during the process, and the outcome was discussed. It is proposed to contour Approach 3 and adjust the topography for better visualisation around Harbour Lake and to make it appear more accurate. By using this as the main file, the final result has been made to produce additional alterations such as adding vegetation and a bridge.

2.2 AND OTHER When it says other it includes adding materials trees and other elements to make it look aesthetics. Aesthetics is defined as the study of nature and the presentation of beauty or taste (Group, 2020). It may not be one of the most crucial factors to consider, but in the end, it is more gratifying to see the project as beautiful as achievable. CCO materials have been used for the grass, and rock. A foliage has been created for creating trees, bushes, rocks and random elements along the site.

3 BIM-GIS STRATEGY – IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 3.1 WHAT IS THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN? In the COWI project As, the model is georeferenced as well as worked in a game engine, allowing the model to be uploaded into a sandbox platform. Now consider how georeferencing may be used to strengthen the model further, such as in maintenance, construction, and inspection. The proposed implementation strategy involves the use of GIS services for asset management via AR/VR. A building has many useful things which are also indicated as assets (collins, 2022). As stated in ISO 55000 concerning assent management, An organisation organises its actions to produce value from assets (bsi., 2014). BIM manages the life cycle of assets in buildings pg. 6

by developing, compiling, and exchanging shared models and accompanying smart detailed information (Pocock et al., 2014). Whereas GIS assists and supports BIM at each phase by delivering data that blends seamlessly with the model and helps in its management (Contributor, 2020).

3.1.1

GIS? What is it and how it is helpful?

Data collected, stored, checked, and displayed by computer systems in relation to Earth's locations are known as geographic

information

systems (GISs) (Society, 2017). According to an article (mapasyst, 2019) it is said Geographical data may be shown in GIS, and issues involving spatial aspects can be handled. This data can be evaluated using a GIS since

it

integrate,

can and

relate,

Image 5: GIS deliverables in AEC project (Haskins, 2019)

analyse

data from many subjects (or layers) (mapasyst, 2019). In AEC industry, GIS assists in quicker

preparation

communication,

and

decreased

planning cycle

and time

clearances; of workflow,

enhanced minimal

cooperation material

and

utilization,

minimised overall construction budget, and greater project adaptability (Autodesk and esri, n.d.). When BIM is integrated with GIS it helps in Design, preconstruction, construction, and documentation as shown in the image 5 (Haskins, 2019).

3.1.2

What is being done in COWI?

The company's principal goal is “ Together we shape a sustainable and liveable world” (cowi, 2022) and it is working on a strategy to become 100 percent sustainable in the next 35 years (cowi, 2022). As shown in the image 6 BIM in COWI has services, technology, organization, and process whose information is being driven by 12 factors which are illustrated in the image (COWI, 2020).

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Image 6: BIM in COWI (COWI, 2020).

Hence, It is success fully being implemented. As said by the senior BIM manager COWI is implementing BIM level 3 in its projects (Knott, 2022), it is also been working on Geotech engineering projects (Knott and passe, 2021).

3.2 WHAT DOES GIS DO? When GIS is helping assets the projects are managed using GIS to collect, process, display, maintain, inspect, and budget data (Zhang et al., 2009). According to a survey on GIS usage with asset management,

asset

without

(Group

GIS

management 2),

asset

management with GIS (Group 1), minimal use of GIS (Group 3), and nonusers were classified (Group 4, Group 5)(Theroux, 2020). As seen in

Image 7: use of GIS according to Theroux, 2020

the graph from Theroux, 2020, there are more than 50% of individuals that do not use GIS or asset management in their projects.

This is an example of BIM and GIS integration in an Ohio State campus building. As you can see in image 8, asset management apps collect and update locations within and outside of

Image 8: GIS for maintenance (Haskins, 2019)

an organisation, as well as updated pg. 8

images of the region, to aid the company when there is a maintenance issue (Haskins, 2019).

3.3 HOW IS IT EXECUTED? As observed in the business case study,

delivering

georeferenced

the

model

has

been

challenging. A BIM model can be loaded into the game engine using the

datasmith

plugin,

however

integrating geo-spatial information is more complex. because, BIM data is an information model, whereas GIS data is in the form of shape files that are structured in layers (Çıtıpıtıoğlu, 2017). The

two

data

sets

were

combined in two ways: by converting the BIM information model to IFC and exporting it as a layer to GIS servers or by adding the model's location

information

to

the

BIM

information model (Hor et al., 2018).

As discussed, GIS world works very

Image 9: Gis information to BIM model workflow (Hor et al., 2018)

different from BIM data base.

As illustrated in the image 9, the workflow of georeferencing the model created in a gaming engine is explained. The workflow shows the importation of a 3D multipatch of a place from a database and the creation of a scene layer that is stored to an internet server (Hor et al., 2018). The online server is stored as an API key including location layer data, and Esri data is imported into a game engine using a suitable plugin (Hor et al., 2018).

3.3.1

Limitations

As previously noted, GIS uses a different data format than BIM, which is causing issues with integration. They encounter data incompatibility, model minimalism, automatic localization, and embedded standards as obstacles (Liu and Zhong, 2021). BIM-GIS integration is

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currently being researched, and it has been observed that they are not totally compatible with one other.

4 CONCLUSION. The report is an overview of the performed business case study and an implementation plan that is provided to support the business case. The project of visualising Clifton suspension bridge in unreal engine wherein this part of the report discusses about the topography part of the project. A implementation proposal supporting the topography part is done i.e., integrating GIS to the model for asset management of the bridge.

The creation of topography in concert with georeferencing is offered; three ways have occurred for the best results; they are as follows: 1) In UE4, create a normal topography using a displacement map found online. 2) Creating a georeferenced topography using the ArcGIS SDK plugin 3) Using the blender GIS add-on, extract land, building, and water data from internet servers and modelling it in blender before importing it back into UE4. Approach 3 was chosen as the ultimate model for future revisions. UE4 also includes additional components like as buildings, roads, and plants, as well as foliage for the layout of trees, plants, and rocks. This topographical file serves as the primary file, to which other bridge components have been added.

As a supporting approach, BIM-GIS integration for asset management is implemented.

COWI uses BIM level 3 in its projects and has been employing gaming engines in its projects for up to ten years, with sustainability being their primary focus. It is suggested to utilise it for bridge management. In this regard, GIS aids in asset tracking and bridge maintenance. As a technology that supports BIM by giving information that aids in project management in an updated and sustainable manner. Aside from this, integrating them is a difficult endeavour, and improved strategies for implementation are recommended.

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5 REFERENCES Anon (2022) Unreal Engine 5 Unreal Engine.2022 [online]. Available from: https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/unreal-engine-5 [Accessed 19 May 2022].

ArcGIS (2022) Pricing ArcGIS Developer.2022 [online]. Available from: https://developers.arcgis.com/pricing/ [Accessed 19 May 2022].

Autodesk and esri (no date) integrated-gis-and-bim-e-book-final.pdf [online]. Available from: https://damassets.autodesk.net/content/dam/autodesk/www/pdfs/integrated-gis-and-bim-ebook-final.pdf [Accessed 21 May 2022].

‘BlenderGIS Addon - Blender’ (2020) Blender Addons.10 December 2020 [online]. Available from: https://blender-addons.org/blendergis-addon/ [Accessed 21 May 2022]. bsi. (2014) Asset management. Management systems. Requirements: [online]. BSI British Standards. Available from: https://linkresolver.bsigroup.com/junction/resolve/000000000030244970?restype=undated [Accessed 21 May 2022]. Çıtıpıtıoğlu, A. (2017) CAD+BIM+GIS+CMMS for Airport Facility Maintenance/Management: Making the best of each tool work - together. p.34. collins (2022) Asset definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary2022 [online].

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Group, B.R.E. (2020) Aesthetics and performanceCommentary; Definition2020 [online]. https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk. Available from: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Aesthetics_and_performance [Accessed 19 May 2022].

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Hansen, R. (2020) Announcing the first beta release of the ArcGIS Maps SDK for game engines ArcGIS Blog.2020 [online]. Available from: https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/developers/announcements/announcing-the-firstbeta-release-of-the-arcgis-maps-sdk-for-game-engines/ [Accessed 19 May 2022].

Haskins, C. (2019) GIS and BIM Integration: Common Myths and Practical Outcomes. p.16.

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