Decision Making in the 4th Dimension—Exploring Use Cases and Technical Options for the Integration of 4D BIM and GIS during Construction

In both the Geospatial (Geo) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) domains, it is widely acknowledged that integration of geo-data BIM-data beneficial a crucial step towards solving multi-disciplinary challenges our built environment. The result this integration—broadly termed GeoBIM—has potential to be particularly in context construction large infrastructure projects, which could make use data relating larger spatial extents typically handled geographical information systems (GIS) as well detailed models generated by BIM. To date, GeoBIM has mainly been explored for buildings, 3D small projects. This paper demonstrates results next level integration, exploring addition fourth dimension linking project schedule create 4D GeoBIM, examining interoperability benefits number cases enabling works major commercial project. integrating power location time—knowing where when relate to—allows us explore real world data, created using software, with other sources; we are then able demonstrate three decision making scenarios: prioritisation noise mitigation interventions identifying apartments closest noisiest process; development location-enabled risk register allowing, example, work continue underground if specific top building; ensuring safety buffering ensure required distances between moving equipment surrounding not breached. Additionally, once integrated, ‘democratize’ data—make accessible beyond BIM GIS expert group—by embedding into 3D/4D open source Web tool.