BIMSL: A Generic Approach to the Integration of Building Information Models with Real-time Sensor Data

The surge of interest in digital building models combined with increasing sensorization of spaces is prompting an integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) with real-time sensor data. However, current approaches reported in literature either remain theoretical or target very specific application domains, showing that there is no generic approach to assist in the creation of service and application software that combines sensor data with BIM models. The solution presented in this article addresses the engineering complexity associated with integrating sensor data with BIM by leveraging an advanced software engineering technique known as a Domain-Specific Language (DSL). We demonstrate also that the language herein proposed, named Building Information Modeling Sensor Language (BIMSL) provides substantial gains of expressiveness and ease of use in developing queries that process sensor data with complex conditions over BIM models. BIMSL is validated with experienced software developers according to a consistent evaluation protocol for DSLs focused on effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, and usability attributes. The results outperform the standard existing alternatives, indicating that our proposal contributes to reducing the human effort associated with integrating BIM with sensor data.