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Development and Application of an Integrated BIM-GIS System for the Energy Management of Buildings

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Abstract

Urban planning and land cover management represent crucial challenges in the design and sustainable development of cities from the perspective of energy management. This article presents a methodology for integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as an advanced tool for building energy management, allowing to combine detailed information about the physical aspects of the building with geospatial and environmental data. While BIM enables the integrated design, construction, and management of buildings and infrastructure, GIS provides spatial analysis based on geographical data. However, integrating these two approaches is complex, particularly regarding data formats, scale, and accuracy. This study, therefore, presents the application of a new integration environment, Autodesk InfraWorks, which combines Autodesk Revit and ArcGIS for a complete visualization of models in a GIS context. Illustrating the implementation of this approach in an energy efficiency project in the Municipality of Reggio Calabria (Italy), this article demonstrates how the convergence of BIM and GIS can improve urban planning and land cover management, promoting sustainable development practices in the city. This integration has the potential to significantly benefit urban power systems by offering a holistic view of building energy management within a broader urban context. It enables urban planners to make informed decisions that consider energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and overall urban development, leading to a more efficient and resilient power system.
Development and Application of an Integrated BIM-GIS System for the
Energy Management of Buildings
VINCENZO BARRILE*, EMANUELA GENOVESE, FRANCESCO FAVASULI
Department of Civil, Energy, Environment and Materials Engineering (DICEAM),
Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria,
Via Graziella Feo di Vito – 89124, Reggio Calabria,
ITALY
*Corresponding Author
Abstract: - Urban planning and land cover management represent crucial challenges in the design and
sustainable development of cities from the perspective of energy management. This article presents a
methodology for integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
as an advanced tool for building energy management, allowing to combine detailed information about the
physical aspects of the building with geospatial and environmental data. While BIM enables the integrated
design, construction, and management of buildings and infrastructure, GIS provides spatial analysis based on
geographical data. However, integrating these two approaches is complex, particularly regarding data formats,
scale, and accuracy. This study, therefore, presents the application of a new integration environment, Autodesk
InfraWorks, which combines Autodesk Revit and ArcGIS for a complete visualization of models in a GIS
context. Illustrating the implementation of this approach in an energy efficiency project in the Municipality of
Reggio Calabria (Italy), this article demonstrates how the convergence of BIM and GIS can improve urban
planning and land cover management, promoting sustainable development practices in the city. This integration
has the potential to significantly benefit urban power systems by offering a holistic view of building energy
management within a broader urban context. It enables urban planners to make informed decisions that
consider energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and overall urban development, leading to a more
efficient and resilient power system.
Key-Words: - Land cover, urban planning, BIM, GIS, integration, Infraworks, laser scanner, point cloud,
energy management
Received: September 15, 2022. Revised: September 8, 2023. Accepted: Ocotber 9, 2023. Published: November 16, 2023.
1 Introduction
Urban planning and land cover management form
the basis of the design and sustainable development
of contemporary urban areas. The constant increase
in population and the expansion of urban areas have
made it imperative to develop advanced approaches
to efficiently manage the urban fabric and natural
resources. In this context, urban planning is
configured as the core to create resilient, efficient,
and future-oriented urban communities, [1]. On the
other hand, land cover management plays a crucial
role in the physical distribution of land surfaces and
natural resources within urban areas, significantly
contributing to defining the quality of the urban
environment and optimizing the use of resources
available. The growing awareness of the importance
of sustainable urban planning has triggered the
search for innovative solutions to address the
complex challenges related to urban growth,
reducing environmental impact, and improving the
quality of life in cities. In this context, the article
aims to explore the synergistic integration of two
advanced technologies: Building Information
Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information
Systems (GIS), [2], [3]. These two approaches, if
carefully integrated, can provide a comprehensive
and interdisciplinary framework for urban planning
and land cover management. The application of
BIM in the context of urban planning paves the way
for integrated design, realistic visualization of
projects, performing detailed analyses (e.g.
optimizing energy efficiency), and long-term
management of urban infrastructure. On the other
hand, GIS allows us to perform analyzes based on
demographic, environmental, and infrastructural
data, revealing trends and opportunities in urban
planning, [4].
Despite the promising potential for integration,
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DOI: 10.37394/232016.2023.18.24
Vincenzo Barrile, Emanuela Genovese, Francesco Favasuli
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successfully addressing the convergence of BIM and
GIS in urban planning involves complex challenges
due to the substantial inherent differences between
these technologies and the need to synchronize these
differences synergistically, [5], [6]. Among the most
significant challenges, the management of the
distinct data formats used by BIM and GIS stands
out. Furthermore, the intrinsic complexity of BIM
models can complicate the harmonization with the
more holistic vision typical of GIS, [7]. BIM models
incorporate a multitude of intricate building and
infrastructure details that don't always integrate
effortlessly with the broader perspective of GIS. The
challenging technical task is to eliminate this format
difference and ensure smooth data exchange
between the two platforms. Another crucial aspect
concerns the delicate balance between scale and
precision. BIM focuses on building-level detail,
while GIS operates on a larger geographic scale.
Effectively combining these different perspectives
without compromising the integrity of each presents
a significant challenge. Accurate data handling is a
prerequisite for successful integration.
In the literature it is possible to find several
articles dealing with the integration of these two
systems whose interoperability and connection
could bring numerous benefits, [8], [9].
Other authors have experimented with similar
approaches and have outlined the main advantages
and disadvantages of this method. Certainly, the
InfraWorks software provides spatial analysis
capabilities, such as measuring the distance between
buildings and important points of interest, as well as
evaluating accessibility from the road network. This
integration enables project managers to quickly
visualize buildings and access relevant project
information. Moreover, this method offers the
advantage of including all information about
buildings in a single file, minimizing documentation
loss. Some of the drawbacks of this approach, as
highlighted by, [10], [11], include an incomplete
reading of BIM data and, consequently, a lack of
complete interoperability, although the platform is
undoubtedly a simpler way to assist urban planners
in building urban energy systems.
In this context, the present study aims to examine
the implementation of an integration environment,
known as Autodesk InfraWorks, which combines
the capabilities of Autodesk Revit and ArcGIS to
allow a complete visualization of models in a GIS
context. Furthermore, through the illustration of a
practical application of this integration in an energy
efficiency project located in Reggio Calabria, Italy,
it is demonstrated how the convergence between
BIM and GIS can be substantially useful in the
approach to urban planning and land cover
management while promoting sustainable
development practices within cities. BIM-GIS
integration offers a comprehensive approach to
improving the energy management of buildings,
enabling more informed and sustainable decisions
through the combination of detailed building data
with geospatial information. This is done through
the georeferencing of BIM data to visualize the
building on geospatial maps, the integration of
climate data to optimize energy systems, the
analysis of land and topography to influence energy
design, the management of natural resources for
related decisions to energy efficiency, real-time
monitoring of energy use via sensors, environmental
impact analysis for sustainability, and expanding
integration for sustainable urban planning and
management of energy networks. While aware that
there are various methodologies intended (on which
work is still being done today, with particular
reference to the interoperability of the data format),
[12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], for the effective
integration of the two systems, this method can be a
valid alternative from the point of view of urban
planning is used to evaluate a priori the
interventions to be carried out on buildings,
(including costs and environmental impacts),
making the most of the potential of the two
methodologies. With rapid urbanization, the
urgency for energy efficiency in cities has
intensified. Its implementation is crucial in reducing
energy consumption, promoting environmental
sustainability, and ensuring energy resilience. In
response, urban energy systems now prioritize
efficient, sustainable, and reliable energy supplies.
At the heart of these systems lies energy efficiency,
a crucial factor in minimizing energy usage and
promoting environmental sustainability within
cities. To this end, this article presents a novel
method that uses Infraworks to implement energy
efficiency solutions in a specific urban area. Using
BIM technology together with Infraworks provides
a profound comprehension of urban infrastructure
and energy resources to be managed in a more
complex energy power system.
2 Materials and Methods
To concretely demonstrate the effectiveness of the
integration of BIM and GIS systems, the research
conducted adopted a method that focused on the use
of Autodesk InfraWorks software, designed to
combine geospatial data, typical of the GIS
environment, and models three-dimensional
generated by BIM modeling. This methodology was
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applied to an existing building located in the
Province of Reggio Calabria. This approach once
extended to the entire urban area, will allow
obtaining a complete and integrated view of the
crucial information for urban planning and land
cover management.
The study methodology is divided into three key
phases:
Survey Phase: In the first phase of our study, an
in-depth survey activity was carried out using a
high-level precision instrument: the FARO CAM 2
laser scanner (Figure 1).
Fig. 1: Instrument for the survey operation of the
building in question: FARO CAM 2.
In the context of survey planning, the survey
engineer must carefully plan the layout of the laser
station to ensure complete coverage of the area of
interest. It is essential to locate strategic survey
points so that the laser station can scan efficiently
and accurately. These reference points have to be
connected through point cloud registration, ensuring
spatial coherence between different portions of the
point cloud acquired from different locations, [18].
The processing of the acquired data is a critical
phase of the survey process, [19], [20], [21], [22],
[23], [24]. For this operation, the "Faro Scene"
software was used, known for its ability to manage
and analyze large amounts of 3D scan data. The
main stages of processing include:
1. Registration of Individual Scans (Clouds):
Scans taken from different locations are
registered and aligned with each other to create
a coherent view of the survey area.
2. Single Project Cloud Creation: The acquisitions
of the Laser Scanner are combined to create a
single 3D point that could represent the case
study area.
3. Cleanup of the Project Cloud: In this phase, the
point cloud is cleaned to eliminate the parts near
the building in the exam that are not necessary
for the study. This was made to improve the
level of accuracy and the quality of the data
acquired with the Laser Scanner.
4. Point Decimation (Resolution): After the
elimination of the unwanted information, it was
necessary to reduce the density of points to
speed up the computational phase and simplify
the analysis of the point cloud.
5. Cloud export (E57 format): Finally, the point
could be exported in an internationally
recognized file format called .E57 format which
is a common format used to exchange and store
3D point clouds
The main goal of this survey conducted with
FARO CAM 2 was to acquire highly accurate data
that would form the basis for subsequent modeling
and analysis.
3D modeling phase in BIM environment
(Autodesk Revit): After the survey phase that
allowed to acquisition of essential information about
the study area, the attention was moved to create a,
starting from this point could, to create a detailed
3D model of the building, [25], [26]. The model was
created using a common modeling software called
Autodesk Revit, known in the field for creating
highly accurate 3D models.
However, a conversion process through the
Autodesk Recap was required before the data
acquired from the laser scanner could be used. The
BIM modeling process was started by converting
the three-dimensional point cloud generated by the
laser scanner from an .E57 format into a Revit-
compatible format, i.e. .rcp (Autodesk Recap Point
Cloud). This step is crucial as it allows to import
and use of the survey data within Revit, thus
facilitating the creation of a complete and detailed
BIM model of the actual state of the building
(Figure 2).
Fig. 2: Software used for 3D modeling: Autodesk
Revit.
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As regards the interior of the building, for the 3D
construction, it was decided to start from the DWG
plan, [27].
Modeling Phase of the Geospatial Environment
in Autodesk Infraworks with Model Import from
Revit: After completing the BIM modeling phase of
the building using Autodesk Revit and Autodesk
Recap, the focus shifted to modeling the
surrounding geospatial environment, [28], [29].
Initially, data layers from ArcGIS were imported
into Autodesk InfraWorks. By importing these
layers, it was created a detailed visual representation
of the geospatial environment within InfraWorks.
Once the geospatial data was imported, it was
possible to visualize elements such as terrain, roads,
water networks, and other details relevant to urban
planning and land cover management directly within
Autodesk InfraWorks. Subsequently, the 3D model
created in the BIM modeling phase with Autodesk
Revit was imported into Autodesk InfraWorks.
This 3D model represented the building under
study, with all the architectural and structural
details. Importing the BIM model into InfraWorks
allowed the building to be positioned precisely
within the displayed geospatial environment,
ensuring accurate alignment between the model and
its surroundings (Figure 2). GIS coordinates are
used to determine shared coordinates between
various models. The same GIS coordinates are used
to define the real position (latitude and longitude) of
the Revit model. This location is used to perform an
accurate energy analysis of the model.
Within Autodesk InfraWorks software, many
specialized features can be leveraged to streamline
the design and planning process, [30], [31], [32].
One of the key features is Advanced Terrain
Modeling, which allows to creation and editing of
detailed digital terrain models. In addition,
InfraWorks offers the ability to perform an
Environmental Impact Analysis to evaluate the
influence of infrastructure on the surrounding
environment, including hydrology and soil stability.
Traffic and Mobility Planning is simplified through
traffic flow simulation and optimization tools. For
the design of bridges and pipelines, the software
offers advanced modeling capabilities. The
integration of GIS data is facilitated, allowing you
to work with thematic maps and environmental data.
InfraWorks allows to creation of Realistic
Simulations of infrastructures designed for a clear
visualization of the final results. With the Analysis
of Project variables, it is possible to explore
different options to evaluate costs, efficiency, and
environmental impact. The software used for
modeling the geospatial environment: Autodesk
Infraworks is presented in Figure 3.
Fig. 3: Software used for modeling the geospatial
environment: Autodesk Infraworks.
3 Results
This methodology has been applied to a building
located in the province of Reggio Calabria.
As regards the first survey phase, Figure 4
shows the point cloud displayed in Autodesk Recap
derived from the Faro Scene software once the
survey of the exterior of the building has been
carried out using the Faro CAM 2 laser scanner. In
this case, the tool used for surveying was positioned
at various points in the area in front of the building,
and multiple scans were taken to create the most
accurate possible reconstruction of the building.
Through the software, it was possible to merge all
the scans and create a single-point cloud. In this
instance, the instrument also captured the areas
adjacent to the building in question, which were
subsequently cleaned up. The figure displays the
entire surveyed area before the point cloud cleanup.
The building under examination is located at the
center of this point cloud.
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Fig. 4: Point cloud of the building in question
displayed on Autodesk Recap.
Since the point cloud of the internal
environments was not available, it was necessary to
build the 3D model using the DWG plan, shown in
Figure 5.
Fig. 5: DWG file of the interior of the building
useful for the construction of the 3D model.
As regards the second phase of 3D modeling in
the BIM environment (Autodesk Revit), Figure 6
and Figure 7 show the modeling of the interior and
exterior of the building.
Fig. 6: Autodesk Revit: modeling of the interior of
the building.
Fig. 7: Autodesk Revit: Building exterior modeling.
In the Modeling Phase of the Geospatial
Environment in Autodesk Infraworks, the methods
of importing the building from Revit into
Infraworks are presented. To use the data layers
available from ArcGIS, Autodesk Connector for
ArcGIS was employed, which allowed the data
layers to be directly added to Autodesk Infraworks
models. To do this, we logged in using ESRI
ArcGIS credentials. Once logged in, Autodesk
Connector for ArcGIS was used to search for
available datasets. To complete this operation, it
was first necessary to select the area of interest, as
shown in Figure 8, by entering the longitudinal and
latitude coordinates, and then choosing the desired
layers. In this phase, it was possible to select the
coordinate system (which must necessarily coincide
with the coordinates entered in Revit) and also the
dimension of the selected area. In this specific case,
the chosen area (as also displayed in the figure)
measures 1.62 km². In this study, we included
models of the surrounding buildings and transport
infrastructure in the surrounding area of the building
under study, as depicted in Figure 9 a and Figure 9
b.
Fig. 8: Autodesk Infraworks: choice of the study
area for displaying the layers available in the area.
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Fig. 9a: Autodesk Infraworks: example of inserting
layers useful for the application.
Fig. 9b: Autodesk Infraworks: visualization of the
building correctly georeferenced on the map and of
the layers chosen during the modeling phase of the
GIS environment in Infraworks.
As can be observed from Figure 9a, the existing
transport infrastructure in the area has been
incorporated. In this case, it mainly consists of
urban roads and, to some extent, expressways. The
layer downloaded from ArcGIS Online containing
3D models of the surrounding buildings
schematically represents each building, depicting it
as a cube with a low level of detail. In the 3D model
of the case study building, instead, a high level of
detail has been achieved. It is possible to view the
constituent elements, such as fixtures, windows, and
other structural components of the building,
allowing for a comprehensive and complete
evaluation and visualization.
Finally, Figure 10 illustrates the potential of the
software in interrogating the various models
inserted, to carry out a correct evaluation of the
interventions to be carried out on the building in
question, allowing the estimation of the costs and
times of energy efficiency interventions. In this
specific case, the analysis conducted using
Infraworks made it possible to evaluate the
installation of photovoltaic panels on the entire wall
of the building.
Fig. 10. Autodesk Infraworks: case study
application.
Figure 11 shows the building correctly integrated
into the urban context, where it is possible to
visualize the specific energy efficiency interventions
included in the project phase. Furthermore,
InfraWorks allows for querying the objects within
the project, providing information such as the
building's type of structure or roofing material. This
methodology extended to a wider area could be
useful in the effective management of urban
planning with a view to optimal urban energy
management, simplifying informed decision-making
in urban planning. Indeed, InfraWorks provides
tools capable of conducting detailed terrain
analyses, including slope calculations, altimetric
profile analysis, and terrain modeling. When these
tools are combined with data from Revit, it becomes
possible to efficiently assess the energy,
environmental, and structural aspects of an urban
area. It can perform, in fact, land cover analyses,
environmental impact assessments, surface water
modeling, and energy efficiency evaluations of
buildings.
Fig. 11: Autodesk Infraworks: visualization of the
building of the case study.
4 Conclusion
In this research, we examined the implementation of
an innovative integration environment, known as
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on POWER SYSTEMS
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Volume 18, 2023
Autodesk InfraWorks, which combines the
capabilities of Autodesk Revit and ArcGIS to
provide a comprehensive view of models in a GIS
context. Through a practical application of this
integration in an energy efficiency project located in
Reggio Calabria, Italy, we have demonstrated how
the convergence of BIM and GIS can transform the
approach to urban planning and land cover
management while promoting sustainable
development within cities. It is important to note
that, although there are several evolving
methodologies for the effective integration of BIM
and GIS systems (with particular attention to the
interoperability of data formats), the method
examined in this study is configured as a valid
alternative in the field of urban planning. It can
preventively evaluate the interventions to be carried
out, including costs and environmental impacts,
exploiting the full potential of the two
methodologies.
The integration of Building Information
Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) in the context of urban power
systems is a powerful technical advancement. This
collaboration equips urban planners and power
system engineers with a wealth of data to optimize a
city's energy management.
The integration of the two systems has the
following advantages:
Understanding Energy Usage: At the heart of power
systems is the need to comprehend how electrical
load is distributed throughout an urban area. The
fusion of BIM and GIS enables a precise, detailed
view of how buildings use energy. Planners can
assess how power demand is distributed across the
city, pinpoint areas with high energy needs, and plan
improvements to the infrastructure.
Boosting Energy Efficiency: In contemporary power
systems, energy efficiency is of utmost importance.
BIM's detailed building information provides
valuable insights into energy consumption patterns.
It helps identify which structures are energy-
efficient and which ones require retrofitting. By
focusing on specific buildings or areas for energy
efficiency enhancements, urban power systems can
reduce overall energy demands and enhance
resilience.
Embracing Renewable Energy: The integration of
BIM and GIS aids in selecting ideal sites for
renewable energy installations, such as solar panels
and wind turbines. This approach combines
geographical data with building-specific details,
making it easier to locate rooftops and areas with
the greatest solar exposure or wind potential. This
facilitates the integration of clean energy sources
into the power system.
Building Resilience: Power systems must withstand
external factors like extreme weather events. BIM
and GIS help assess vulnerabilities and plan for
contingencies. By mapping critical infrastructure
components, understanding their interconnections,
and visualizing potential weaknesses, urban
planners can devise strategies to enhance power
system resilience.
Optimizing Infrastructure: Effective urban power
systems rely on well-designed infrastructure. The
amalgamation of BIM and GIS streamlines
infrastructure planning, from determining the best
substation locations to designing efficient
distribution networks. This integration also aids in
predicting future energy demands based on urban
growth patterns.
Real-time Insight: BIM-GIS integration enables
real-time monitoring of energy consumption and
infrastructure performance. By connecting BIM data
with sensor networks and IoT devices, urban power
systems can gather real-time data on electricity
usage, equipment health, and environmental
conditions. This data becomes invaluable for
predictive maintenance, load balancing, and
efficient energy distribution.
The further development of this approach may
involve investigating the possibility of creating a
model to identify optimal construction material sites
and efficiently manage demolition waste.
Additionally, it could be useful to expand the study
on a larger scale by incorporating other 3D models
into the area of the case study by offering more
comprehensive information, to include all the
relevant data for urban planning in one location.
This approach has also other practical
applications that concern transportation engineering
to design and analyze transportation infrastructure
for better traffic flow and safety. It also can assist in
environmental impact assessments and plan
sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
Lastly, this approach can be used for planning utility
infrastructure, including electricity, gas, and water
distribution as well as renewable energies.
Although this method is useful for efficient
urban planning, the authors are currently conducting
further studies to address the issues that may arise
from the advanced integration of the two systems.
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These studies are based on the use of web-based
platforms for visualizing three-dimensional
geospatial maps, which make use of customizable
libraries within which it will be possible to
implement software modules specially designed for
format conversion, starting from suitably structured
databases. Another interesting solution could be the
use of specific apps of virtual/augmented/mixed
reality (VR/AR/MR), developed by authors, that
allow the visualization and management of BIM
models in a virtual environment in which users
could interact. These solutions could solve the
issues related to this methodology.
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Contribution of Individual Authors to the
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The authors equally contributed to the present
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WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on POWER SYSTEMS
DOI: 10.37394/232016.2023.18.24
Vincenzo Barrile, Emanuela Genovese, Francesco Favasuli
E-ISSN: 2224-350X
240
Volume 18, 2023
... Three-dimensional reconstruction from UAV survey[40]. Three-dimensional model of Precacore Complex.[41]. ...
... Three-dimensional model of Precacore Complex[41]. ...
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