Discover how to solve the most common problems with BIM and GIS integration. See how to easily move data between IFC, Autodesk Revit, SketchUp 2015, Esri ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and more. You'll also learn how to use automated techniques to get simplified BIM geometries into GIS, combine attribute or tabular data with existing models, perform space extraction, QC data, and much more.

1. How to Create GIS & BIM Interoperability

2. ArcGIS
Microsoft
Excel
BIMBuilding Information Modeling
GIS
CAD

3. ArcGIS
Microsoft
Excel
BIMBuilding Information Modeling
GIS
CAD

4. FME Software by Safe Software Inc.
“[FME] is really a good tool to solve all
my problems.”

5. Why use BIM?
➔ 3D digital representations of
infrastructure
➔ Includes descriptive info (dimensions,
materials, manufacturers, etc.)
➔ Aids in proper design, construction,
operation, and maintenance
➔ Drawback: files size and complexity
make data difficult to repurpose

6. Why use GIS?
➔ Map and analyze geographic features
➔ Uses location and imagery
➔ Conveys data on a large scale
➔ Data models, attributes, simple
geometries, and domains

7. BIM in GIS
“One BIM Model uses ¼ the
space of my entire 3D City
Model!”
Dan Campbell,
City of Vancouver

8. How can FME Help?
BIM data is very complex.
BIM Software Exports
- Overly complex (IFC)
- Overly simplified (DWG)
With FME
- Keep info you need
- Discard info you don’t

9. BIM to GIS at
Mount Vernon
VIRGINIA, USA
Patrick Gahagan, Esri
Quinn Evans Architects
Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association
CASE STUDY

10. Mount Vernon
• George Washington’s home, constructed between 1758 and
1778
• Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association tasked with restoration,
interpretation, and preservation of grounds and structures
• Mansion laser scanned to create architectural-quality HBIM in
Revit by Quinn Evans Architects

11. BIM to GIS via FME (Data Interop)
• Revit: Add coordinates and
rotation from project north
to true north
• Export to Revit Archive(.rvz)
with FME Revit Exporter,
attributes to spreadsheet
• Import to ArcGIS with Data
Interoperability Extension
(FME)
• Reconnect attribution

12. A Blended World

13. Viewshed Analysis
• asdf

14. Stakeholder Access to Information
• Browser delivery provides
data to everyone, even
fire suppressant system
designer
• Historical data identifies
plaster from 1950 vs. 1787
• Framing details assist with
optimal routing

15. A navigable, queriable world provides minute detail and the big picture to all
stakeholders – BIM/GIS pros or not.

16. How it’s done...

17. FME Revit Reader
Plugin
Data Views

18. Problem:
Exporting from Revit
to Sketchup and PDF

19. Solution:

20. Key Takeaways:
Revit Data Views in
FME produce 3D
data ready for use.

21. Problem:
Extract
floorplans from
BIM into GIS
for routing

22. Solution:

23. Key Takeaways:
No transformers,
data views do
the work.

24. Problem: Where in the world?
Extracting or using the georeferencing
methods in Revit
Official flag of Null Island
nullisland.com

25. Solution:

26. Override the
coordinate system
when using survey
point.
Key Takeaways:

27. Q&A

28. IFC

29. FME IFC
Reader/Writer
● Data Model
○ Hierarchical
○ Relative
● Representations
○ Body
○ Annotations
● Property Sets
○ Geometries
○ Features

30. Problem:
Create CityGML
from IFC

31. Solution:

32. Key Takeaways:
Hierarchies are complex
but can be tamed.

33. Problem: Reduce BIM Data Volumes

34. Solution:

35. Key Takeaways:
Removing detail is necessary for efficient
viewing.
Understanding geometry hierarchy is useful
when working with BIM.
GQuery (Geometry XQuery) can increase the
utility of many transformers.

36. Problem: Create Slim-BIM from CAD/GIS

37. Solution.

38. Key Takeaways:
● A starting point BIM model can be
quickly created from GIS
● IFCProperty Set Definitions are created
in the workspace using transformers
● IFC Property Sets are stored as part of
the geometries in IFC and are populated
from GIS attributes

39. Problem: Update BIM from Excel Tables

40. Solution:

41. Key Takeaways:
IFC data can be extracted to Excel and
edited.
FME can merge changes back into IFC.
Change your BIM data without using your
BIM tools!

42. Training & Knowledge Transfer
Getting Started Free Online
Courses
Free Self-Paced
Learning
• Tutorials
• Webinars
• Hands-on,
instructor lead
training
• On-demand courses
• Demos & Knowledge
Base
S A F E . C O M / T R A I N I N G

43. Q&A

44. BONUS Problem:
BIM to Minecraft

45. Solution:

46. Key Takeaways:
Take a break from
conventional
applications and
explore your data
interactively
through gaming.