(1) The document presents a research proposal to develop a methodology for integrating building information modeling (BIM) and geographic information system (GIS) data using open-source technologies. (2) The methodology will extract geometric and semantic data from BIM files using tools like IFC Openshell and integrate it with GIS data using GDAL and QGIS. (3) The expected outcomes are a more comprehensive and accurate digital representation of construction projects that can improve decision-making, as well as demonstrating the potential of open-source tools for affordable BIM and GIS integration.

1. Enhancing Geometric and Semantic Information
Extraction from IFC files using Open-Source Technologies:
A Case Study on the Integration of BIM and GIS
Min Htet Myint
M.Sc. Student (22512101)
Department of Civil Engineering
(Research Proposal)

2. CONTENTS
Introduction
01 Necessity of Research
02
Methodology
03 Expected Outcomes
04
Research Duration
05 References
06

3. INTRODUCTION
 Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) are from different domains: one was
developed for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Facility Management (AEC/FM) domain and the other
serves the geospatial industry.
 Integration of BIM and GIS can be operated on two levels – (i) ‘data level’ which refers to data transformation
(including geometry transformation and semantic information transfer) and (ii) ‘application level’, which is applicable
to use BIM and GIS technologies together in a project.
 On the data level, data interoperability extension is still in needed to transfer information from one system to other.
 Therefore, IFC (Industrial Foundation Classes) which is the representative data format for BIM, and shapefile, a format
type of GIS framework are extracted and integrated by a proposed methodology to support better decision-making in
the construction industry.

4. Necessity of Research
 It is possible to develop a reliable and accurate methodology for translating BIM geometry into GIS geometry using
IFC OpenShell and GDAL (Geospatial Data Abstraction Library) .
 The scientific basis for this hypothesis is that both IFC OpenShell and GDAL are open-source libraries that have been
extensively used in the AEC and GIS domains, respectively, and that there is a growing interest in integrating BIM and
GIS technologies to improve collaboration and decision-making in the AEC industry.
< Fig. BIM and GIS Integration Levels>

5. Methodology
 Firstly, a comprehensive review of existing literature will be conducted to identify relevant research and best practices
related to the integration of BIM and GIS data.
 In the second step, BIM models and GIS data will be collected from the targeted source and prepared for integration.
 Geometric and semantic data will then be extracted from BIM model using open-source tools such as
IFC Openshell, Pyshp, and Vpython so that IFC can be extracted, re-generated into shape profiles.
 While integration processing, the extracted data will be integrated with GIS data using open source such as GDAL and
QGIS.
 The proposed methodology will be evaluated and validated by comparing the resulting digital representation with actual
construction project data
< Fig. Workflow of the Proposed Research>
Literature
Review
Data Collection
Geometric and
Semantic Data
Extraction
Integration of
BIM and GIS
Data
Evaluation and
Validation

6. Expected Outcomes
 The need to extract both geometric and semantic information from IFC files.
 The integrated digital representation of the construction project created through this research will provide stakeholders
with a more comprehensive and accurate view of the project.
 By integrating BIM and GIS data, this research has the potential to improve efficiency in the construction and design
industry.
 The use of open-source technology in this research makes the proposed methodology accessible and affordable for a
wide range of stakeholders.
 By extracting both geometric and semantic data from BIM models and integrating it with GIS data, the resulting digital
representation will be more accurate and complete than existing approaches.

7. Research Duration
Week 1
• Literature Review
• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on the integration of BIM and GIS data to identify relevant research and best practices.
• Use the literature review to identify gaps in existing research and inform the development of the proposed methodology.
Week 2-3
• Data Collection and Preparation
• Collect BIM models and GIS data from various sources.
• Convert BIM data from IFC format to more compatible formats such as STEP.
• Convert GIS data from shapefile format to more compatible formats such as GeoJSON.
Week 4-5
• Geometric and Semantic Data Extraction
• Use open-source tools such as IFCopenshell and Pyshp to extract geometric and semantic data from BIM models.
• Create a digital representation of the construction project that is both accurate and comprehensive.
• Generate shape profiles by VPython.
Week 6-7
• Integration of BIM and GIS Data
• Use open-source tools such as GDAL and QGIS to integrate the extracted data with GIS data.
• Create a more comprehensive digital representation of the construction project that can be used for better decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Week 8-9
• Evaluation and Validation
• Evaluate and validate the proposed methodology by comparing the resulting digital representation with actual construction project data.
• Focus on accuracy, completeness, and efficiency of the methodology.
• Provide feedback on the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Week 10
• Report Writing and Presentation
• Write a report on the methodology used, findings, and results.
• Prepare a final presentation..

8. References
[1] Ma, Zhiliang, and Yuan Ren. "Integrated application of BIM and GIS: an overview." Procedia Engineering 196
(2017): 1072-1079.
[2] Dhillon, Raninder Kaur, Mayur Jethwa, and Hardeep Singh Rai. "Extracting building data from BIM with
IFC." International Journal on Recent Trends in Engineering & Technology 11.2 (2014): 202.
[3] Pinos, Jan, and Zdena Dobesova. "ATTA converter: software for converting data between ArcGIS and
TerrSet." Earth Science Informatics 12 (2019): 117-127.
[4] Zhu, Junxiang, et al. "Integration of BIM and GIS: Geometry from IFC to shapefile using open-source
technology." Automation in Construction 102 (2019): 105-119.
[5] Khan, Shafat, and Khalid Mohiuddin. "Empirical Evaluation of Open Source QGIS with Contemporary
Proprietary GIS Systems-A Study." Journal of Multi Disciplinary Engineering Technologies 12.1.
[6] Tang, Llewellyn, et al. "Developing a BIM GIS–integrated method for urban underground piping management in
China: a case study." Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 148.9 (2022): 05022004.

9. THANK YOU
Presented by :
Min Htet Myint
M.Sc. Student (22512101)
Department of Civil Engineering