BIM semantic-enrichment for built heritage representation

In the built heritage context, BIM has shown difficulties in representing and managing the large and complex knowledge related to non-geometrical aspects of the heritage. Within this scope, this paper focuses on a domain-specific semantic-enrichment of BIM methodology, aimed at fulfilling semantic representation requirements of built heritage through Semantic Web technologies. To develop this semantic-enriched BIM approach, this research relies on the integration of a BIM environment with a knowledge base created through information ontologies. The result is knowledge base system - and a prototypal platform - that enhances semantic representation capabilities of BIM application to architectural heritage processes. It solves the issue of knowledge formalization in cultural heritage informative models, favouring a deeper comprehension and interpretation of all the building aspects. Its open structure allows future research to customize, scale and adapt the knowledge base different typologies of artefacts and heritage activities

Sketching space

In this paper, we present a sketch modelling system which we call Stilton. The program resembles a desktop VRML browser, allowing a user to navigate a three-dimensional model in a perspective projection, or panoramic photographs, which the program maps onto the scene as a `floor' and `walls'. We place an imaginary two-dimensional drawing plane in front of the user, and any geometric information that user sketches onto this plane may be reconstructed to form solid objects through an optimization process. We show how the system can be used to reconstruct geometry from panoramic images, or to add new objects to an existing model. While panoramic imaging can greatly assist with some aspects of site familiarization and qualitative assessment of a site, without the addition of some foreground geometry they offer only limited utility in a design context. Therefore, we suggest that the system may be of use in `just-in-time' CAD recovery of complex environments, such as shop floors, or construction sites, by recovering objects through sketched overlays, where other methods such as automatic line-retrieval may be impossible. The result of using the system in this manner is the `sketching of space' - sketching out a volume around the user - and once the geometry has been recovered, the designer is free to quickly sketch design ideas into the newly constructed context, or analyze the space around them. Although end-user trials have not, as yet, been undertaken we believe that this implementation may afford a user-interface that is both accessible and robust, and that the rapid growth of pen-computing devices will further stimulate activity in this area

Procedural Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) For Recording and Documenting European Classical Architecture

Procedural Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is a new approach for modelling historic buildings which develops full building information models from remotely sensed data. HBIM consists of a novel library of reusable parametric objects, based on historic architectural data and a system for mapping these library objects to survey data. Using concepts from procedural modelling, a new set of rules and algorithms have been developed to automatically combine HBIM library objects and generate different building arrangements by altering parameters. This is a semi-automatic process where the required building structure and objects are first automatically generated and then refined to match survey data. The encoding of architectural rules and proportions into procedural modelling rules helps to reduce the amount of further manual editing that is required. The ability to transfer survey data such as building footprints or cut-sections directly into a procedural modelling rule also greatly reduces the amount of further editing required. These capabilities of procedural modelling enable a more automated and efficient overall workflow for reconstructing BIM geometry from point cloud data. This document outlines the research carried out to evaluate the suitability of a procedural modelling approach for improving the process of reconstructing building geometry from point clouds. To test this hypothesis, three procedural modelling prototypes were designed and implemented for BIM software. Quantitative accuracy testing and qualitative end-user scenario testing methods were used to evaluate the research hypothesis. The results obtained indicate that procedural modelling has potential for achieving more accurate, automated and easier generation of BIM geometry from point clouds

Spatial models for architectural heritage in urban database context

Despite the GIS (Geographic Information Systems/Geospatial Information Systems) have been provided with several applications to manage the two-dimensional geometric information and arrange the topological relations among different spatial primitives, most of these systems have limited capabilities to manage the three-dimensional space. Other tools, such as CAD systems, have already achieved a full capability of representing 3D data. Most of the researches in the field of GIS have underlined the necessity of a full 3D management capability which is not yet achieved by the available systems (Rahman, Pilouk 2008) (Zlatanova 2002). First of all to reach this goal is important to define the spatial data model, which is at the same time a geometric and topological model and so integrating these two aspects in relation to the database management efficiency and documentation purposes. The application field on which these model can be tested is the spatial data managing of Architectural Heritage documentation, to evaluate the pertinence of these spatial models to the requested scale for the needs of such a documentation. Most of the important aspects are the integration of metric data originated from different sources and the representation and management of multiscale data. The issues connected with the representation of objects at higher LOD than the ones defined by the CityGML will be taken into account. The aim of this paper is then to investigate which are the favorable application of a framework in order to integrate two different approaches: architectural heritage spatial documentation and urban scale spatial data management

A semantic graph database for the interoperability of 3D GIS data

none6siIn the last decades, the use of information management systems in the building data processing led to radical changes to the methods of data production, documentation and archiving. In particular, the possibilities, given by these information systems, to visualize the 3D model and to formulate queries have placed the question of the information sharing in digital format. The integration of information systems represents an efficient solution for defining smart, sustainable and resilient projects, such as conservation and restoration processes, giving the possibilities to combine heterogeneous data. GIS provides a robust data storage system, a definition of topological and semantic relationships and spatial queries. 3D GIS makes possible the creation of three-dimensional model in a geospatial context. To promote the interoperability of GIS data, the present research aims first to analyse methods of conversion in CityGML and IndoorGML model, defining an ontological domain. This has led to the creation of a new enriched model, based on connections among the different elements of the urban model in GIS environment, and to the possibility to formulate queries based on these relations. The second step consists in collecting all data translated into a specific format that fill a graph database in a semantic web environment, while maintaining those relationships. The semantic web technology represents an efficient tool of interoperability that leaves open the possibility to import BIM data in the same graph database and to join both GIS and BIM models. The outcome will offer substantial benefits during the entire project life cycle. This methodology can also be applied to cultural heritage where the information management plays a key role.openMalinverni E.S.; Naticchia B.; Lerma Garcia J.L.; Gorreja A.; Lopez Uriarte J.; Di Stefano F.Malinverni, E. S.; Naticchia, B.; Lerma Garcia, J. L.; Gorreja, A.; Lopez Uriarte, J.; Di Stefano, F

A Unified 3D Spatial Data Model for Surface and Subsurface Spatial Objects

Three Dimensional (3D) spatial modelling is an abstract representation of  reality using mathematically proven relationships defined as points, lines, polygons and solids to represent man-made and natural features above, on and below the surface of the earth. 3D topology is the interrelationships existing between these objects to enable visualization, query and analysis. 3D mod-elling of subsurface objects and their integration with the surface and above surface objects currently lags behind despite efforts of researchers and the attempt at viewing above, surface and subsurface man-made objects for earth realism. Level of Details (LoD) for spatial objects has been extensively studied. However, these have not been extended to man-made features below the surface. LoD maps for surface and subsurface integration exist for most city centres but the 3D component is lacking and this does not enhance the Level of Realism (LoR) in most city centres. Knowledge about the surface and subsurface 3D objects for city centres, mining and 3D cadastre will create awareness among stakeholders for effective planning of a city or mine. This paper provides a discussion for 3D surface and subsurface integration. Various 3D spatial data models currently in existence for the integration of surface and subsurface models are discussed and a geometric, topological 3D object oriented model is sug-gested. A UML diagram for the top hierarchy class is presented and a conceptual and logical model for surface and subsurface integration is also discussed. A simulation of the above, on and below 3D spatial models for man-made constructions at differ-ent LoDs is presented. A simulation of this with regards to mining and cadastre is also presented. The model presented can be adopted in realising 3D GIS for mining and 3D cadastre can be realised in Ghana. Further work is geared towards 3D spatial analysis for such an integrated model

Implicit geological modelling : a new approach to 3D volumetric national-scale geological models

This report provides information on implicit geological modelling and a possible application in the construction of national-scale (in the UK context) volumetric geological models. The stratigraphy of the UK is reviewed in the context of unconformity-bound stratigraphic sequences and how these can be applied in the modelling process. A range of input datasets are outlined with discussion on how these can be used and where gaps exist in available information. Model outputs are discussed highlighting the new opportunities offered by 3D stratigraphic grids. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of implicit modelling are discussed