Integration of 3 dimensional parametric building model with geographic information systems in educational facilities planning and management

The efficient management of buildings and grounds of colleges and universities require an increased amount of information that is current, well organized and easy to access. This information is first generated at the planning stage of the facility before it is even designed. A seamless database containing current and accurate information about the facility and a tool that allows decision-makers to graphically relate the database with the physical location of the information provides a system to better integrate the decision making process from planning to actual operations and maintenance of the facility. This thesis presents an operational environment for facilities managers that integrates the 3 dimensional parametric building modeling with geographic information systems, both related to a common database, and explores the possible benefits and costs of using this integrated system