In the modern Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, several advanced tools and technologies that did not exist a few decades back are being increasingly adopted. These tools and technologies are making building processes faster and much more efficient. One such technology is the Geographic Information System (GIS), which is revolutionising construction approaches. Continue reading to understand all about GIS, including the GIS meaning, how GIS in construction works, GIS applications in the building industry and the benefits and examples of GIS mapping in the field.
What is GIS?
GIS, commonly called Geo Information System, includes a set of software tools used to capture, store, analyse and manage geographical data. It is a central platform in which spatial data or location-based information from different apps, software, maps and other digital tools can be stored. Maps, reports and dashboards that depict this data can then be visualised, analysed and interpreted to take informed design and construction decisions. Significantly simplifying property mapping and analysis procedures, GIS in construction is quickly becoming a vital tool used globally.
How Does GIS Work?
A GIS remote sensing system collects data from different hardware and software sources such as drone surveys, satellite images and GPS (Global Positioning System). This data is then represented in the form of digital maps with different layers. For example, on one property, the contours and terrains, infrastructure lines, land use and vegetation can all be represented as different layers. These layers are all georeferenced, meaning that they are linked to specific geographical coordinates on the earth’s surface. Users can then access these maps in raster and vector image forms and study the impact of construction in the area.
Uses of GIS in Civil Engineering and Architecture
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GIS Applications in Pre-Construction Processes
- Site Selection and Analysis: GIS in surveying and site analysis is an extremely helpful tool. It can extract and compile multiple data sets, including information on terrain conditions, accessibility and proximity to services, vehicular and pedestrian road networks, vegetation cover and natural elements like rivers, mountains and water bodies. This can be represented on different types of maps digitally to begin the design process.
- Planning and Design: GIS data obtained from the above step acts as a significant influence on design processes. Design decisions—such as selecting the right location on a property to build, designing pathways for directing rainwater flow and planning infrastructure such as drainage systems and roads—are guided by GIS mapping.
GIS Applications During Construction Processes
- Project Management & Construction: The progress of a construction project can be tracked with geospatial mapping in the GIS system. Environmental hazards and disasters, as well as the impact of any delays/ stoppages, can be tracked online through GIS dashboards, enabling efficient project and risk management in construction processes.
GIS Applications in Post-Construction Processes
- Documentation: With GIS and remote sensing, designers can get automatically updated location and topographical maps on which the designs can be overlaid. This data can also be represented in different visual styles, as GIS tools often offer various cartographic styling options. This makes the process of documentation and preparation of as-built drawings much simpler and more efficient.
- Maintenance and Operations: GIS can be used to map existing underground utilities and infrastructure facilities in buildings. It can also study aspects like the environmental impact of a building and water management systems. This data can then be used to improve the building’s operational capabilities, encouraging more sustainable renovation techniques.
Benefits of the Geographic Information System in Construction
- Enhanced Stakeholder Collaboration: A GIS system acts like a centralised database in which real-time updates, project targets and progress status can be stored. This data can be accessed by all the project stakeholders simultaneously, enabling better collaboration and decision-making.
- Increased Efficiency: Designers can store, analyse and modify data from different software and apps—such as 2D planning tools and 3D design tools—on a single GIS platform. Design efficiency is also increased by the integration of BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools with GIS in construction.
- Resource Management: With detailed information—such as terrain conditions, accessibility through roads and vegetation cover—obtained through GIS technology, construction processes and timelines can be planned efficiently to adapt to the existing site conditions.
- Risk Management: GIS tools can be used to survey surrounding areas and predict potential natural hazards. This allows project managers to plan construction activities around such hazards, lower their risks and reduce their impacts on project timelines.
GIS Tools Used in Construction
Some of the popular GIS architecture and construction tools are:
- ArcGIS: ArcGIS is a software developed by the American company Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc.) in 1982, with multiple newer versions released every year. This software works on mobiles, laptops and web applications, from where users can access as well as share data with other users. It also has 3D visualisation and animation features, enabling simple data visualisation
- QGIS 3: Quantum GIS, or QGIS, is a desktop application released in 2009. It has multiple styling options, allowing users to create maps with diverse visual qualities. It also offers integration with coding software like Python, which can enable automated processes of design and analysis.
- AutoCAD Map 3D: This is a GIS technology developed by AutoDesk specifically for the AEC industry. Architects can access geospatial data and directly create floor plans and designs on the maps, enabling georeferenced design data. This data can also be easily integrated with other 3D design softwares like BIM.
The Future of GIS in Construction
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, even building projects are expected to be completed quickly and efficiently. With minimal or no room for errors, these expectations would be difficult to fulfil without technologies like the Geographic Information System. The innovation of GIS in construction has enabled better building abilities, and its widespread adoption in the industry is a testimony to that. Although it is currently used in India for only large projects, its usage is expected to rapidly increase in the upcoming years, hopefully paving the way for better and more sustainable building practices.
Brick & Bolt, a tech-enabled construction company in India, seeks to incorporate the latest technology and tools in all its projects. To get your house or commercial property built using the latest technology to assure maximum efficiency and minimal errors, reach out to Brick & Bolt today!
Apoorva H P Achar