An Effective Approach to Geometric and Semantic BIM/GIS Data Integration for Urban Digital Twin
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22032743 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Peyman Azari (Toronto Metropolitan University), Songnian Li (0000-0002-8244-5681, Toronto Metropolitan University, corresponding author), Ahmed Shaker (0000-0001-6602-7343, Toronto Metropolitan University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue | 12 |
| Pages | 478 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-02 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2220-9964 • E-ISSN: 2220-9964 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijgi14120478 |
| OpenAlex | W4416997608 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 31 |
Urban Digital Twins (UDTs) demand both simplified geometry and rich semantic information from Building Information Models (BIM) to be effectively integrated into Geospatial Information Systems (GIS). However, current BIM-to-GIS conversion methods struggle with geometric complexity and semantic loss, particularly at scale. This paper proposes a novel, scalable methodology for comprehensive BIM/GIS integration, addressing both geometric and semantic challenges. The approach introduces a geometry conversion workflow that transforms solid BIMs into valid, simplified CityGML representations through a level-by-level detection of building elements and outer surface extraction. To preserve semantic richness, all entities, attributes, and relationships—including implicit connections—are automatically extracted and stored in a Labeled Property Graph (LPG) database. The method is further extended with a new CityGML Application Domain Extension (ADE) that supports Multi-LoD4 representations, enabling selective interior visualization and efficient rendering. A web-based urban digital twin platform demonstrates the integration, allowing dynamic semantic querying and scalable 3D visualization. Results show a significant reduction in geometric complexity, full semantic retention, and robust performance in visualization and querying, offering a practical pathway for advanced UDT development
3D city models · CityGML · Data integration · Geospatial analysis · Graph · Scalability · Semantic computing · Semantic grid · Visualization · Workflow · 3D Modeling in Geospatial Applications · 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage · BIM and Construction Integration
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |