ArcGIS GeoBIM

ArcGIS GeoBIM: An Introduction

Connecting projects in geospatial context

Despite the narrowing of the gap between GIS (geographic information system) and BIM (building information modeling) over the last few years, Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms and their clients are still battling with disparate data on multiple platforms. Teams are still struggling to provide a single authoritative view of project data to communicate project information easily and securely.

ArcGIS® GeoBIM℠ delivers an innovative, easy-to-use web-based experience for project teams to explore and collaborate on BIM projects and issues using data from multiple systems in a geospatial context.

 

 

What is ArcGIS GeoBIM?

ArcGIS GeoBIM enables the linking of projects and workflows by connecting ArcGIS with the Autodesk Construction Cloud® and BIM 360®.

Within ArcGIS GeoBIM projects, you can link georeferenced ArcGIS features with Autodesk records — meaning that it’s easier to access, visualize, and query project documentation from multiple sources.

ArcGIS GeoBIM also makes it easier to communicate and collaborate within a secure, web-based environment, which can be tailored to the needs of multiple stakeholders.

ArcGIS features can be linked directly to Autodesk Construction Cloud

 

Who would use ArcGIS GeoBIM?

ArcGIS GeoBIM will benefit customers in any sector where organizations construct, manage, or renovate fixed physical assets – whether those are road or rail networks, utility networks, campuses, water facilities and more.

However, there are three key customer types for whom ArcGIS GeoBIM can deliver new benefits from connected GIS and BIM.

 

AEC Executives

Whether it’s a CEO, a Vice President or a Design Principal, AEC Executives need visibility into the data and documents that their teams are managing so that they can measure progress, understand risks and costs, and communicate seamlessly with stakeholders. They also want to differentiate themselves from competitors by streamlining processes and providing better insight into projects for their clients.

ArcGIS GeoBIM provides a single common experience to access project data. By leveraging ArcGIS and the Autodesk Construction Cloud in a web-based app, it’s possible to consolidate and visualize digital models, GIS data, supporting documentation and issues at both a single project and on a portfolio level.

ArcGIS GeoBIM allows AEC Executives to see all their project activity on a single map without the need for specialized desktop software. In addition to viewing up-to-date BIM and GIS data, they can connect to dashboards and tabular data that give them insight into how a project is progressing.

For example, issues can be mapped and tracked according to issue type, subtype, and status. As team members collaborate on and resolve issues within the Autodesk Construction Cloud, that information is automatically visible to stakeholders within ArcGIS GeoBIM.

Changing from open to close within Autodesk
A change of status from ‘Open’ to ‘Closed’ within the Autodesk Construction Cloud will change the project dashboard within ArcGIS GeoBIM

 

ArcGIS GeoBIM also enables better and more seamless communication of project information with stakeholders. ArcGIS GeoBIM apps provide a secure and highly configurable way for AEC Executives to access views into a single project, or a portfolio of projects. As stakeholder needs change, apps can be tailored to provide different dashboards, different types of information, and different functionality, with the ability to securely control who can see apps and data.

 

AEC Project Managers

Often project managers find that their teams are spending time locating and recreating project information, converting data from one format to another, and building one-off, bespoke tools to provide visibility into project locations and status. These workflows are ineffective and inefficient, eating into budgets.

Design Managers, Construction Managers, and Project Managers are just some of the people who want to organize projects without reorganizing data, minimize data conversion and use out-of-the-box enterprise ready tools to provide tailored experiences for different team members and stakeholders.

ArcGIS GeoBIM links directly to BIM data stored in its native environment. ArcGIS features are linked to dynamic BIM datasets – meaning that when a construction sheet is updated, or a new model version is uploaded to the Autodesk Construction Cloud, that information is available at once. The need for data to be moved, duplicated or converted is greatly reduced, saving teams time and effort.

ArcGIS GeoBIM also gives AEC Project Managers a highly configurable environment connected to the Autodesk Construction Cloud, which can be used to meet standards such as ISO 19650. It can also provide a scalable web experience that can be re-used on future projects, minimizing the risks and costs associated with one-off, in-house custom tools.

Apps are tailored to provide data to certain stakeholders
Apps can be tailored to provide the tools and information needed by specific stakeholders or for specific presentations

Owners and Operators

People who own and manage facilities, assets, and capital projects often have the problem that their maintenance and management information is completely separate from design and construction documentation. They need an overview of all their current projects, and insight into their portfolio. They want asset and engineering documents at their fingertips, and they want to be able to share project information securely and easily within their organization’s departments.

ArcGIS GeoBIM can be configured for a single project, or for a portfolio of assets, and can be easily accessed by project members and members of other departments without the need for specialized tools or training.

Teams can find construction documents, models, and other asset information using an ArcGIS GeoBIM app that combines a web-based map with data in multiple systems.  They can search their existing GIS features, find related linked datasets from their map experience, and view models within the Autodesk Construction Cloud, knowing that the latest versions of relevant content is being served directly through ArcGIS GeoBIM, using the Autodesk Forge® Viewer.

Organizations can communicate directly through the Autodesk Common Data Environment, along with a geospatially enabled view that creates a truly connected experience, from planning, to design, to construction, to maintenance. This means that detailed digital records can be passed to the owner or operator, increasing their understanding of the built assets they now own, and empowering them to make better decisions for the future.

Workflow to access up-to-date project information
Up-to-date project information can be accessed in its native format, enabling owners to better understand built assets

 

Summary

ArcGIS GeoBIM delivers an innovative, easy-to-use web-based experience for project teams to explore and collaborate on BIM projects and issues using data from multiple systems in a geospatial context. AEC teams and owners can work with linked data from multiple systems in configurable web apps that simplify communication and collaboration with teams and stakeholders. With ArcGIS GeoBIM, teams spend less time on file conversion, thus increasing access to reliable up-to-date data. ArcGIS GeoBIM enables secure access to project information, including BIM content, reality capture, documentation, and issues so that project teams can see active information for better decision making and collaboration.

Start connecting your projects in context and put your projects on the map!

Visit our product page for more information and resources.

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About the authors

Anthony Renteria

Anthony Renteria is Sr. Product Manager for BIM & CAD interoperability across ArcGIS focused on the project delivery and operations life cycle. He is currently working with customers interested in GIS & BIM integrations that enhance their workflows, provide better engagement opportunities, and transform how project data is useful to downstream activities. While working in industry for 15+ years, he was responsible for assisting AEC teams with project technology planning while integrating innovative solutions to complete tasks faster and with improved quality. Anthony is CM-BIM certified (AGC of America) and holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California.

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Geoff is Senior Product Marketing Manager for ArcGIS GeoBIM and GIS/BIM interoperability at Esri. With 10+ years working in the technology and sustainability sectors, he has supported the go-to-market and growth efforts of several enterprise cloud solutions. First encountering GIS during his Environmental Management studies, Geoff has always had a passion for design, innovation, and sustainable practices.

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