Beyond the acronyms: Making Spatial Data Talk for a Connected Future
Zoe Darracott | 17 July 2024
Spatial data interoperability is still a huge challenge for the built environment and infrastructure sectors. This is due to information existing in silos, and the amount of poor quality legacy spatial data, i.e. important networks and assets are not where their owners think they are- or at least where the map tells them they are! They get trapped in incompatible formats, and this fractured landscape often leads to costly mistakes like misplaced utilities and project delays.
MGISS break down these barriers with expertise in GeoBIM and powerful interoperability tools like FME, but before we delve into the cutting-edge, let’s get on the same page with the fundamentals:
1. GIS: Geographic Information System
Imagine a digital map on steroids – that’s essentially what GIS is. It’s a system for capturing, storing, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data. Think of roads, buildings, utilities, weather patterns, even social demographics – all this information can be layered and analyzed within a GIS platform.
- Applications: Urban planning, environmental impact studies, resource management, disaster response, and public health initiatives all heavily rely on GIS for informed decision-making.
2. CAD: Computer-Aided Design
CAD software is the workhorse of the design world. It allows engineers and architects to create precise 2D and 3D models of objects, from buildings and bridges to mechanical parts. While not strictly geospatial, CAD plays a role when these designs need to be placed in a specific location.
- Applications: Architectural and engineering design, product development, and manufacturing all utilise CAD software to create detailed plans and specifications.
3. BIM: Building Information Modelling
BIM takes CAD a step further. It’s not just about creating drawings; it’s about creating an intelligent 3D model of a building that incorporates a wealth of data. This data can include everything from materials and costs to energy efficiency and maintenance schedules.
- Applications: BIM is revolutionising the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. It allows for better collaboration, improved efficiency, and reduced errors throughout a building’s lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.
FME: Feature Manipulation Engine:
Then there’s the hero in this story: FME. It’s a powerful software that acts as a translator, seamlessly converting information between these different formats. A universal adapter for the world of spatial data. FME streamlines your data flow; helping to easily build complex data connections without hassle- integrating all your data wherever and whenever you need it.
“When you connect your data, you connect the dots.”
FME by Safe Software
With FME, your online maps, dashboards, and databases will always be fueled by high-quality, up-to-date information. FME stands out with unmatched support for spatial data formats and analysis tools.
Plus, it integrates smoothly with popular industry platforms, including the world’s leading GIS system, Esri ArcGIS
MGISS’s team of skilled geospatial experts use FME to unlock geospatial data transformation challenges such as point cloud processing. MGISS also use FME Flow Hosted to create cloud hosted SaaS capability the best example being the incident processing engine for our ESA funded project, IPAS.
The Interconnected World of Geospatial Tech
We’ve explored the distinct roles of GIS, CAD, and BIM. But the true power lies in their interconnectedness. This is where a the concept of GeoBIM comes in.
Think of GeoBIM as the bridge between the geospatial world (GIS) and the intelligent building world (BIM). It allows you to integrate rich geographical context from GIS data directly into your BIM models.
Similarly, CAD and GIS can sometimes seem at odds with each other, but it has become apparent that the convergence of these two powerful tools brings about an array of benefits. Imagine you can design a new road system with detailed plans from your CAD team seamlessly integrated with traffic flow analysis and environmental impact studies from GIS. This is the future, and it’s here now.
Our team built CAD Transform, a free handy plugin that works directly within ArcGIS, because we understand the struggle of working across different software for CAD to GIS conversion. Save time, ditch the manual conversions, and focus on what matters: creating impactful projects. Transform and store CAD models within ArcGIS, then publish them to ArcGIS Online for instant, organisation-wide access. This is the “single version of the truth” you’ve been waiting for, empowering better collaboration and faster project completion.
By understanding the strengths of each – GIS for spatial analysis, CAD for detailed design, and BIM for intelligent building models – professionals in geospatial technology can leverage these tools to create a more sustainable, efficient, and interconnected world.
Download CAD Transform for free here:
Join us in breaking down your data silos, brick by digital brick.
About
Zoe initially joined MGISS part-time to supplement her Psychology degree. She developed in her role as Wellbeing Lead for the business which has received recognition by the BIMA 100. A self-described Jack-of-all-trades, master of none, Zoe has developed many skills working in different roles at MGISS from Market Research to Employee Wellbeing. Now in a Sales & Marketing Coordinator role, she is exhibitting her efficiency in organisation, process and internal and external comms.
