Digital Engineering in GIS

Digital Engineering in GIS


Date: October 21, 2021 Authors: Aiša Čanić, Emin Beganović

Maps that integrate GIS and engineering information give a big advantage in project design over the competition.

What is GIS? | Geographic Information System Mapping Technology

GIS is an acronym for “Geographic Information System” that integrates, edits, analyzes, and displays geographic information related to specific locations on a map. It could generally be explained using the term “smart maps” which allow the user to analyze spatial information and edit data.

How can GIS help?

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system that records, stores, checks, and displays data about locations on the Earth’s surface. GIS can help individuals and organizations better understand geographical patterns and relationships by connecting seemingly irrelevant data.

People can use GIS technology to compare the positions of various objects to see how they relate to one another. A single map may, for example, include places that cause pollution, such as factories, as well as areas that are sensitive to pollution, such as wetlands and rivers, using GIS. A map like this would aid in determining where water resources are most vulnerable.

Map pin location direction position graphic Free Photo

To GIS or not to GIS?

For quality planning and optimal use of space, it is necessary to have a large amount of information based on which decisions are made. As a mitigating circumstance comes GIS which provides a spatial framework that helps to make intelligent decisions for the use of natural resources and landscaping.

Data can be presented in layered visualizations using digital maps. GIS integration allows projects to store and analyze geographic data to improve project design, planning, and delivery efficiency.

GIS users can process and visualize data to monitor material accuracy, make adjustments, and report maintenance.

If a certain project is to be implemented and there is a possible environmental threat because of the new construction, using GIS can help detect the problem before the construction begins. As a result, Environmental Engineers were able to come up with an engineering solution to this problem. Detecting a problem that might occur helps solve it in advance and therefore enable the project to continue its implementation. 

At the same time, projects that don’t include GIS analysis have many risk factors because they are not taking context into consideration.

How important is the context in construction?

Adding a location to a particular design enhances the understanding of the project and gives a specific geographical context. Understanding the context in which the project will be located means removing possible disruptions before they happen.

Combining innovative technologies such as GIS and BIM, we can look forward to new generations of planned construction. BIM (Building Information Modeling) and GIS (Geographic Information System) are two key technologies, the integration of which can bring outstanding results in digital engineering.

Geographic information is an important component of the entire decision-making process in construction and nothing but GIS can enable everyone involved to most effectively understand spatial planning. The use of GIS allows people from different segments of the construction life cycle to share a common picture of the project, provided by maps generated by GIS.

GIS extends the value of digital BIM by visualization. The integration of BIM and GIS with constantly updated information allows project participants to better understand the impact of decisions before, during, and after project construction.

Maps that integrate GIS and engineering information give you a big advantage in project design over your competition.

Conclusion:

GIS integrates location information that is already present to give users a better insight into relations and patterns, and to make it easier for users to make informed decisions through advanced mapping and analytics.

Advantages of GIS:

  • Better care for the environment 
  • Real-time data accessibility in case of emergency
  • Prevention of possible natural disasters 
  • Easier management of networks and properties
  • Improved performance 
  • Intelligent decisions
  • More Cost-effective Planing 
  • Cost-saving by the improved decision-making process
  • A better understanding of patterns and relationships between construction and location

By combining and displaying all the essential information on a map, it becomes much easier to create a clear picture of the business.