An XML-based approach for geo-semantic data exchange from BIM to VR applications

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been steadily growing over the past decade and found practical applications in project planning, design review and construction planning analysis particularly in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Facility Management (AEC/FM) industry. However, data exchange between BIM and VR is a complex and time consuming process, which has limited VR applications in practice. To address this challenge, this research proposes a novel method that enables an efficient interoperability of BIM and VR including geometry of each element along with required semantic data of the BIM model. In this method, geometry and semantic data are extracted from BIM models through an Extensible Markup Language (XML) file, which is then optimized to be efficiently imported and recreated into the VR environment. The backward communication is performed by converting XML file to IFC, which is then imported to the BIM application. A prototype was developed to implement the proposed methodology. A building case study was used to demonstrate the capability of the method including considerably short transfer time, high quality rendering and geo-semantic data exchange for design and construction. These capabilities promote VR applications in the AEC/FM industry as the required information for design and construction plan review including Architectural parameter (e.g., material, texture and dimensions), Engineering parameters (e.g., loads, R-Value), cost, schedule and clashes can be exchanged between BIM and VR in near real time.