Open Heritage, the accessible HBIM and CIM data

Open heritage, the accessible hbim and cim data

Francesco Romeo, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”

Building management using HBIM is transforming the way we document, analyze, and interact with our built heritage. Similarly, CIM is changing the way we plan, design, and manage our urban environments. The real transformative power of both HBIM and CIM lies not just in creating intricate 3D models, but in ensuring that the wealth of content is accessible to a wide range of stakeholders. HBIM models capture information about historic buildings, ranging from architectural details and structural elements to historical context and preservation guidelines. CIM models, on the other hand, provide a comprehensive digital representation of the entire city, integrating data on buildings, infrastructure, transportation, and the environment. Prioritizing accessibility and data management in both HBIM and CIM environments is not just good practice, it is essential to maximizing the impact and value of these digital representations of the past and present. To enable open access to data, it is necessary to adopt open data formats such as IFC, which facilitate data exchange and interoperability. Establishing centralized cloud-based repositories for storing and managing HBIM and CIM data ensures easy access and collaboration among stakeholders. Indeed, the development of online platforms will allow anyone, regardless of technical skills, to explore HBIM and CIM models. Furthermore, interactive visualizations, 3D animations and virtual reality experiences can also be used to present complex data in an easily understandable way. Effective data management is equally crucial. Implementing robust metadata standards helps describe and organize data, making it easier to search and retrieve. Rigorous data verification, validation, and quality control procedures must be used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the modeling process. Finally, it is essential to implement appropriate measures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with privacy regulations. By prioritizing accessibility and effective data management in HBIM and CIM, a dynamic interaction between the past, present and future of the built environment is promoted. This approach based on open access and responsible data governance unlocks the full potential of an integrated process typical of BIM, ensuring that the information about our buildings and cities is not only preserved, but also shared, understood and used to shape a more sustainable future.