GIS and BIM in Infrastructure Projects: An Introduction to Applications Across the Lifecycle

GIS and BIM in Infrastructure Projects: An Introduction to Applications Across the Lifecycle demonstrates how geographic information systems (GIS) can complement building information modelling (BIM) throughout infrastructure development. While BIM focuses on geometrical and internal functional characteristics, GIS provides an essential wider locational context and spatial awareness, creating comprehensive solutions for infrastructure lifecycle management. The book emphasizes that infrastructure lifestyle planning cannot be done in isolation but must consider surrounding facilities, utilities, neighbourhoods, and topography.

Structured around nine chapters covering all lifecycle stages of infrastructure projects. After introducing GIS fundamentals, the text explores specific applications across six lifecycle stages: feasibility (database management, site selection, environmental impact assessment), design (public participation, cost estimation, sunlight visualization), construction planning (scheduling, 4D modeling, safety planning), construction (contractor screening, site layout, materials management), operation and maintenance (infrastructure resilience, energy performance), and demolition (waste management, environmental impacts). Each chapter begins with learning objectives and concludes with summaries, supported by high-quality figures and illustrations. The final chapter identifies future research directions across all stages.

This is an ideal textbook for graduate and undergraduate students in architecture, engineering, and construction programs, as well as a useful book for AEC industry professionals seeking to implement GIS and BIM technologies in combination. It serves as a useful classroom resource and self-study manual, addressing the growing need for integrated BIM-GIS solutions in sustainable infrastructure development and lifecycle management.

Vijay Kr. Bansal is a faculty member of the Department of Civil Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Hamirpur, India. He has more than two and a half decades of experience in teaching and research. He is the author of the textbook titled: Project Management: Planning and Scheduling Techniques, published by Routledge: Taylor & Francis. He is also a resource person for many international e-learning hubs. He has guided many PhD and Master's Programme theses and completed many research projects. His main research interests include application areas of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry. His other research interests are GIS-based 4D scheduling, repetitive scheduling, and location-based planning and scheduling. He has contributed many research papers to national and international journals.