Use of GIS and Topology in the Identification and Resolution of Space Conflicts

Construction activities need space on the jobsite for their execution. Workers, equipment, materials, temporary facilities, and the developing structure share the limited jobsite space during the construction period. Multiple types of spaces for different purposes on various locations are required to execute various activities at different times. Hence, space planning helps provide a safe and productive environment. Planners mentally link two-dimensional (2D) drawings and execution schedules to generate dynamic multiple types of space requirements, which is a complex task. Therefore, researchers suggest the use of four-dimensional (4D) modeling and building information modeling (BIM) for space planning. Both simulate the construction process by linking the execution schedule with a three-dimensional (3D) model to visualize the construction sequence in space planning. However, both still lack features such as topography modeling and geospatial analysis, which affect space planning. In this work, 4D geographic information systems (GIS) were used for space planning that facilitates topographic modeling, different types of geospatial analyses, and database management. GIS was also used to generate multiple types of spaces corresponding to various activities. A feature attribute table (FAT) associated with each space describes when, where, and how long that space will be required on the jobsite. GIS-based area topology was implemented through a set of validation rules that define how working areas have to share the jobsite. A GIS-based methodology that enables space planning, time-space conflict identification, and conflict resolution prior to the construction was developed and implemented. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000075. (C) 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.