Level of Integration (LoInt): A Conceptual Framework for BIM-GIS Data Integration

Building Information Modelling (BIM) – Geographic information System (GIS) data integration constitutes a crucial component in the development of urban digital twins. This integration can be achieved through a variety of techniques and methodologies; however, numerous challenges arise during the integration process that hinder seamless interoperability. Although several attempts have been made to address these challenges, prior studies tend to address these challenges in isolation, and the literature stills lacks from a standardized approach to perform the integration. This paper proposes a conceptual framework designed to support standardizing the integration practices by synthesizing these challenges into a progressive, structured model. The framework consists of four Levels of Integration (LoInt) that are designed from LoInt100 to LoInt400, each level identifies and categorizes integration challenges into distinct classes and provides a literature-based approach to address the challenges. Moreover, each level corresponding to the degree of interoperability between BIM and GIS systems. The framework can be utilized as a guideline and as a decision-making support system in applications that require BIM-GIS data integration.