Methodology for data integration using sparql constructs in the aec industry

In the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, data exchange interoperability in the field of building information modelling (BIM) still presents serious limitations and problems. Many BIM software applications enable data exchange through proprietary formats and open interoperability standards such as IFC. However, the exchange of information across different domains and disciplines using a unique format such as IFC is not always feasible or does not bring about the expected results. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternative solutions to transform the data from one domain to another. Methods to automate data exchange using Semantic Web technologies have been devised in recent decades. However, it is still necessary to achieve data semanticization in a more agile and transparent way, to facilitate the work for end-users as well as for ontology designers and domain experts. In this article, we present a methodology aimed at facilitating the interoperability between a set of data models generated by BIM applications and other related data sources, and domain data models (e.g., energy, acoustics). From the experience gained in its implementation, we highlight some of the critical issues which need to be considered in semantic-based interoperability.