U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Infrastructure Conference

July 14, 2011 By: Art Kalinski

BIM, LiDAR, 3D Gain Traction

This year’s U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Infrastructure Conference was held in Atlanta. As one would expect, the bulk of the sessions dealt with engineering issues ranging from concrete, steel and earthen construction of dams, waterways and facilities to project management and contracting issues. Few people realize that the Corps is even involved in many in-theater operations including bomb disposal EOD.

This was a large conference so breakout sessions were organized into areas of interest or tracks. The three dominant topics of the GeoSpatial Track were SDSFIE, BIM Models, and ground level LiDAR. For those of you not familiar with SDSFIE, here is a good description from the Army Corps of Engineers site.

The Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure and Environment (SDSFIE) is the single Department of Defense spatial data standard that supports common implementation and interoperability for installations, environment, and civil works missions. Seven principals guide the development of SDSFIE:

SDSFIE will focus on the geospatial representation of features and maintain a minimum number of attributes. It will link to our business databases for attribute data and not duplicate attributes found in business databases.
SDSFIE will provide a data model that is scalable from installation mapping up to service level and DoD, from local to global.
If a relevant data content standard already exists, SDSFIE must incorporate it into the model rather than develop new content.
SDSFIE standard development will follow a nationally recognized development process.
SDSFIE will reside in the public domain and is vendor neutral.
The standard will be responsive and built to support the business needs of data creators and end users.
SDSFIE is governed and managed by the Services.

I’m one of those GIS people who cringe when I hear the phrase “FGDC Compliant Metadata” because I know the work involved in creating the data. I also realize that data standards are a necessary evil. The best analogy I’ve heard is that FGDC describes each data element much like the alphabet builds words. But can you imagine having to define each word as you use it? By comparison, SDSFIE takes the standards and builds a common data language built for a common user base: military organizations. This greatly speeds the communication process. Although SDSFIE is a DOD standard, other federal agencies are adopting the standard since it is so dominant and well thought-out.

There were numerous sessions on BIM models. This technology seems to be gaining real traction, especially since BIM models were made a required deliverable for all MILCON (Military construction) RFP’s. Talking to numerous attendees, it was apparent that many think it is just another CAD system. They don’t understand that BIM is a merging of CAD and GIS data models including topology and geospatially linked database (See my article on BIM Son of CAD). Most don’t fully appreciate that BIM is not just a design and construction model but a full lifecycle management tool.

One term that popped up several times was SIM (Site Information Model). I need some education on this because it seems like BIM users are using BIM to manage land feature data, etc. Since the limited discussions didn’t mention it, I wondered if they knew about this wonderful new technology called GIS. If anyone can enlighten me I’d appreciate it.

Papers on 3D models reflected the growing understanding that 3D models and oblique imagery are a powerful way to explain complex problems to those without the technical background nor time to delve into the project. This was also the case for ground LiDAR technology. Several presenters and exhibitors were showing off their latest technology. Two examples from Certainty 3D are shown here.

Although not GIS-related, many of you working infrastructure security issues may be interested in a redesign of the ubiquitous manhole cover. For decades these covers remained unchanged, round cast-iron disks that were heavy but also provided a security issue for large cities. Since 911 we’ve heard stories that prior to major public events a security precaution has been to weld shut manhole covers to limit the access of potential terrorists to underground facilities. As you can imagine, the welding then the grinding to regain access is costly and time-consuming, not to mention the potential slow access during an emergency.

One solution that seemed to solve all the issues is a manhole cover patented by a Japanese firm Takasyu. The cover is very heavy and can only be opened with a specially designed key that operates a hydraulic cylinder. The covers are very easy to open and safe at every angle. They cost 3-4 times as much as typical covers but could be worth the saving in man-hours. Additionally, since the cover raises up it is very visible unlike a traditional cover that is just slid over.

The same company also had a LEGO-like steel beam construction system that can build prototypes that can also remain a permanent structures. The system uses a series of specially designed “C” clamps. Although not very attractive, a huge advantage of the clamp system is that it forms joints just a strong as welded joints but requires no skilled welders, just a torque wrench.

In summary, the Army Corps of Engineers are certainly in the forefront of GIS and BIM technology, although much work remains with implementation.