{"id":36961,"date":"2026-03-23T15:18:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T14:18:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/biblus.accasoftware.com\/en\/?p=36961"},"modified":"2026-03-23T15:18:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T14:18:36","slug":"integrating-openbim-and-gis-for-historical-city-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biblus.accasoftware.com\/en\/integrating-openbim-and-gis-for-historical-city-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Integrating openBIM and GIS for efficient historic city management: el Jadida modeling case study"},"content":{"rendered":"

Modeling El Jadida: An innovative approach to federation and Geolocation of models using openBIM and GIS for historic city management<\/p>\n

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In the context of the construction industry, the integration between openBIM and GIS is emerging as a revolutionary force in various fields. In this article, we will look at a case study related to the modeling of historical cities, focusing on the digitization of the city of El Jadida, in Morocco.<\/p>\n

The model created by ETAFAT is the result of the integration between Esri’s ArcGIS platform and the online application usBIM.geotwin<\/a> by ACCA software.<\/p>\n

These advanced technological tools offer new opportunities for the management, preservation, and enhancement of architectural and urban heritage, combining the accuracy of 3D BIM models with the analytical power of spatial data.<\/p>\n

\"geospatial

GIS and openBIM Integration<\/h2>\n

openBIM is a methodology that promotes transparency and collaboration through the use of open and interoperable standards that facilitate workflows in the construction sector. Unlike proprietary BIM platforms, openBIM allows different stakeholders to collaborate without technological barriers, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The use of open formats such as IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) allows data exchange between different software, enabling a holistic view of the project.<\/p>\n

GIS is a system that allows for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, managing, and presenting geographic data. When combined with BIM, GIS provides a broad spatial context that enriches BIM models with geographic information. This integration is particularly useful for projects involving vast and complex areas such as historical cities.<\/p>\n

To delve deeper, read also Maximizing efficiency in managing and maintaining built assets with the BIM-GIS approach<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To better understand the power generated by the union of these two technologies, I propose a short video related to the case study on the digitization of the ancient city of El Jadida, in Morocco.<\/p>\n

\"Digital

Starting from the point cloud acquired during the survey phase, we then proceeded with the BIM modeling and the creation of the city’s information model. What’s the result of that? A geospatial digital twin<\/a> that fully reflects the integration of different formats (point clouds, textured meshes, BIM models, IFC models, etc.) perfectly federated together on a single cloud platform<\/a>. This model, representing an existing and dynamic historical city, is intended to evolve over time to constitute the faithful representation of the evolving city.<\/p>\n

El Jadida is a splendid city overlooking the ocean where Moroccan and Portuguese cultures blend into a unique mix, just like the formats representing the digital model featured in this video.<\/p>\n