Esri’s Impact on the AEC Industry: An Interview with Marc Goldman

As the world continues to advance in technology and infrastructure, the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has become increasingly significant. Esri, a leader in GIS technology, has been at the forefront of this integration. We had the opportunity to speak with Marc Goldman, Director of the AEC Industry at Esri, to delve into the company’s involvement in the AEC sector and its future direction.

Esri’s Evolution in the AEC Sector

Esri is primarily recognized as a GIS company, catering to various industries with a strong emphasis on owner and operator sectors such as Departments of Transportation, utilities, campuses, and airports. However, about five years ago, Esri identified the need to focus on AEC firms that were actively developing and managing GIS solutions for these sectors. This realization led to the establishment of an AEC sector within Esri, which has since become one of the company’s fastest-growing divisions.

Goldman explained, “The infrastructure organizations have been using ArcGIS and Esri’s solutions to plan their projects and manage their assets. We recognized the value in directly supporting the AEC firms who were often implementing these solutions on behalf of the owners and operators. This shift has allowed us to better support the entire lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure projects, from early planning stages through design, engineering, and construction, and into long-term operations.”

Engaging with Key AEC Industry Organizations

Esri’s involvement with key AEC industry organizations like the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), BuildingSMART International, and the Digital Twin Consortium has been pivotal. These associations promote the integration of GIS with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital twin technologies.

Goldman noted, “We’re a member of the Digital Twin Consortium and actively participate in its conferences. Our GIS technology is a critical component of digital twins, offering the ability to visualize and analyze BIM information. We’re also involved with BuildingSMART International and the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), which helps us stay at the forefront of integrating GIS with other technological advancements.”

The Growing Importance of GIS in Architecture and Urban Design

The role of GIS in architecture and urban design is expanding rapidly. Esri has increased its presence at architecturally oriented events, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) conference and Next Build. These events highlight the importance of context in architectural design, which GIS is uniquely suited to provide.

“Context is crucial in architecture and urban design,” Goldman emphasized. “GIS helps architects understand the best location for a building, the resources available in the surrounding community, and various environmental factors. By integrating BIM and CAD information with GIS, architects can gain insights into demographics, weather patterns, traffic flow, and more, enhancing their design processes.”

Enhancing Workflows and Project Outcomes with GIS

Design and engineering firms leverage GIS to connect new infrastructure projects with existing systems, enhancing their workflows and project outcomes. Many cities and utilities already use GIS to manage their assets, making it a natural fit for design and engineering firms to incorporate GIS into their processes.

“Firms like Bechtel, Jacobs, AECOM, and HDR have been using our technology for years,” Goldman said. “GIS helps these firms understand what’s going on both above and below ground, ensuring that new projects integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure. This capability is especially valuable for large-scale projects involving multiple stakeholders.”

Facilitating Digital Project Delivery

Digital project delivery is increasingly in demand among owners such as airports, campuses, hotels, and government entities. Esri’s GIS tools and solutions are tailored to facilitate this process, enhancing collaboration and decision-making.

“GIS expands access to project information beyond traditional high-end engineering applications,” Goldman explained. “Our ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online platforms allow users to combine engineering data with GIS layers and publish them to web scenes. This makes project information accessible to a broader audience, from engineers to community members, enhancing transparency and collaboration.”

The Role of GIS in Digital Twins

Digital twins, virtual representations of physical structures synchronized with real-time data, are becoming a critical component of the AEC industry. Esri’s GIS technology supports the creation and management of digital twins, offering significant benefits to the sector.

“Grounding digital twins in GIS provides the context necessary for accurate and effective modeling,” Goldman stated. “Our platform captures sensor feeds and visualizes them in context, enabling real-time monitoring and management of infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to create semi-autonomous digital twins that can make decisions and automate processes, enhancing efficiency and performance.”

Emerging Trends and Innovations

Looking ahead, Goldman highlighted several emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of GIS in the AEC industry. The reduction in cost and complexity of reality mapping, the integration of AI, and the growing accessibility of GIS tools are all contributing to the sector’s evolution.

“Reality mapping, from smartphones to drones and satellites, is becoming more accessible and affordable,” Goldman noted. “This data, combined with AI and advanced visualization capabilities, is transforming GIS from a specialized tool into a mainstream technology in the AEC industry. We see GIS tools being used alongside CAD, BIM, and project management software, indicating a significant shift in how the industry operates.”

Conclusion

Esri’s commitment to the AEC industry is evident in its strategic partnerships, ongoing innovation, and active participation in industry organizations. As GIS technology continues to evolve, it will play an increasingly vital role in enhancing the design, construction, and management of infrastructure projects.

For more information about Esri’s involvement in the AEC sector, visit Esri’s AEC industry page. You can also connect with Marc Goldman on LinkedIn or reach out to the AEC team at aecinfo@esri.com. Esri’s presence at various conferences and events offers additional opportunities to learn about their cutting-edge GIS solutions.

In conclusion, Esri’s advancements in GIS technology are poised to significantly impact the AEC industry, driving innovation and improving project outcomes across the board. As the industry continues to embrace digital transformation, Esri’s role as a leader in GIS will be instrumental in shaping the future of AEC.

Tags: AEC

Category: Esri

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