Working with IFC in ArcGIS Pro

As BIM and GIS continue to converge, a recurring question that I often receive is about the integration of IFC models into GIS workflows. Whether it’s for improving project collaboration or ensuring accurate geospatial analysis, understanding how to properly handle IFC data is crucial for smoother, more efficient project delivery. In this article, I’ll explore the process of working with IFC models in ArcGIS, addressing how we can leverage the right tools and settings to optimize spatial accuracy and ensure seamless interoperability between BIM and GIS environments.

Why is IFC important?

However, IFC is an open, standardized format developed by buildingSMART that enables the seamless exchange of BIM data across different software platforms in the AEC industry. It promotes interoperability, ensuring that project teams can collaborate efficiently by maintaining consistent data throughout a project's lifecycle.

Key Considerations for Exporting IFC Files for GIS Integration

As highlighted in my previous article, successful integration between BIM and GIS is a collaborative effort between both teams. In this piece, I will begin by outlining the key considerations the BIM team must address when exporting IFC files to ensure seamless integration with GIS workflows.

As with handling RVT files, it is essential to ensure both the Revit Survey Point and Project Base Point are accurately positioned before exporting an IFC file. For a successful export, navigate to the Geographic Reference tab and select the coordinate base either the Project Base Point oriented in True North, or the Survey Point. This ensures that the exported IFC file aligns correctly with the intended geographic location, maintaining consistency between BIM and GIS workflows.

Support IFC versions

ArcGIS Pro fully supports the integration of building and infrastructure elements from various IFC file formats, ensuring seamless compatibility across multiple industry standards. These formats include IFC2X2_FINAL, IFC2X3, IFC2X_FINAL, IFC4, IFC4X1, IFC4X2, IFC4X3, IFC4X3_RC1, and IFC4X3_RC4. This extensive support provides flexibility and interoperability when working with BIM models, making ArcGIS Pro an essential tool for managing diverse IFC data within your workflows. However, for best results, always export using IFC 4x, which supports geospatial data and maintains coordinate integrity during the export process.

IFC Geometry in ArcGIS Pro

IFC files categorize objects based on a distinct list of element groupings. These elements are organized into feature class categories within a BIM file workspace (which is how BIM files are represented as workspaces consisting of feature classes organized into discipline-specific datasets), aligned with their building function, and further sorted by construction discipline.

ArcGIS Pro generates feature classes primarily using the IfcClassName property, with additional distinctions made using the IfcTypeEnum property when necessary. These classifications reflect the functional construction discipline and are used by ArcGIS Pro to group datasets within the BIM workspace.

IFC Properties in ArcGIS Pro: Position & Storeys

When browsing for IFC data in the catalog view or the Catalog pane in ArcGIS Pro, you can view file properties for these data files that can give you insight into the contents, completeness of the coordinate system information, and how to successfully position BIM data.

Navigate to the Storeys tab for IFC files includes a list of vertical building floors, or named elevations, included in the file.

For IFC files, a check box indicates whether the Elevation is considered as a story of a building structure. This designation is an option for the author of the BIM file.

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating IFC models into GIS is crucial for improving project collaboration and spatial accuracy. By ensuring proper export settings, managing coordinate systems, and using ArcGIS Pro effectively, teams can achieve seamless interoperability between BIM and GIS. Utilizing IFC 4x ensures better geospatial support, streamlining workflows and enhancing project delivery.