The
Spanish Association for Standardisation, UNE, and the
Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) hosted on Wednesday 19 February at AMB's headquarters the
Technical Conference “Digitalisation of the built environment: standardisation and practical applications of digital twins and BIM-GIS integration" which was extremely well attended. In a constantly evolving sector such as construction and infrastructure,
standardisation plays a key role in
ensuring interoperability, efficiency and sustainability in its digital transformation.
The assembled experts unpacked the standards related to digital twins and how to integrate mapping information into the IFC structure.
The event was opened by Ramon M. Torra i Xicoy, AMB's manager, who pointed out the importance of public-private partnerships and sharing experiences in applying new technologies. Sergio Muñoz, chair of CTN-UNE 332, outlined the work of the ISO and CEN Committees and how the national committee is involved in developing standards and the relationship with the buildingSMART documents.
The session dealt with the activity of the BIM Standardisation Committee, in particular its two subcommittees. The panels were moderated by the secretary of CTN-UNE 332, Arturo Alarcón (IECA).
The first part looked at digital twins applied in the built environment, with a presentation by the chairman of the National Subcommittee and coordinator of CEN/TC 442/WG 9, Eduard Loscos. He spoke about the activities of the European Group and its relationship with the Buiding Digital Twins Association (BDTA). Other speakers were Javier Lozano, who shared ADIF's experience with digital twins in railway infrastructure; Eloi Coloma, who set out aspects related to the maintenance of digital twins during the asset's useful life; and Marcos García, who described how digital twins are embedded in the UPM's academic curriculum.
The second part addressed the integration of mapping information in IFC, discussed by the chair of the BIM+GIS Integration Subcommittee, Montserrat Monteagudo. She outlined the approach of the UNE Standard under development based on the experience of the AMB and other municipalities and administrations with mapping responsibilities involved in the Subcommittee. Other speakers were Alberto Vilariño, who talked about the experience of the National Geographic Institute (IGN); Mayte Toscano (OGC), who explained the GeoBIM standard; and Pablo Espinosa, who reported on Sant Feliu de Llobregat Town Council's experience in hardwiring BIM into municipal asset management.
The event was closed by Aitor Aragón (UNE) and Montserrat Monteagudo (AMB), who thanked the speakers for their talks and the attendees for coming. Aitor Aragón noted AMB's exceptional efforts in organising and running the Conference.
Following the seminar, the plenary meeting of the UNE Committee on Digitalisation of information of buildings and civil engineering works (CTN-UNE 332) took place, also at the AMB's headquarters. European and international projects were reviewed along with national initiatives. Preparations began for the meeting of the European BIM Committee (CEN/TC 442) in Madrid in June, including the option of holding a conference to make the most of the presence of international experts.
The day was packed with activities and rounded off by a visit arranged by AMB to the Sagrada Familia which the Committee's members thoroughly enjoyed. It was an outstanding conference on digitalisation in the construction industry.
