A Gis-Based Automated Architectural Spatial Analysis and Representation in the Conceptual Design Phase

Abstract

This paper introduces an automated workflow using GIS model-builder that enhance the traditional conceptual design process using freehand sketching and CAD software packages and using other software packages for area calculations and visual presentation. Repeating the process of functional evaluation after receiving feedbacks from the clients is one of the main disadvantages of the traditional method, and could consume more time to reproduce calculation sheets and the graphical illustrations. Accordingly, there is an obvious demand to save time and money and to enhance this process. However, using a third-party application could affect that process positively by providing an automated tool that generates a real-time calculation and produces automated graphical studies and colored illustrations. Five steps should be performed to run the automated workflow using GIS model-builder. The original CAD file should be prepared before connecting to GIS then the CAD data sets will be extracted automatically to GIS geodatabase in a predetermined working folder, then sequential geoprocessing tools are run, starting with creating the new feature classes, and finally, the auto generated calculation sheets and colored studies and architectural plans come out.