Exploring the application of property graph model in visualizing COBie data

Abstract

Purpose The usability aspect of the construction operations building information exchange (COBie) datasheet has been largely overlooked. Users find it difficult to find relevant data inside COBie and understand the dependencies of information. This research study is a part of a more comprehensive research study to identify the usability issues associated with COBie and propose solutions to deal with them. This paper aims to discuss the challenges associated with the visualization aspect of COBie and proposes a solution to mitigate them. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on design thinking and waterfall methodology. While the design thinking methodology is used to explore the issues associated with the visualization aspect of COBie, the waterfall methodology is used to develop a working prototype of the visualizer for the COBie datasheet using a spreadsheet format. Findings The paper demonstrates that the property graph model based on a node-link diagram can be effectively used to represent the COBie datasheet. This will help in storing data in a visually connected manner and looking at links more dynamically. Moreover, converting and storing data into an appropriate database will help reach data directly rather than navigate multiple workbooks. This database can also help get the history of data inside the COBie datasheet as it develops throughout the project. Originality/value This research proposes a novel approach to visualize the COBie datasheet interactively using the property graph model, a type of node-link diagram. Using the property graph model will help users see data in a connected way, which is currently missing in the spreadsheet representation of COBie data. Moreover, this research also highlights that storing historical changes in COBie data can help understand how data has evolved throughout the construction. Additionally, structured storage of data in relationship format can help users to access the end of connected data directly through the efficient search.