BIM-FM interoperability: integrating existing FM platform with visualization of IFC models

This article documents the developments from a collaboration with the Matosinhos City Hall in Portugal. The collaboration included the development of a web platform to integrate a management software already in use by the city hall, with 3D visualization capabilities, and the development of information requirements to guide the preparation of information models to be visualized on the platform. The platform enables the visualization of 3D models developed according to the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) schema using the IFCjs library to manipulate, investigate and visualize IFC files. In addition, the web platform enables access to and manipulation of operational data through the 3D model. The paper demonstrates how the IFC model elements are linked to the database of an existing management system. This solution addresses current operational limitations and promotes broader BIM adoption in the FM sector.