# Integration of BIM and GIS for the Digitization of the Built Environment
## 2 Materials and Methods  
The AECO sector is undergoing a digital transition driven by the necessity to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of operations in the built and to-be-built environment, which is a crucial aspect of the sector's development. In this context, the integration of tools such as BIM and GIS emerge as a strategic priority in spatial management processes, including those of public institutions. The adoption of digital systems is of paramount importance for the improvement of operational efficiency and the optimization of resources. The implementation of BIM solutions enables organizations to create three-dimensional virtual models that accurately and comprehensively represent the physical and functional characteristics of a project. These models enable more accurate planning and design, reducing the risk of errors and discrepancies during the construction and management phases. Another key point is the ability to manage all information related to a project in an integrated and centralized manner, even taking advantage of cloud platforms. BIM systems make it possible to create a shared database that includes not only the architectural and structural elements of a building, but also information on materials, costs, schedules and energy performance. By integrating this information with the geographic and topographical data provided by GIS, organizations can gain a holistic and detailed view of their environment, facilitating planning and informed decision-making. Through online platforms and data sharing tools, everyone involved in the building process can collaborate in real time, exchanging information, comments and updates on project progress. The adoption of this approach is conducive to enhanced transparency, expedited response times, and greater cohesion among team members. Moreover, the implementation of these systems plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainability and resilience in the construction industry. By means of advanced data analysis and the simulation of energy and environmental flows, it is possible to assess the environmental and social impact of a project and to identify solutions to reduce the negative impact on the environment. The integration of BIM and GIS is an increasingly relevant area of interest for the management and development of the built environment. This synergy offers considerable potential for enhancing the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance and preservation of infrastructure and buildings. In recent decades, as part of the information technology revolution, GIS has played a major role in map management and production. These systems represent a major innovation because they combine two fundamental pillars of information technology: computer-aided drafting (CAD) and relational databases (DBMS), the latter being one of the first computer creations. This integration has made it possible to overcome the inherent limitations of traditional cartographic representations, which usually have a symbolic nature and a predefined scale of values. GIS offers the possibility of analyzing geographical entities not only from a geometric point of view, but also from an information point of view, associating each mapped entity with a corresponding record in the database. This synergy makes it possible to explore additional details and information on geographical entities, opening up a vast potential of applications, especially in the field of safety and environmental impact analysis, especially with regard to industrial projects. However, in fields such as AECO, where the consideration of specific construction details is essential, GIS often assumes only a contextual function. In these circumstances, BIM becomes essential, also taking advantage of the advances of the IT revolution to provide a more detailed and integrated view of construction projects. The advancement of integrated BIM-GIS management is an ever-growing field, driven by technological innovation and continuous research.