# BIM and GIS Applications in Bridge Projects: A Critical Review
## 1 Introduction  
Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographical Information System (GIS) are two interdisciplinary scientific fields that involve the application of computers to integrate and visualize diverse project data and provide an objective source of project information to assist managers in making project decisions. At present, BIM/GIS technology is used in several fields, including architecture, civil engineering and facilities management. This paper mainly discusses the research and application of BIM/GIS technology for bridge projects. BIM has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the design of mega-complex bridge projects [1]. A design guideline of 3D information models was suggested [2]. Three-dimensional bridge models enable digital mock-ups and design enhancements [3]. A modern, technologically-advanced design may be compatible with feasible solutions [4] to help governments, urban planners and other stakeholders in making bridge project-related decisions [5, 6]. The use of BIM may facilitate otherwise complex projects [7] to shorten the construction time and reduce cost by minimizing trial and error [8]. The application of 4D Bridge Information Modelling (BrIM) in the construction phase benefits the project team in material delivery planning, project monitoring and control, construction schedule improvement, documentation and coordination [9]. BIM implementation may lead to 5-9% cost savings during construction through reduced change orders and rework [7] that would enhance cost-effectiveness and sustainability outcomes [10; 11]. Additionally, significant benefits such as enhanced structural health monitoring may be realized through a future BIM-enabled operation and maintenance of such an infrastructure [7; 12]. GIS implementation contributed to reducing the cost and increasing the accuracy and timeliness of the project and program development of major transportation infrastructure programs [13; 14]. Integrating BIM and GIS may improve the efficiency of infrastructure operation management by providing a useful platform [15] that furnishes engineers and other decision-makers with detailed information about specific issues [16]. System information requirements would need to be defined by stakeholders and a unified format adopted to facilitate data exchange [17]. Semantic integration of cross-domain data is trusted to be highly automated [18] and the generated BrIM based on industry foundation classes (IFC) can be queried semantically [19]. IFC are used to exchange information; the implementation of asset management properties can facilitate a transition from document-based software to a combination of visual representation alongside the information that accompany every asset to form a basis for integration with GIS standards such as CityGML, and investigated to determine the level of information transferred between the BIM and GIS standards [20]. Managers explore more features of a bridge information model [21] at the asset management phase to aid efficient and informed decision making [22]. Information modeling is more than just a new technology--it is a new way of working [23] which has the power to totally transform the bridge industry. Over the last decade, the application of BIM/GIS technology in the planning and design, construction, operation and maintenance as well as information exchange on bridge projects has increased significantly. The potential benefits of applying either BIM, GIS or both technologies on bridge projects cannot be overemphasized. However, the literature is limited regarding studies that have focused on reviewing outcomes of BIM and GIS applications on bridge projects. A review of these studies would lead to identifying BIM and GIS applications that are most suitable for selection of bridge location, budget allocation, and formulation of maintenance decision schemes. Additionally, a review of these studies would lead to identifying weaknesses of current methods of BIM and GIS applications on bridge projects.