# Interoperability Analyses of BIM Platforms for Construction Management
## 1 Introduction
However, interoperability has been investigated not only from the technological point of view. In fact, [PERSON] and [PERSON] [19] investigated the implications of enhancing information interoperability by assessing BIM-based contractual issues such as technology compatibility, auditing procedures and responsibilities, and information and communication technology (ICT) protocols, processes, and transfer procedures. Another study suggested that seeking solution(s) to the interoperability problem should include an analysis of an interoperability value proposition in the AEC sector, i.e., at the business level [20]. In [21], the authors systematically and critically reviewed BIM compatibility literature to distinguish compatibility issues at the organizational level and the concept of interoperability at the technical level. In [22], an exploratory research approach explored the interoperability between the construction design and management (CDM) regulations and BIM. On the other hand, the integration of BIM with other technologies like augmented reality for quality control during the construction phase also shows the importance of compatibility between several platforms where the use of IFC standards is crucial [23]. Another research field where interoperability is fundamental is the integration of BIM with geospatial data. Currently, building and geospatial data are shared and exchanged through common data formats, usually IFC and CityGML. Because of the diversity and complexity of domain knowledge across BIM and geographic information system (GIS) systems, these syntactic approaches are not capable of completely sharing semantic information that is unique in each system. In [24; 25], semantic web technology was used to ensure semantic interoperability between existing BIM and GIS tools. In [26], the study aimed at improving the interoperability between BIM and GIS application domains by linking and harmonizing core information concepts by investigating the integration between core abstract concepts from IFC and ISO/TC 211 standards for GIS. Research topics in the field of BIM and interoperability are broad, and many questions still arise. In [27], the authors investigated the interoperability research gaps and trends in BIM for architecture, engineering, construction, operation, and facility management (AECO/FM). In [28], the authors reviewed the practical context in which interoperability issues are raised in the literature. More precisely, they addressed questions such as what is exactly expected from a given BIM data exchange and what interoperability is needed for. The success of interoperability between two different systems can be assessed by the following criteria: (a) the execution of the export and import translator functions inserted in BIM tools, (b) the internal structure of the neutral file format supported by the BIM tools, and (c) the variety of data object types to be shared. Following these criteria, this study aims at investigating the degree of interoperability between software platforms that are commonly used for design and project management in the AEC industry. The goal is not to judge a single software to decide if a specific one is better than another (this would be totally out of the scope of the research) but to provide practical information to users facing similar problems in the real world. Although the investigation is carried out with simple data exchanges between software packages, the authors have decided to investigate both directions of importing/exporting data. Such data refer not only to geometric information but also to thematic information that is critical for project management purposes. In literature, this approach has been found to be common for assessing the interoperability between different software packages, but, although it is a common practice, no examples targeting project management tasks have been found.