Bridging BIM and GIS with a topological ontology

The growing complexity of spatial data management in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction requires integration of Building Information Modeling and Geospatial Information Systems. This study proposes a topological ontology that formally represents adjacency, intersection, and containment relationships to support spatial reasoning in built environments. Utilizing Semantic Web technologies, Industry Foundation Classes data are converted into Resource Description Framework to enhance interoperability and enable efficient spatial queries. A case study on a multi-story building demonstrates improved data management; RDF files are 12.8 times smaller than IFC files with sub-second performance for complex topological queries.