Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/27856
characteristics before it’s built. As a result, they can make better, more-informed decisions across the entire project lifecycle—from planning and design through construction. Project owners can use the intelligent 3-D models as the basis for comprehensive operations and facilities-management plans. Infrastructure professionals are rapidly adopting the BIM process. According to a 2009 McGraw-Hill Construction SmartMarket Report, the use of BIM among civil engineers is projected to quadruple by the end of 2011. Within the GIS industry, a growing number of professionals and organizations are recognizing the value of integrating information contained in geospatial databases into BIM. Those who integrate BIM and geo- spatial data show increased productivity and efficiency; enhanced usability of legacy data; and an improved ability to manage infrastructure assets based on more-complete knowledge of the actual design and construction. A World and Industry in Transition World populations are migrating to urban centers—a trend already threatening to outstrip the ability to fund new projects as well as overload aging and crumbling infrastructures. Along with economic benefits, this migration also raises significant health, cultural and environmental challenges. Although daunting, these challenges pose a tremendous opportunity for those in the infrastructure industry. According to Booz Allen Hamilton, a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to M A R C H 2 O 1 1 / W W W . G E O P L A C E . C O M 19