Potential Application Areas of GIS in Preconstruction Planning

Abstract

The construction industry is experiencing changes in the tools and techniques used in the planning for high productivity, safety, and sustainability. These changes have not been seen much in the preconstruction planning (PCP) stage. The PCP is highly individualistic in nature, in which planners/contractors use their past experience to plan a project within the constraints of time, cost, and quality. The use of planning techniques in the PCP stage has been the subject of research, development, and implementation for a long time; however, at present, importance is being placed on the use of different tools. Tools like knowledge-based systems, computer graphics, and a combination of the two have been reported in the literature. Literature also suggests the use of geographic information systems (GIS) as a recent tool in the PCP stage. A structure that is to be developed becomes an important component of its neighborhood. It is closely related to all other existing facilities in its surroundings; hence, its construction should not be planned in isolation but in reference to its locality, existing facilities/utilities, topography, and so on. In the PCP stage, consideration should be given to its surroundings, in which the use of GIS has been found to be helpful. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study is to explore the potential application areas of GIS, as a tool, in the PCP stage. The present study informs practitioners in the construction industry about the application areas of GIS for their wider use in real-life projects. Finally, research areas worthy for further investigation are highlighted.