Use of geographic information system (GİS) in construction management

Project and construction management covers the planning, analysis, coordination and control of synchronous and sequential project stages. The primary goals of project and construction management are to minimize construction costs and time loss through appropriate material and source selections. The achievement of these goals depends on the correct, current and constant flow of information between individuals and units throughout the stages of construction. The foremost issues faced by construction management are the disuse of information technologies and the insufficiencies of applicable and effective tools in the management process. Geographic Information System (GIS) are an important aspect of developing technology in the field. GIS has a wide field of application and research in construction management, however, its importance has yet to be perceived in Turkey. This study researches the usage possibilities of GIS in construction management in Turkey and accordingly proposes a GIS based construction management system. The purpose of this study is to develop a system that allows for the consolidation of project data to a single environment. During the development of this system, which covers both construction site practices and computer based applications, 3D visualization, preparation of a Critical Path Method (CPM) based work program, quantity and approximate cost, relational database design, and data integration were determined as operational modes. The user interface developed allows for the unification of visual and attribute data and the system as a whole has been named GIS Based Construction Management System (GIS-CMS). The system was implemented in a continuing residential reinforced concrete construction in Eskisehir. GIS-CMS allowed for all project data to be controlled in a single environment. Additionally, the 3D visualization functionality allowed project managers to better understand project development, and possible delays were quickly observed thereby providing the opportunity for necessary precautions. Thus faults and associated additional costs can and have been minimized through the use of the GIS-CMS system developed within the scope of this research.