Towards an automatic approach to generating BIM models from digitized plans

This paper proposes a new approach to creating BIM models of existing buildings from digitized images. This automatic approach is based on three main steps. The first involves extracting the useful information automatically from the digitized plans (in .TIF, .JPG or .PNG image formats) by using image processing techniques (including segmentation, filtering, dilation, erosion, contour detection). This information will feed the knowledge base of an expert BIM model generation system. Secondly, using the knowledge base of the expert system, the information that will inform the BIM model can be deduced. Finally, an Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) model can be automatically generated with all the desired geometric, physical and technical information.