Context 168 - June 2021

C O N T E X T 1 6 8 : J U N E 2 0 2 1 13 DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 3D CAD to be used in conservation planning, and more recently for structural and condition monitoring of heritage assets.With technological development, new uses for 3D data sets have emerged. These tools provide many benefits to the industry, but none can be considered BIM in their own right. Recent outputs of 3D data sets in the heritage environment include: • Point cloud to mesh and the use of point cloud viewers for virtual site visits, measurement and annotation, and engagement activities. • The creation of fully immersive 3D environments using gaming technology and virtual reality. Examples include the unique virtual reality experience of Silchester Roman Town, developed by Ian Ewart of Reading University, and current developments to bring Antarctic heritage to life through virtual reality by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and Anglia Ruskin University. BIM ‘ready’ The key difference between 3D CAD and BIM is parametric modelling. This uses pre- programmed rules or algorithms (known as data parameters) within the digital model, creat- ing relationships between different elements of the model. If a particular element or rule is changed, this will change throughout the entire model. This could be particularly useful in the design phases of conservation intervention, and bespoke conservation data parameters such as condition, significance and priority could also be incorporated in 3D CAD. Procurement documents for heritage BIM projects often specify a BIM ‘ready’ model. This means that scanning and modelling will be completed using software such as Revit, but with no data parameters added. Heritage profes- sionals need to be clear on their requirements and the intended uses if they are to receive the correct product. Heritage asset management At its core, BIM is an information management process or methodology, providing a framework for the collaborative production, management and delivery of information in relation to a build- ing’s lifecycle. BIM information requirements, the information delivery cycle and information management roles and responsibilities are keys to the successful implementation of BIM as an information management tool. Any newcomer to the subject of BIM may find the range of acronyms used in the informa- tion management process baffling. They include OIR (organisational information requirements); AIR (asset information requirements); EIR (exchange information requirements); BEP (BIM execution plan); PIM (project information model); AIM (asset information model); and CDE (common data environment). With conservation practice based on fully informed decision making and judgement, my research focuses on the challenges of herit- age asset management, looking at how digital, formalised processes such as BIM might sup- port conservation professionals. This has been considered in part through a study of the UK Antarctic HeritageTrust and how it manages the historic sites and monuments in its care. Hand-held laser scanning