The Potential of Building Information Modeling in Agricultural Operations
Author: Dario Rizzi
Affiliation: PhD IDAUP/ Ferrara University
Abstract
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been widely adopted in the construction industry, providing a virtual representation of physical objects and systems. In the context of agriculture, BIM can be applied to monitor and manage the physical and operational characteristics of farms and agricultural facilities using BIM digital twins. A BIM digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object or system that is based on data from BIM models and other sources. The integration of sensors is essential in creating a BIM digital twin as they provide real-time data that can be used to update and maintain the virtual representation. The use of BIM digital twins in agriculture has the potential to improve the management of agricultural facilities, reduce environmental pollution, and promote the sustainability of agricultural land. Sensors can be used in agriculture to monitor various parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels. BIM digital twins can also be used to monitor and manage sources of pollution, such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and to develop strategies to minimize their impact on the environment. BIM digital twins provide a comprehensive view of the condition of agricultural land and the factors that influence it, such as weather patterns, industry activities, and human activities. 4D BIM is an extension of traditional 3D BIM that adds a time dimension to the model. In the context of agriculture, 4D BIM can be used to visualize and simulate various processes related to time and soil management, such as planting and harvesting cycles, and to evaluate the impact of different planting strategies on crop yields. 4D BIM can also be used to model the impact of weather patterns on crop growth and to develop contingency plans for weather- related events. The use of BIM in agriculture has the potential to transform the industry by providing a new level of insight and control over agricultural operations. BIM models can be used to simulate and visualize different scenarios for agricultural facilities, such as the use of water, fertilizer, and energy, leading to improved efficiency and reduced waste. By using BIM to optimize operations, agricultural companies can increase their productivity and profitability. The integration of BIM digital twins and 4D BIM in agriculture has the potential to revolutionize the industry by providing new tools for monitoring and managing agricultural operations. The use of BIM digital twins and 4D BIM can help reduce environmental pollution, promote sustainability, and improve the efficiency and productivity of agricultural operations. Testing is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of BIM and BIM digital twins in agriculture and to develop best practices for their implementation.
Keywords: BIM, Agriculture Context, BIM digital twins
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