Data and Process Modeling Fundamentals
This module covers the technology foundation of building information models. Understanding building information semantics is critical for interoperable information exchange between systems throughout the building’s life cycle. This module will cover both semantic data modeling and process modeling. Topics in semantic data modeling include 1) object-oriented modeling concepts such as classes, objects, relationships and associations, aggregations and compositions, specialization and generalization, and 2) semantic modeling languages such as EXPRESS, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Unified Modeling Language (UML), and Resource Description Framework (RDF), RDF Schema (RDFS), and Web Ontology Language (OWL). Object-oriented modeling concepts and the information modeling languages are the technology foundation of many prevalent building information models.
An important part of the BIM methodology is to consider the processes that create, modify, use or pass on digital building information. BIM processes define which tasks are executed by whom in what order. In business process modeling, we will cover the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), a standardized graphical specification language for modeling business processes and workflows. BPMN has been maintained by the Object Management Group and it is also an ISO-ratified standard. BPMN is used to specify for the Construction Operations Building Information Exchange.