Cite this as: Aryankhesal, F.F. 2024 The role of BIM and GIS in HS2 historic environment data management, an overview of HS2 Phase One, UK, Internet Archaeology 65. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.65.5
The HS2 historic environment programme undertaken for Phase One of HS2 between London and the West Midlands has resulted in a substantial digital archive, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. According to the BIM (Building Information Modelling) approach, HS2 historic environment assets are considered as part of the construction assets, alongside the other disciplines assets such as highways, bridges, tunnels, and fencing. The GIS and spatial data play the role of a glue to demonstrate the interrelationship and hierarchy between archaeological assets, recording their location and geometry.
Designating a unique asset ID (UAID) to each archaeological asset, and joining them to their attributes table and relating documents, creates a relationship between historic environment assets GIS data and their respective non-GIS data. According to HS2 digital engineering with BIM approach, HS2 historic environment core and primary assets have been identified, which the hierarchical order of them is as follows: Location Specific Written Scheme of Investigation (LS-WSI) and Project Plans (PPs) as core assets, and Written Scheme of Investigation Interventions (WSI-Interventions), Archaeological Features, and Archaeological Objects as historic environment primary assets. Such an efficient, transparent, and readable asset data structure provides a lasting and valuable legacy for the lifecycle of the project digital data.
Four different systems combine to form the digital legacy of the project, which complement the physical archive. These four systems are: HS2 Asset Information Management System (AIMS) and GIS systems, as well as Online Access to the Index of Archaeological Investigations (OASIS), and supporting digital data curated with the Archaeology Data Service (ADS) systems. As significant parts of the programme legacy, HS2's historic environment physical and digital archive establish an unprecedented opportunity for knowledge creation.
Corresponding author: Fred Farshid Aryankhesal
Fred.Farshid@hs2.org.uk
HS2 Limited
Figure 1: A trial trench in Dews Farm, Hillingdon: HS2 Phase One. Image credit: HS2 Ltd
Figure 2: The core components of asset Information management in BIM. Image credit: HS2 Ltd
Figure 3: A schematic diagram of HS2 historic environment core and primary assets and their spatial relationship. Image credit: HS2 Ltd
Figure 4: The hierarchical relationship between HS2 historic environment core and primary assets GIS data. Image credit: HS2 Ltd
Figure 5: HS2 historic environment GIS data circulation and management. Image credit: HS2 Ltd
Figure 6: Archaeological features, predominantly grave cuts in St James Gardens, visualised on G-Viewer, HS2 Phase One. Image credit: HS2 Ltd
Figure 7: A part of Geophysical Survey Results in Northamptonshire, visualised on G-Viewer, HS2 Phase One. Image credit: HS2 Ltd
Figure 8: Unique Asset IDs used to relate Project Plans GIS data to their respective non-GIS data. Image credit: HS2 Ltd
Figure 9: Historic Environment Data Recording System Specifications. Image credit: HS2 Ltd
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