Passive RFID and BIM for Real-time Visualization and Location Tracking

Locating a specific utility or finding oneself in an unfamiliar facility can be difficult and time consuming. The ability to visualize the location in real time can reduce the time for manual searching and locating. The proposed research is to utilize commercially available radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for real-time visualization and location tracking in a BIM model. The scope is passive RFID tracking technology and Building Information Modeling (BIM). A novel approach is presented that utilizes current localization techniques and algorithms. A prototype application has been developed that connects the RFID readers with a BIM model and database. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of locating a user inside buildings in actual time. Significantly, the visualization will enableusers to pinpoint themselves and a utility in a model, saving time and money.