Data modeling

Abstract

When modeling buildings and infrastructure systems using a computer, it is not sufficient to look solely at geometric data; semantic data also has to be considered. This includes, for example, data about construction methods, materials and the functions of rooms. In order to properly describe and structure this type of information, several different data modeling concepts are currently being applied. This chapter introduces the most essential data modeling notations and concepts, such as entities and objects, entity types and classes, attributes, relationships and associations, aggregations and compositions as well as specialization and generalization (inheritance). Finally, we examine current and future challenges related to data modeling within the AEC/FM domain.