Application of semantic web technologies for the enhancement of quantity surveying practices: classification systems and terminology

Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies, as an advanced evolution of CAD, have improved the automation level of the cost estimation process and data accuracy. The evolution of these technologies has initiated the development of tools and applications intended to enhance productivity and cost certainty. However, there are still several limitations and difficulties, such as 2D-based documentation systems and lack of information exchange and interoperability, that the QS sector is facing while using existing technologies for cost estimation purposes. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, to comprehensively understand the state-of-the-art. This paper reviews the literature to identify limitations and challenges in using CAD applications in QS practices, focusing on the BIM context and the effective implementation of Information Technology (IT) and Information Management (IM). Second, the paper explores using Semantic Web technologies like Web Ontology Language (OWL) to create a database that can be applied to all building projects by utilising a unified data format and following a standard vocabulary based on New Rules of Measurements (NRM) practices. Although existing tools can initially address some of the challenges and limitations, there is limited scope for customisation, which is essential due to the diversity of clients, systems and digital models. Currently, cost information is documented in different data formats, databases, and applications, resulting in an ineffective and inefficient IM and fragmented IT implementation within most QS practices. The use of semantic Web technologies within the QS domain will improve the Level of Detail (LoD) and Level of Information (LoI) in the QS practices. It also provides an imperative baseline for developing the Cost Estimation Ontology (CEO).