Trends in built environment semantic Web applications: Where are we today?

• Published in: Expert systems with applications Vol. 40; no. 14; pp. 5563 - 5577
• Main Authors: Abanda, F.H., Tah, J.H.M., Keivani, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 15.10.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Artificial intelligence; Bioinformatics; Buildings. Public works; Built environment; Climate change; Communities; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Construction; Environmental impact; Exact sciences and technology; Expert systems; Information systems. Data bases; Linked open data; Memory organisation. Data processing; Semantic Web; Semantics; Software; Speech and sound recognition and synthesis. Linguistics; Strategy; Trends; Urban development; Semantic Web; Climate change; Linked open data; Built environment; Semantic relation; Knowledge engineering; Costs; Ontology; Information system; Knowledge management; Information management; Sustainable development; Research and development; Dynamical climatology; Semantic web; Environment impact; Classification; Bioinformatics; Data link
• ISSN: 0957-4174; 1873-6793
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eswa.2013.04.027

•BIM, Semantic Web and Linked Data are key technologies for construction information.•Progress is being made from often too-common ontological concepts to Linked Data.•Semantic Web sustainable construction applications are now emerging. The built environment sector impacts significantly on communities. At the same time, it is the sector with the highest cost and environmental saving potentials provided effective strategies are implemented. The emerging Semantic Web promises new opportunities for efficient management of information and knowledge about various domains. While other domains, particularly bioinformatics have fully embraced the Semantic Web, knowledge about how the same has been applied to the built environment is sketchy. This study investigates the development and trend of Semantic Web applications in the built environment. Understanding the different applications of the Semantic Web is essential for evaluation, improvement and opening of new research. A review of over 120 refereed articles on built environment Semantic Web applications has been conducted. A classification of the different Semantic Web applications in relation to their year of application is presented to highlight the trend. Two major findings have emerged. Firstly, despite limited research about easy-to-use applications, progress is being made from often too-common ontological concepts to more innovative concepts such as Linked Data. Secondly, a shift from traditional construction applications to Semantic Web sustainable construction applications is gradually emerging. To conclude, research challenges, potential future development and research directions have been discussed.