Application areas of GIS in construction projects and future research directions

Geographic Information System (GIS) is being utilized to meet construction project's various requirements in different stages. Literature shows that GIS is an indispensable technology in supplementing the already existing capabilities of the construction industry in which widely used construction planning and management tools are lacking, even then, GIS is not being linked with the construction industry. To bring GIS as a huge opportunity for the construction industry, construction industry professionals must stay informed about GIS issues and advancements in the application of GIS technologies in construction. The primary objective of this paper is to explore potential application areas of GIS technology for the construction industry for wider use and implementation in real life projects. Literature shows that full potential of GIS for the construction industry still is yet to be discovered. Hence, several research areas worthy of further investigation have also been highlighted.