Transforming IFC-Based Building Layout Information into a Geometric Topology Network for Indoor Navigation Assistance

Abstract

Automated navigation assistance in indoor environments requires the existence of spatial models with the ability to represent navigational knowledge of these environments. In this paper, we have built upon network-based navigation and the vector representation of road networks in GIS to create a spatial model that can be utilized for navigation guidance and erroneous positioning data correction in indoor environments. We name this spatial model the Geometric Topology Network (GTN) and have identified the requirements and developed a process for its automated creation. We have compared the strengths and weaknesses of two algorithms, namely, the Straight Medial Axis Transformation algorithm and a modified form of the Medial Axis Transform algorithm for automated creation of the GTN. The developed process for GTN creation transforms the building spaces and spatial connections represented in an IFC file into a graph network. We have also created a proof-of-concept prototype to demonstrate the automated creation of a GTN.