Geographical information system (GIS)and its potential applications in management of construction project during the pre-contract stage - a literature review

Abstract

Geographic information system (GIS) is a computer based tool and being used extensively to solve various engineering problems that involve the integration and analysis of large volumes of spatial and descriptive data from a variety of sources to which most of the project management software is lacking, In spite of the growing popularity, its complete potential during pre-contract stage in construction industry has not been explored, The primary objectives of this research are to describe and explore GIS technology during pre-contract stage in construction industry, This research carried out study on the Geographical Information System (GIS) and its application to pre-contract stage in Malaysian Construction Project. Practical considerations regarding GIS application to the construction industry are also addressed, This research is expected to investigate the views expressed by public and private sector clients, consultants and contractors which registered with their respective umbrella organizations in Malaysia, The descriptive survey method will be used, which comprised qualitative data gathering via pilot interviews and quantitative data gathering via structured questionnaires. Content analysis, multi-attribute analysis and rank correlation test will be used in the analysis of the data. This research will widely report the GIS application during pre- contract stage in construction project and to define the benefits of GIS can offer to the parties involved in Malaysian construction industry.