A Spatial Reasoning Framework Based on Non-Manifold Topology

Abstract

Non-Manifold Topology (NMT) has been previously proven to be an appropriate representation of interconnected architectural and spatial structures. This paper further explores the suitability of NMT for spatial reasoning purposes. A literature survey is done to identify the necessary components of a spatial reasoning framework, and an adaptation of such framework based on NMT is presented. This paper also describes the implementation of an NMT-based spatial reasoning framework, its integration into the Topologic software library which the authors develop, as well as the implementation challenges. Finally, a pathfinding study case on an NMT model, which has been generated from a Building Information Modelling (BIM) structure, is presented and analysed.