
David's primary focus is construction documentation and its integration with BIM, developing and marketing specifications and software tools since 1996. His current roles is providing technical sales support deploying his company's new web-based specifications software tool with BIM integration.
David got his first taste of BIM technology by participating with the International Construction Information Society (ICIS), on behalf of his company or as a representative of Construction Specifications Canada (CSC). David has been an active member of CSC for decades, and was inducted into the CSC College of Fellows in 2009.
David has been involved at buildingSMART International (bSI) for over 20 years in a technical capacity developing standards for BIM and was elected Fellow of bSI in 2023. David has been involved in the development of the buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD), including development of the ISO standard it is based on (first published in 2007 and updated in 2022), and continues to promote the evolution and application of bSDD.
David also served on international ISO committees on topics related to BIM, and currently serves as vice-chairman of the Canadian mirror committee for BIM standards, representing Standards Council of Canada (SCC) at the International Standards Organization (ISO) level. This ISO committee is responsible for approximately 20 BIM standards that have been published or are under development.
As a founding director of buildingSMART Canada (bSC), David now focuses on bringing the openBIM message to Canadians. He participated in development of a Canadian annex for the ISO 19650 BIM standard, and currently serves bSC as Treasurer.
Sessions in which David Watson participates
Tuesday 29 October, 2024
Construction contracts are the same worldwide. While there are differences in language, classification, project delivery and other factors, the one common denominator is that a construction contract requires Drawings and Specifications. While geometric modelling software and specification software have both evolved over time, very little effort is currently being exerted in Canada to integrate them in document development processes.According to Arcadis global surveys, the #1 cause of c...
Sessions in which David Watson attends
Monday 28 October, 2024
GoGeomatics is hosting a pizza party for the volunteers setting up the Canada Maps and Poster Gallery at the National Geomatics Expo. It's a chance to enjoy some great food while connecting with fellow volunteers. After the event, you'll also have the opportunity to meet and mingle with exhibitors and speakers, providing a relaxed environment to network with industry professionals before the expo kicks off. Join us for a fun and rewarding eve...
Tuesday 29 October, 2024
We explore the motivations behind the implementation of openBIM and its integral role in advancing the built asset industry. The built environment is immense and complex, it is also a huge responsibility. Our industry directly impacts it, designing, creating and maintaining it. In an era where what we all need is a better built environment, openBIM stands out as a key enabler. Together we will imagine a future where our industry works more effectively, efficiently and with more c...
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is transforming the built asset industry, yet firms of varying sizes—large, medium, and small—adopt BIM in distinct ways tailored to their unique resources and project demands. This session will explore BIM’s origins, current applications, and future directions as shared by representatives from three different firms. A significant focus will be on the importance of data integrity and governance, particularly as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasin...
Menu - Big Four OutletAppetizersRoasted Diablo Pork Bites (12) (GF/DF) SaladsSpiced Cauliflower, Chickpea & Tofu Bowl (GF/DF/V/VE) Sweet Potato, Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Mint Chutney,Grilled Tofu, Madras Curry DressingClassi...
Menu - Big Four OutletAppetizersRoasted Diablo Pork Bites (12) (GF/DF) SaladsSpiced Cauliflower, Chickpea & Tofu Bowl (GF/DF/V/VE) Sweet Potato, Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Mint Chutney,Grilled Tofu, Madras Curry DressingClassi...
The three building blocks of digital building delivery are BIM, VDC and Digital Twins. There are various definitions for these three things, but based on my experience I define them as follows:- Building Information Modelling: a model with or without 3D geometry that hosts the information about building material, dimensions, connections, forces, power, flow rates, and all other elements required in each element that forms the building. - A key subset of understanding BIM is under...
Menu - Big Four OutletAppetizersRoasted Diablo Pork Bites (12) (GF/DF) SaladsSpiced Cauliflower, Chickpea & Tofu Bowl (GF/DF/V/VE) Sweet Potato, Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Mint Chutney,Grilled Tofu, Madras Curry DressingClassi...
Despite the rhetoric surrounding the use of building information modelling (BIM) to enhance collaboration by connecting people and data, the status quo is to work with proprietary solutions and closed file formats, limiting accessibility and interoperability. Additionally, the increasing complexity of projects in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry requires technology that integrates data at a range of scales, from asset to city, and beyond. To address ...
Wrap up the first full day of Canada's National Geomatics Expo with the GoGeomatics Meetup! This lively party and networking event, free to attend, starts right after the day's sessions, offering a perfect blend of fun and professional interaction. Held on the expo main floor, the meetup features a cash bar to help you unwind and enjoy the evening. Join us for an exciting night of music, mingling, and making connections with fellow attendees. Don't miss this chance to relax and expand your ne...
buildingSMART Canada will summarize the buildingSMART International Certification Program and its implementation in Canada. Attendees will gain insights into how the certification process works, including the steps required for individuals and organizations to achieve certification. We will explain the program's goals, benefits, and by adhering to internationally recognized standards, professionals and organizations in Canada can ensure enhanced collaboration, interoperability, and efficiency...
Wednesday 30 October, 2024
Local governments have been updating their asset inventories to comply with the TCA legislation since the early 2000s, paying particular attention to the attributes, locations, ages and conditions of their assets. However, infrastructure changes constantly due to capital projects and land development, especially in fast-growing municipalities like Kelowna. Collecting accurate and complete information on new assets has been a major challenge, mainly due to limited staff resources. To address t...
Menu - Big Four OutletAppetizersRoasted Diablo Pork Bites (12) (GF/DF) SaladsSpiced Cauliflower, Chickpea & Tofu Bowl (GF/DF/V/VE) Sweet Potato, Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Mint Chutney,Grilled Tofu, Madras Curry DressingClassi...
This presentation delves into two key initiatives underway by buildingSMART Canada: The Digital Transformation for Bridges and a Digital Construction Platform at the National Research Council of Canada. A "Digital Transformation for Bridges Workshop," organized by buildingSMART Canada to unify bridge asset owners across federal, provincial, and municipal levels. The need to overcome the challenges in integrating dive...
The presentation is geared towards providing an engaging discussion on what are the opportunities organizations adopting BIM would benefit, such as:Enhanced collaboration: BIM facilitates collaboration among all disciplines, stakeholders, and contractors, reducing errors and miscommunication using real-time data when applications to ensure all parties have access to the most current project information.Risk Management: Early detection of issues and clashes during design c...
Menu - Big Four OutletAppetizersRoasted Diablo Pork Bites (12) (GF/DF) SaladsSpiced Cauliflower, Chickpea & Tofu Bowl (GF/DF/V/VE) Sweet Potato, Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Mint Chutney,Grilled Tofu, Madras Curry DressingClassi...
This session explores the strategic implementation of IDS (Information Delivery Specifications) to IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) validation, emphasizing its crucial role in aligning organizational requirements with validation criteria for effective data handover and operational efficiency within real property and asset management. Attendees will gain insights into how these processes can be used to structure and transform organizational data, ensuring better control, accuracy, and long-te...
For the built environment, digitalization is a key sustainability enabler. It helps stakeholders across the construction sector increase productivity and transparency while reducing emissions, resource consumption and costs, and adding digital tools that can help companies establish and optimize their sustainability performance.