San Francisco International Airport (SFO) utilized the decline in air traffic during the pandemic to accelerate its $7 billion infrastructure modernization. Central to this transformation is the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which together form a dynamic digital twin of the airport. This digital twin aligns real-time spatial and design data, enabling seamless coordination of construction, maintenance, and operational tasks.

The GIS-based environment integrates both horizontal infrastructure (runways, taxiways) and interior infrastructure (terminal designs, utilities) to guide daily operations. Examples include optimized HVAC maintenance, enhanced emergency response with real-time 3D mapping for first responders, and strategic space management to maximize retail revenue. Furthermore, the initiative incorporates FAA’s NextGen navigation requirements, ensuring precise airspace management and fostering innovation such as drone-based services and indoor navigation for passengers.

This holistic digital ecosystem supports SFO’s vision of enhancing traveller experiences while maintaining operational efficiency and sustainability in one of the largest airport capital programs in the U.S.