Methods for generating Data Models from Building Automation schemas via pdf parsing

Digital planning is the standard of Building Automation (BA) design. However even if the available software tools implement the standard formats like VDI3814, the interface to other stakeholders like hydraulic planning, building services and instrumentation and control (I&C) are often missing or non-satisfactory. The goal of the project Digiaktiv – “digital transformation for greater interactivity in technical building equipment planning” is therefore to improve the continuous digital link between the different stakeholders and planning tools through neutral open data models. One of the approaches
chosen in the project addresses the above-mentioned interface incompatibilities between the proprietary BA and I&C design tools. To address this gap, a methodology was developed to parse BA schemas exported in PDF format by proprietary BA design tools. For the data transformation a software
prototype was developed, that is capable to extract the required information from the BA schemas like data point identifiers, text representation, and the BA function structure including the connections. The extracted information can be converted to any textual format, can be visualized in web browser, and interfaces to a central building services and automation database being developed within the Digiaktiv.