GIS-BASED RESTORATION SYSTEM FOR HISTORIC TIMBER BUILDINGS USING RFID TECHNOLOGY

Using geographic information system (GIS) and other established technologies.. this paper develops an information management system that integrates graphic and non-graphic data to enhance the effectiveness of historic building restoration work in Taiwan. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is used to permit real-time tracking of assembly components and thus enhance restoration management efficiency. Restoration data stored in the memory of RFID tags can be changed and updated according to the needs of a specific restoration phase. The use of RFID handheld readers both improves data collection efficiency and system mobility. In the developed system, timber structure restoration data and drawings in the GIS can be accessed online immediately for use in the restoration process and to help advise strategic design, construction, and management decisions. Data of each timber element, including restoration sequence, restoration contractors, Supervisors, evaluated strength capacity etc call be retrieved remotely through a handheld PDA reader-writer used onsite. Data of component construction sequence during disassembly or re-assembly, critical to project success, call be transmitted in a synchronized manner to the developed host system to achieve a level of accuracy and reliability Significantly greater than that typically achieved using traditional reconstruction management approaches.