Integration of Tangible and Intangible Aspects in City Information Modeling

City Information Modeling (CIM) is used to build an interactive 3D model of large-scale urban environments. CIM practices are still limited to collecting, integrating, and visualizing tangible data. To date, intangible data (the qualitative and quantitative city aspects) has not been managed yet in CIM. This paper forms a road map toward the comprehensive integration of tangible and intangible data in CIM. The proposed methodology comprises (1) the build-up of the social indicators framework and (2) the clarification of the needed methods to create the comprehensive CIM platform. The objectives of this research are to (1) provide a thorough indicator framework for intangible-related data and (2) list the fundamental processes in the development of the CIM environment. The selected area in CIM to be visualized and studied is Iris Lille Center 4 in France. As a result, this research provides a preliminary prototype that portrays the capabilities of (1) visualizing different indicators, and (2) making decisions that will provide insight to improve citizens’ comfort and Quality Of Life (QOL). Also, it could assist academics interested in this sector in finding a refined approach and open the door to future studies on CIM visualization techniques, especially the social dimension yet to be explored.