Project Goal
The GIS City Model (GISCM) 4D/5D platform at Jeddah Central Development Company integrates BIM, GIS, and enterprise systems into a unified spatial digital twin for managing a large-scale waterfront development. By linking 3D models with schedule data from Primavera P6 and cost data from SAP, the platform enables real-time visualization of construction progress, financial performance, and project dependencies. It transforms fragmented data into a single source of truth, supporting dynamic progress tracking, scenario simulation, and risk identification. The solution enhances transparency, accelerates reporting, and empowers leadership with spatial intelligence for faster, data-driven decision-making across complex projects.Business Problem Solved
The AEC industry faces significant challenges in managing complex giga-projects due to fragmented systems across BIM, scheduling, cost management, and field reporting. Critical project data is dispersed across platforms such as Primavera P6, SAP, and standalone models, creating information silos, delayed reporting, and limited visibility into overall performance. Leadership lacks a unified, real-time view to effectively monitor progress, control costs, and assess risks across thousands of concurrent activities. This fragmentation reduces efficiency, increases reliance on manual processes, and hinders timely, data-driven decision-making in fast-paced, large-scale development environments.
Technology Implemented
The solution is built on the ArcGIS platform, leveraging ArcGIS Enterprise as the core deployment environment for data management, service publishing, and secure access. ArcGIS Pro is utilized for data preparation, 3D modeling, and BIM integration. Web applications are developed using ArcGIS Experience Builder, ArcGIS Dashboards, and custom development within the Esri ecosystem to deliver real-time visualization and analytics. Scene Viewer and 3D Scene services enable 4D and 5D visualization of construction progress using Scene Layer Packages (SLPK). ArcGIS API for Python and REST APIs are used for automation and system integration, ensuring real-time data synchronization and scalable deployment across the organization.
Development Team Biography
The project was led by a multidisciplinary team combining expertise in GIS, BIM, project controls, and enterprise system integration.
Ahmed Abdelmaged is a GIS Sr Manager
With 20 years of experience in GIS, Ahmed led the design and implementation of the GISCM 4D/5D platform. He holds Master’s degrees in GIS and Smart City Management, with advanced specialization in BIM and GIS integration. Ahmed also holds globally recognized professional certifications, including GISP, PMP, RMP, and ACP, demonstrating strong expertise in geospatial leadership, project management, and digital transformation for large-scale developments.
Saleh H. AlThunayyan – Sr. GIS Manager & Project Coordinator
Saleh H. AlThunayyan has over 14 years of experience in geospatial and digital transformation initiatives within the real estate development sector. He ensures strong coordination with stakeholders while supporting sustainable development
Company Overview
Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC) is a single shareholder, closed joint-stock company fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), established in July 2021. It was founded to lead one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious urban destination projects in the heart of Jeddah and is a key initiative under Saudi Vision 2030. JCDC’s mandate is to diversify the national economy, enhance quality of life, and position Jeddah as a global hub for tourism, culture, and business.
JCDC is best known as the master developer of the Jeddah Central project, a multi billion dollar urban transformation spanning approximately 5.7 million m² in central Jeddah along the Red Sea coastline. The project integrates mixed use development including world class cultural, entertainment, and sports landmarks, such as an opera house, museum, stadium, and oceanarium, alongside residential units, hotels, commercial spaces, and a 9.5 km waterfront with a marina and sandy beaches.
Return on Investment
The GIS City Model GISCM 4D/5D solution delivers significant ROI by transforming fragmented project data into a unified spatial digital twin. Key benefits include:
Reduced reporting cycles from days to seconds through automated dashboards.
40% reduction in planning and project control manpower via process automation.
Improved decision-making with real-time visibility into schedule, cost, and project progress.
Enhanced coordination across 5 million project components.
Elimination of information silos, achieving nearly 80% enterprise GIS adoption.
These improvements accelerate project delivery, reduce costs, and enable data-driven governance, ensuring measurable operational and financial gains.