HBIM-GIS Integration for Urban Heritage Visualisation: Al-Tahrir Square and Umma Park in Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract. At the intersection of traditional and contemporary heritage in Baghdad, lies Al-Tahrir Square and Umma Park. An urban hub that centrally connects Baghdad’s two sides, Karkh and Rusafah. The site hosts three iconic artworks by Iraqi artists: the Peace March mural by Faeq Hassan, the Mother statue by Khalid Al-Rahal, and Al-Tahrir monument by Jawad Saleem and Rifat Chadirji. Hence, it has served as a symbolic area for national expression since its conception, offering a home for protests, collective memories, and contested urban events. While previous literature often emphasised its political symbolism, limited attention has been paid to the square as a layered piece of urban heritage. This study introduces a methodology that integrates Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) with GIS-based spatial analysis to digitally reconstruct and interpret Al-Tahrir Square. 
The study combines a philological survey based on historical maps and archives to understand historical events and changes, with a physical survey using photogrammetry and satellite imagery. The result is a multi-scale 3D model that enables layered urban analysis by linking semantic data with historical timelines and contemporary scans. By situating digital reconstruction within a GIS environment, the workflow captures not only the physical configuration of the space but also its social resonance and urban experience. This study forms part of an ongoing project aimed at advancing the study of Iraqi urban heritage and narrating its stories through 3D technologies, with a particular emphasis on re-establishing community access to these spaces by utilising digital technologies to uphold the Iraqi right to the city.