Evaluating path signage visibility for equitable design through BIM-enabled agent-based simulation

The visibility analysis of signage systems is critical for optimizing the built environment. Conventional methods often focus on modeling the signage's maximum coverage area, which can lead to uneven distribution of visible signage areas along different evacuation paths. Therefore, this research introduces a Path-based Signage Visibility Assessment (PSVA) Tool designed to simulate and evaluate the visibility duration of signage for individuals traversing various evacuation routes, thereby promoting a more equitable signage system design in complex environments. The proposed system incorporates a virtual eye function that simulates the human field of view (FOV), enabling virtual agents to detect signage during navigation. A FOV-based detection algorithm is integrated into the virtual agent, enhancing signage detection accuracy during wayfinding. Additionally, the system supports multi-source data input from Building Information Modeling (BIM) environments for comprehensive signage detection simulation. A case study utilizing BIM data demonstrates the system's effectiveness and applicability. © 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.