When creating an information model as part of the BIM process, you wouldn’t expect to have all your data collated right from day one of a project… would you? In this video, Tom Payne, Co-Founder of The B1M, explains how Levels of Definition clarify the different amounts of data that need to be available at each stage of a project.

A building information model contains both graphical and non-graphical information, accurately linked and clearly structured. As stages progress and proposals develop, the graphical and non-graphical data builds in a shared digital space, known as a Common Data Environment (CDE). The different amounts of data are termed Levels of Definition.

The amount of non-graphical information developed for a given stage is termed “Level of Information” or LOI and the amount of graphical information developed is termed “Level of Detail” or LOD. Both form part of the overall umbrella term; “Level of Definition”.

The British Standard guidance document PAS 1192-2 details the typical requirements for each Level of Definition over a project’s lifecycle. These align with the project work stages. It explains what the information model can be relied upon for at each stage – such as co-ordination activities, logistics planning, programming, cost-planning – the expected outputs, and the required detail within the 3D representations.

It’s important that the expected minimum levels of definition for each work stage are made clear from the outset of a project before you start in the BIM Execution Plan (BIM EP) and Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP), as indicated within the Information Delivery Cycle diagram in PAS 1192-2. That will ensure that the right data is available, to the right people, at the right time to support decision making.

At project delivery stage, those decisions might include budget sign-offs, design approvals, planning submissions or the issuing of completion certificates. The key decision points are indicated by the red symbols along the bottom of the Information Delivery Cycle diagram.

You can learn more about Levels of Definition in PAS 1192-2, which is available as a free download from the British Standards Institution here: http://shop.bsigroup.com/forms/pass/pas-1192-2. This video contains an extract of PAS 1192-2: 2013, © 2013 The British Standards Institution, © 2013 Mervyn Richards OBE and © 2013 Mark Bew MBE. Model imagery courtesy of InteliBuild: http://www.intelibuild.com/

This video was kindly sponsored by 4Projects. Find out more about them here: http://www.4projects.com/

For more BIM videos subscribe now - http://ow.ly/GxW7y

The B1M is the definitive video resource for building information modelling (BIM). We want to inspire a million people through our videos to help mobilise BIM adoption around the world.

View this video and more at http://www.TheB1M.com
Follow us on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/TheB1M
Like us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/TheB1M
Follow us on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
B1M pictures on - http://instagram.com/theb1m/

We welcome you sharing our content to inspire others, but please be nice and play by our rules: http://www.theb1m.com/guidelines-for-sharing

Our content may only be embedded onto third party websites by arrangement. We have established partnerships with domains to share our content and help it reach a wider audience. If you are interested in partnering with us please contact Enquiries@TheB1M.com.

Ripping and/or editing this video is illegal and will result in legal action.

If you liked Tom’s beard, let us know.

© 2015 The B1M Limited | Share + Inspire