The global Building Information Modelling (BIM) market is projected to reach USD 14.8 billion by 2029, reflecting its growing adoption and significance in the construction industry. At the core of BIM’s success are the Level of Development and Level of Detail, which define the accuracy and reliability of model elements.
While the Level of Development ensures the model elements are accurate and helpful in making decisions, the Level of Detail focuses on adding enough visual and informational detail to support clear communication and teamwork. Together, they ensure that models are functional and visually detailed, meeting the specific needs of each project phase.
In this article, you’ll learn about the Levels of Development and Levels of Detail, their differences, and how they simplify project complexity & improve collaboration across all stages.
Understanding LOD in BIM
Building Information Modelling (BIM) involves two LOD concepts: Level of Development and Level of Detail. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they have different meanings and are essential for project planning, execution, and collaboration.
Level of Development
The Level of Development (LOD) in Building Information Modelling (BIM) refers to the accuracy, reliability, and usability of a model element at various stages of a project. It defines the visual representation and the information linked to a model element, ensuring it meets the needs of design analysis, construction planning, and facility management.
The Level of Development helps stakeholders communicate, reduce mistakes, and ensure the model supports essential decisions during the project. It helps in a number of ways, such as:
- Clear Communication and Alignment: Ensures that all stakeholders understand the purpose and details of each model element at every stage, helping to prevent misunderstandings.
- Improved Decision-Making: Provides accurate and reliable information for each phase, supporting informed decisions in design, construction, and operations.
- Efficient Project Progression: Guides the smooth development of model elements, moving from initial design concepts (LOD 100) to final as-built documentation (LOD 500).
- Improved Construction Planning: The model includes key details like geometry, dimensions, and connections at higher LOD levels, making on-site coordination easier.
- Accurate As-Built Models: The model reflects the final built condition at LOD 500, supporting efficient operations, maintenance, and future renovations.
- Compliance with Industry Standards: Aligns with established standards like the BIMForum LOD Specification, ensuring consistency and building stakeholder trust.
- Improved Collaboration: Improves coordination between stakeholders by clearly defining expectations for model elements.
- Cost and Time Efficiency: Simplifies workflows by providing the necessary development level, helping avoid unnecessary work and delays.
Level of Detail
The Level of Detail in Building Information Modelling (BIM) refers to the amount of visual and non-visual information included in a model element. It focuses on how detailed and complete a model element looks without necessarily indicating its suitability or reliability for specific tasks.
The Level of Detail is closely related to the Level of Development, mainly to the model’s visual representation and granularity level. It helps ensure clear visualisation and communication among everyone involved in the project.
The Level of Detail offers several benefits, such as:
- Enhanced Visualisation: Offers detailed graphical representations of model elements, making it easier to understand & communicate the design intent.
- Improved Communication: Provides a clear visual reference for all stakeholders, reducing misunderstandings and promoting better collaboration.
- Increased Accuracy: Delivers precise, visually complete models that align with design requirements, improving the overall quality of the project.
- Facilitates Better Documentation: Provides detailed, data-rich models that help create accurate and comprehensive construction documents.
- Supports Decision-Making: Offers detailed visuals that allow stakeholders to make informed decisions about design & construction.
- Efficient Project Tracking: Clear and detailed models make it easier to track project progress & identify areas that need attention.
- Improved Client Engagement: Detailed visual models help clients better understand the design, leading to more confident approvals and fewer revisions.
- Better Facility Management: High-detail as-built models provide helpful information for maintenance, renovations, and future upgrades.
The Level of Development and Level of Detail in BIM have separate roles but work together to improve project results.
Difference Between Level of Development and Level of Detail in BIM
Understanding the difference between Level of Development (LOD) and Level of Detail in BIM is essential for effective project collaboration. While both terms are often used interchangeably, they serve distinct purposes.
LOD defines the reliability, usability, and completeness of a model element for specific tasks, while Level of Detail focuses on the visual and informational richness of the element.
Below is an overview of the difference between the Level of Development and the Level of Detail:
| Aspects | Level of Development | Level of Detail |
| Focus | Emphasises functionality and accuracy for specific project phases. | Emphasises visual richness and representation of model elements. |
| Purpose | Ensures the model element is suitable for tasks like design, construction, or facility management. | Helps in better visualisation and documentation of the model. |
| Application | Used for planning, analysis, fabrication, and decision-making. | Used for improving visual understanding and clarity. |
| Standardisation | Governed by industry standards like AIA and BIMForum specifications. | No universally defined standards for the Level of Detail. |
| Granularity | Indicates the usability of the model element for a specific task. | Indicates how much information (graphical and data) is included in the model. |
| Importance | Helps define what the model represents and its application in a project. | Ensures the model provides a clear and detailed visual representation. |
| Scope | Covers both graphical and non-graphical information necessary for specific phases. | Focuses primarily on graphical information and completeness. |
| Outcome | Ensures the model is functional and reliable for decision-making. | Improves the visual and communicative aspects of the model. |
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To fully understand the Level of Development and Levels of Detail in BIM, it’s helpful to look at how they are divided into different levels and types.
6 Different Levels of Development in BIM
The Levels of Development in BIM provide a structured framework that defines the reliability and usability of model elements throughout a project’s lifecycle. These levels guide how much information and detail a model should contain at each stage.
Each level serves specific purposes, from initial planning and design to fabrication and facility management, ensuring precise collaboration and efficient decision-making.
The six different Levels of Development in BIM are as follows:
1. LOD 100: Conceptual / Pre-Design
LOD 100 is the first stage of a BIM model, focused on the basic design concept. At this level, the model shows simple shapes, sizes, and volumes to represent the overall idea of the project, but without exact details.
It’s useful for early-stage studies and analysis but not for construction or detailed planning. For instance, a basic building model shows its shape and direction.
2. LOD 200: Schematic Design
LOD 200 expands on the basic model by adding more detailed shapes and rough quantities. At this stage, elements have clearer dimensions, positions, and how they relate to other project parts.
This level is used for developing the design and basic analysis, providing enough detail to move the project ahead while allowing for changes. For instance, a structural column with a rough size and general position in the building.
3. LOD 300: Detailed Design
LOD 300 provides exact shapes and measurements for model elements, making them ready for construction. Each element is detailed with its size, shape, location, and orientation, allowing for accurate construction documents.
This level is used for planning and cost estimation, as it offers a complete design that can be built in the real world. For example, a window with exact size, material details, and installation instructions.
4. LOD 350: Construction Documentation
At LOD 350, more details are added to the model, focusing on how elements connect and fit together. It includes specific information about how components interact, such as assembly and integration details.
This level helps improve coordination between different trades, reducing clashes and making on-site work smoother. For instance, a steel beam with detailed connections to other structural parts.
5. LOD 400: Fabrication and Assembly
LOD 400 is the stage where the model is ready for fabrication. It includes all the details needed for manufacturing and assembly, and each part is modelled with exact information, including materials, sizes, and performance details.
Fabricators and contractors use this level to create and assemble components precisely, as shown in the model. For example, a precast concrete panel with exact size, reinforcement details, and assembly instructions.
6. LOD 500: Operational / As-Built
LOD 500 shows the project as it was built and is used for operations and maintenance. It includes accurate details about the shape and information of elements in the finished building.
This level is beneficial for managing the building, keeping track of assets, and planning future renovations, as it reflects the actual as-built conditions. For instance, a mechanical system with precise size, installed location, and operation data showing how it was actually built.
In addition to understanding the Levels of Development, it’s also essential to look at the types of Levels of Detail in BIM.
Also read: A Guide to Building Information Modelling (BIM) Impact on Modern Construction Industry.
Types of Level of Details in BIM
The Level of Detail in BIM refers to the different graphical and non-graphical information levels in a model element during the project’s stages. These levels start with simple conceptual models and grow into detailed as-built models. By adding more detail over time, these levels improve visualisation, communication, and documentation, making them essential for successful BIM use.
The different Levels of Detail in BIM are as follows:
Graphical Detail
This focuses on how things look in the model. It starts with simple shapes, like a door represented as a rectangle, and can become very detailed, showing things like hinges, handles, and textures.
Non-Graphical Detail
This is information attached to a model element that you can’t see, such as material types, costs, performance data, or lifecycle information. These details are important for making decisions and analysing the project.
Contextual Detail
This shows how parts of the model work together. For example, it includes how a beam connects to a column or how mechanical systems fit with the building’s architecture to ensure everything works smoothly.
Temporal Detail
This deals with time-related information, such as construction schedules or phases of work. It’s key for 4D BIM, which allows you to plan and visualise the sequence of construction or installation.
Functional Detail
This explains how things work. For instance, it shows how efficient an HVAC system is, how much weight a beam can support, or how much energy a system uses throughout its life. BIM Supports GREEN EARTH.
Conclusion
Levels of Development and Levels of Detail are essential for keeping BIM models clear, accurate, and helpful throughout a project. They define how detailed and precise the model elements must be, helping teams work better together, reduce mistakes, and make informed decisions at each stage.
However, creating universal standards for LOD is still challenging. Standardising these frameworks is essential to ensure consistency, improve how systems work together, and fully unfold the potential of BIM in various projects.
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You might also like: Steps for BIM Implementation: 7 Strategies for Success.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What does “LOD” mean on a site plan?
LOD, or Level of Development, indicates the amount of detail & accuracy in a BIM model element at a specific project stage.
2. What is LOD 100 in construction?
LOD 100 in construction is the conceptual design stage. At this stage, the model shows the elements’ basic shape and size without detailed information. It’s used to present the overall design idea.
3. What is the difference between LOD 300 and 350?
LOD 300 includes the exact sizes and locations of building elements. On the other hand, LOD 350 adds more detail by showing how these elements connect and interact with other systems and components.