In building design, level of development (LOD) equates to the reliability of model information. When tied to the building information model (BIM), level of development specifications provide even more value. Model authors specify LOD for given systems, assemblies, and components to indicate the degree to which the element’s geometry and attached information have been thought through, which in turn allows contractors and other downstream users to clearly understand the usability and the limitations of models they receive. In other words, as the specified level of development increases, so too can one’s confidence in the model’s information for decision making.
These valuable benefits of LOD specifications and their role in supporting BIM project collaboration are driving increased use across AEC and especially by contractors, who have so much riding on the accurate understanding of the state of a BIM model and their use of that information. In fact, contractors managing today’s BIM-based building projects often are requiring that each stage of design meet a specific LOD so the contractor can begin project planning and execution as early as possible, knowing which information is or isn’t complete at any given point.
AEC industry organizations have recognized the value of LOD specifications and are developing standards to optimize its use.
Assemble Systems has developed an affordable solution that helps contractors tackle the traditional challenges of LOD tracking. With Assemble, you can surface the information associated with model components that have reached the specified level of development while excluding elements of the model (and their associated quantities) that have not. You’re able to base project planning, decisions, and spending solely on data that meets your LOD criteria.
