Leveraging the Combined Power: LOD + LOIN + LOA +IDS

In the world of Building Information Modeling (BIM), achieving clarity and consistency in data exchange is crucial for project success. However, the sheer number of frameworks and standards can sometimes create confusion. How do Level of Development (LOD), Level of Information Need (LOIN), and Level of Accuracy (LOA) fit together? And what happens when we add the emerging Information Delivery Specification (IDS) into the mix? Let’s break it down.

Understanding the Key Concepts

1. Level of Development (LOD)

   
   

   LOD defines the progression of a BIM element’s detail and reliability across different project phases. Originally developed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), LOD ranges from LOD 100 (conceptual) to LOD 500 (as-built), helping teams align expectations regarding model fidelity at different stages.

   
   

2. Level of Information Need (LOIN)

   
   

   Introduced by ISO 19650, LOIN refines the approach to defining the required information for project elements, covering three dimensions:

   
   

   1. Geometric Information (Shape, size, form, and appearance)

      
      

   2. Alphanumeric Information (Attributes, specifications, classifications, and metadata)

      
      

   3. Documentation (Drawings, reports, certificates, and manuals)

      
      

   4. LOIN ensures that the right information is available at the right time without unnecessary data overload, improving efficiency in data exchanges.

   
   

3. Level of Accuracy (LOA)

   
   

   LOA focuses on the geometric precision of BIM models in relation to real-world conditions. Primarily used in survey and as-built contexts, LOA defines the tolerances and measurement reliability, which is particularly valuable for clash detection, fabrication, and facility management.

   
   

4. Information Delivery Specification (IDS)

   
   

   IDS, developed by buildingSMART, is an emerging standard that provides a structured way to define and validate information requirements in openBIM workflows. Unlike traditional methods, IDS allows stakeholders to specify precise data needs in a machine-readable format, ensuring consistency and automated compliance checking in software like Revit, Archicad, and IFC-based platforms.

   
   

5. How Do These Standards Work Together?

   
   

   1. Each of these frameworks plays a unique role, but their combined power lies in providing a holistic approach to BIM data management:

      
      

   2. LOD defines the model’s reliability at different stages.

      
      

   3. LOIN ensures only the necessary information is included.

      
      

   4. LOA dictates the accuracy of measurements and geometry.

      
      

   5. IDS enforces structured, verifiable information requirements for interoperability.

      
      

   By integrating these concepts, BIM teams can achieve better coordination, avoid redundant data, and ensure compliance with project-specific data requirements.

   
   

Practical Applications

1. Design and Coordination

   
   

   Using LOD and LOA together helps design teams manage expectations about model accuracy, while LOIN prevents excessive or missing information. IDS further ensures that BIM objects meet predefined data specifications, reducing manual validation efforts.

   
   

2. Construction and Fabrication

   
   

   Contractors can rely on LOD and LOA for precise fabrication models, while LOIN ensures that necessary metadata (e.g., material properties, specifications) is included. IDS streamlines data validation, ensuring compliance with digital delivery standards.

   
   

3. Asset Management and Handover

   
   

   For facility managers, integrating LOIN and IDS enables a structured data handover process, where only relevant asset information is included. LOD 500 models, combined with high LOA and well-defined IDS parameters, facilitate seamless integration into digital twin and FM systems.

Conclusion

The combination of LOD, LOIN, LOA, and IDS represents a significant step forward in achieving structured, reliable, and interoperable BIM workflows. As OpenBIM and automation tools evolve, IDS will play an increasingly critical role in ensuring data consistency across different software platforms and stakeholders.

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By embracing these standards collectively, AEC professionals can unlock the full potential of BIM, leading to more efficient, accurate, and data-driven project delivery.