BIM

Level of Development (LOD) / LOIN

AIA LOD 100-500 vs BIMForum LOD Spec vs ISO 7817-1 LOIN. Defines geometric/info detail per object per milestone.

Also calledlodlevel of developmentlod 100lod 200lod 300
Related on InfraLens
CODES
BS EN ISO 7817-1
TOOLS
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READ
ISO 19650 Explained for Indian Civil Engineers
TABLE
lod loin frameworksbep eir templates
Definition

LOD (Level of Development, also Level of Detail) is the BIM Forum specification framework defining the specificity and reliability of model elements through the project lifecycle. The standard LOD progression: LOD 100 (concept), LOD 200 (schematic design), LOD 300 (detailed design), LOD 350 (construction documentation), LOD 400 (fabrication), LOD 500 (as-built/FM). Each level represents increasing model specificity, accuracy, and cost.

LOD 100 (concept): generic massing, approximate footprint and volume. Suitable for early concept and feasibility analysis. LOD 200 (schematic): generic 3D shapes, approximate dimensions, suitable for design-development clash detection of major systems. LOD 300 (detailed design): specific dimensions, exact location, defined connections. Suitable for tendering and detailed clash detection. LOD 350 (construction documentation): fabrication-ready details for elements with coordination challenges (façade, complex MEP). LOD 400 (fabrication): manufacturer-specific information; complete connection details. For pre-cast and steel fabrication. LOD 500 (as-built/FM): field-verified element representation; suitable for facility management.

Indian project LOD progression: typical commercial mid-rise — LOD 200 at concept, LOD 300 at tender, LOD 350 at construction, LOD 500 at handover. Major infrastructure (airports, metros) — LOD 300+ at concept; LOD 400 at tender; LOD 500 at handover for facility management.

Where used
  • BIM model planning and execution at all project stages
  • Defining model deliverables in BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
  • Coordinating between disciplines on model specificity
  • Determining clash detection scope and accuracy
  • Quality control of BIM deliverables
Acceptance / threshold
Per BIM Forum LOD Specification + ISO 19650: LOD specified at project commencement in BEP; tracked through project milestones; verified at deliverables; cleaned up before final handover.
Frequently asked
What is LOD in BIM?
LOD (Level of Development) is the BIM Forum specification framework defining the specificity and reliability of model elements through the project lifecycle. Levels: LOD 100 (concept), LOD 200 (schematic), LOD 300 (detailed design), LOD 350 (construction documentation), LOD 400 (fabrication), LOD 500 (as-built/FM).
What is the difference between LOD 200 and LOD 300?
LOD 200 (schematic): generic 3D shapes, approximate dimensions, suitable for design-development clash detection of major systems. LOD 300 (detailed design): specific dimensions, exact location, defined connections. Suitable for tendering and detailed clash detection. Modeling time for LOD 300 is 40-60% more than LOD 200.
Which LOD is appropriate for tendering?
LOD 300-350 is the standard for tender-stage BIM models. LOD 300 sufficient for typical commercial; LOD 350 for complex projects with facade and MEP coordination challenges. Below LOD 300 (i.e., LOD 200) is inadequate for tendering — specifications and quantities aren't reliable. Above LOD 350 (i.e., LOD 400) is excessive for tendering — adds modeling cost without proportional accuracy benefit.
Related bim terms
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
ISO 19650 information management with BIM. India has no published IS BIM standard — projects reference ISO directly.
ISO 19650 Series
5-part international standard for BIM information management. Parts 1-5: concepts, delivery, operations, exchange, security.
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)
Open ISO standard file format for BIM exchange. IFC 4.3 ADD2 supports buildings + infrastructure.
Common Data Environment (CDE)
Single trusted location for all project information. Mandatory under ISO 19650 with WIP→Shared→Published→Archived states.
BEP & EIR — BIM Execution Plan / Exchange Information Requirements
EIR = client requirements (in tender). BEP = how the contractor will deliver them. MIDP/TIDP = the schedule.
Uniclass / OmniClass / Classification
Uniclass 2015 (UK) is the most-used BIM classification on Indian projects. India has no published classification.
BIM Roles — Manager, Coordinator, Modeller
BIM Manager (firm), Project BIM Manager (one project), Information Manager (enforces ISO 19650), BIM Coordinator (clash), Modeller (authoring).
LOD 200 (Schematic Design)
Generic systems, approximate quantities, size, shape, location, orientation. Suitable for schematic stage.