What does the term 'level of detail' (LOD) refer to in BIM?

The term 'level of detail' (LOD) in Building Information Modeling (BIM) primarily refers to the degree of completeness of a model at various stages of development. This concept is crucial in understanding how information is represented in a BIM environment. Each phase of a project may require different levels of detail, impacting how stakeholders can use the model effectively.

For example, in the early stages of a project, a model may only need to include basic geometric shapes and key dimensions, indicating the overall layout without extensive detail. As the project progresses, more intricate details such as materials, structural components, and systems may be added to the model, resulting in a higher LOD. This progression helps improve collaboration among architects, engineers, and contractors, ensuring that everyone involved works with the most relevant and accurate information for their tasks.

By focusing specifically on the completeness of the model, LOD helps set expectations for the information required at each phase of the project lifecycle, facilitating better decision-making, coordination, and overall project success.