You might have heard of ‘BIM’ before, but do you know what it is and what it does? Or how it relates to digital surveying? That’s great! But if you do not know just yet, or want to refresh your memory, then this blog is for you.
BIM – Building Information Modeling
The three letters ‘BIM’ stand for Building Information Modeling and indicate a highly collaborative process. This process allows multiple stakeholders and professionals from the worlds of architecture, engineering, and construction to work together on the planning, designing, and construction of a building or project in just 1 3D model. You can also incorporate the management of buildings using data and the subsequent owner access to BIM. Especially since this data allows these owners and stakeholders to make decisions based on precise information that comes from the model – even after the finished construction of the building. BIM refers to the process of involving all relevant parties and helps them decide based on factual and recent data.
Leading up to BIM
Before BIM, blueprints and drawings were used to make information about a specific building (plan) clear and somewhat visual. This was a 2D approach, which made it challenging to see dimensions and needed requirements. After that, CAD came along. This Computer Aided Design helped those who made the drawing see the benefit of creating plans in a digital environment. CAD turned into 3D, which most people are familiar with. 3D brought much more realistic visuals and depth to blueprints, which became the current global standard.
BIM Objects
A BIM model is created out of multiple components, the BIM objects. These objects have geometry, are intelligent, and store data. If any of these elements is changed, BIM software automatically updates that model to mirror and process that change. The automatic adjustment saves you a lot of time, since you do not have to think about changing the model yourself – eliminating the chances of human errors at the same time. It also allows for the model to remain consisted and synchronized throughout the full operation. This consistency allows for -among others- architects, engineers, and contractors to work in a more cooperative en willing team.
Storing information
As we have said before, Building Information Management refers to the process of involving all relevant parties. Involving them in the planning, designing, and therefore, lifecycle management of buildings. Working together and sharing data for the sake of the process and team goal. But did you know the strength of BIM lies in the Information-part of it? All information can
- Easily be converted into actions;
- Improve accuracy;
- Showcase the design intent from and to the field or office;
- Improve the transfer of knowledge between stakeholders;
- Reduce changes orders, and
- Provide insight into the current buildings or expected renovation projects.
To make BIM accurate, precise data needs to be incorporated. That is where digital surveying with the UNI-GR1 comes in handy. To load the BIM with the right and actual location data, a GPS surveying pole allows everyone to determine a position with centimetre accuracy, setting boundaries for both design and construction.
Sharing information
A common data environment is used for the sharing of information. This CDE is an online space, accessible by all stakeholders, in which the data collected is known as an ‘information model’. These models can come in handy during all stages of a building’s life: from commencement to its construction, to renovations or renewals, and even extensions.
Summing BIM up
BIM stands for Building Information Modeling and is a highly collaborative process that allows multiple stakeholders to work together in designing, engineering, and constructing a building with only one 3D model.
Make sure to come back to read our future blogs to learn how BIM and digital surveying with the UNI-GR1 are related.
