161. Robotic Imaging | LODs in BIM Explained (For Matterport Pro3 Camera Owners)

The following article first appeared on the Robotic Imaging Blog on 18 March 2022. It is reprinted with the permission of Robotic Imaging.

Robotic Imaging: LODs in BIM Explained

What is LOD?

LOD or Level of Development is a defined industry standard that helps project leaders, architects, engineers, and other project leaders describe the state and completion of different design phases. Essentially, it is a standardized way of understanding what information the BIM model should have during the completion of each phase of a project.

The levels, as created by the American Institute of Architects, include:

1. LOD 100: Concept Design
2. LOD 200: Approximate Geometry
3. LOD 300: Precise Geometry
4. LOD 350: Greater Detail and Construction Documentation
5. LOD 400: Fabrication and Assembly
6. LOD 500: As-Built Model

Level of Development vs. Level of Detail

Both Level of Development and Level of Detail use the abbreviation LOD, but both mean different things. Level of Development shows the level of thought put into a project’s geometry, specifications and other information. It also shows the levels of dependence team members currently have on the information in the model. On the other hand, the Level of Detail is how much of that data is currently within the model element.

Essentially, the Level of Development is the reliability of the output, and the Level of Detail is the comprehensiveness of the input of information.

Suggested reading: If you want to learn more about BIM terminology, check out: Robotic Imaging Blog

Levels of Development

The American Institute of Architects created LOD in 2009 to set universal design expectations. Universal expectations are necessary, so collaborators understand the level of detail needed to move on to the project’s next phase.

There are 6 different Levels of Development, as defined by the American Institute of Architects. They are:

LOD 100: Concept Design

At LOD 100, the project, deliverable, or element model still consists of 2D properties. This is the most basic of all development levels. Sometimes, LOD 100 consists of a handmade sketch. However, it is ideal to keep in mind that data will have to be transferred to a BIM design tool in the future.

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