Different Levels of Development (LOD) in BIM 100, 200, 300, 350, 400, 500

The Level of Development (LOD) is a concept in Building Information Modeling (BIM) that specifies the level of detail and reliability of a BIM element at different stages of the project lifecycle. It provides a standardized framework for specifying the completeness and accuracy of the information contained within a BIM model, which is crucial for ensuring clear communication among project stakeholders. The LOD framework helps in managing expectations and defining the scope of work for different phases of a project.

What is the Level of Development (LOD)?

Referred to as a lifecycle BIM tool, Level of Development (LOD) is a set of industry standards that provides the AEC industry with the power to document, articulate, and specify the Building Information Modeling (BIM) contents properly and clearly. It defines the content (i.e., the geometric information, structured data, and linked documents) and the reliability of BIM elements at different development stages of the construction project.

BIM Level of Development (LOD) 100, 200, 300, 350, 400 & 500

LOD 100

• It is the pre-designing stage of LOD.
• The LOD 100 element is a conceptual model where the parameters such as height, area, volume, orientation, and location are defined.
• The information in this stage is considered as an approximation.

LOD 200

• It is the schematic designing stage of LOD.
• The LOD 200 element displays geometric features such as shapes, dimensions, locations, etc.
• The level of complexity in LOD 200 is slightly more than that of LOD 100. It may also include some non-geometric information.
• The information at this stage is also considered as an approximation.

LOD 300

• It is the building design development stage of LOD.
• The graphical representations of LOD 300 may be the same as the graphical representation of LOD 200, but what makes it different from LOD 200 is that the geometry and features at this stage are considered accurate.
• The information at this stage can be used in the construction stage.

LOD 350

• It is the construction documentation stage.
• The information obtained in LOD 350 is the same as that obtained in LOD 300, but in this stage, the interfaces with other building components like connections and support are also included.
• It indicates the way the component can be installed and the way it interacts with the systems of other buildings.

LOD 400

• It is the construction stage of LOD.
• It includes details such as fabrication, assembly, and installation of the components.
• These details are of great use to the suppliers for manufacturing the components that are represented.
• It may also include non-visual information.

LOD 500

• It is the as-built stage of LOD.
• These are the fields that are verified in terms of shape, size, quantity, orientation, and location, which are considered to be accurate representations of the building elements post-construction.
• These elements can be used as references for operation and maintenance by the facility managers.

These levels help define the expectations and requirements for BIM elements at various stages, ensuring that all project stakeholders have a clear understanding of the level of detail and accuracy required at each phase. The LOD framework promotes consistency, clarity, and efficiency in the design, construction, and operation of buildings.

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