BIM FAQs

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process supported by various tools and technologies involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places.

What is BIM?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process supported by various tools and technologies involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. Building Information Models (BIMs) are files (often but not always in proprietary formats and containing proprietary data) which can be extracted, exchanged or networked to support decision-making regarding a built asset. -Wikipedia

What is Scan to BIM?

The term “Scan to BIM” refers to the process of digitally capturing a physical space or site, from the ground and from the air, to create an accurate 3D representation of its current state. That representation can then be used by building design and construction professionals.

Why use BIM instead of traditional plans and blueprints?

BIM is a relatively new technology in an industry typically slow to adopt change. Yet many early adopters are confident that BIM will grow to play an even more crucial role in building documentation. 
Proponents claim that BIM offers:

  1. Improved visualization
  2. Improved productivity due to easy retrieval of information
  3. Increased coordination of construction documents
  4. Embedding and linking of vital information such as vendors for specific materials, location of details and quantities required for estimation and tendering
  5. Increased speed of delivery
  6. Reduced costs

BIM also contains most of the data needed for building performance analysis. The building properties in BIM can be used to automatically create the input file for building performance simulation and save a significant amount of time and effort. Moreover, automation of this process reduces errors and mismatches in the building performance simulation process.