BIM software defines 3D models by proprietary methods; it is internal to the software and so is not seen by users. Third-party developers can access it through APIs (application programming interfaces). The official way to access data in BIM software is to export the model in IFC format.

The following article is an abstract of the eBook ‘Best CAD Practices’ by Ralph Grabowski. Graebert is happy to share with you some of the experience accumulated by Ralph as a CAD expert and as compiled in his eBook for which the reference can be found at the bottom of the page. Feel free to share feedback in the comment section below.

The IFC format is continually updated, and the version level current at the time of writing is 4, although many programs still operate with v2x3, because v4 is not backward compatible with v2x3. No point moving ahead when you can’t go back!

The IFC format defines objects in models using the following names. Do not takes these lists as exhaustive:

Objects in BIM models has unique identifiers, properties that describe the object, and how the object relates to other objects. Here are examples of some of the parameters used:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ralph Grabowski is a CAD expert with 30+ years experience. He is the author of several best-selling books related to most leading CAD programs. Ralph writes also in a variety of CAD news portals and magazines. More than anything, he is renowned as the founder and editor of the upFront.eZine newsletter and the blog WorldCAD Access.

NB: The views and opinions expressed by the author in this article or in the eBook do not necessarily reflect those of Graebert as a company or publisher of this blog.

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