Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Civil Information Modeling (CIM) enable more effective design and construction. BIM and CIM models is composed of objects that not only graphically represent real world objects (walls, doors, windows, levees, roads, channels…) but provide data about the objects that can be used for scheduling, quantification and design analysis. A critical component of these capabilities is to have consistent objects in the model. The ability to control the data for these objects is critical to the extended capabilities of the modeling. Beyond standard document schedules, the data can assist with cost estimates (quantity take off) and creating specifications.
A properly prepared template assists the designers with the processes of incorporating existing data (LIDAR, survey, maps, CAD files, imagery), developing the design, and creating construction documentation. From the initial survey to the project layout to the final design and documentation it will save time and effort by having standards built up to meet current national CAD standards.
A project’s documentation will be consistent and will flow out of the design process instead of being a complete separate process. This allows changes to occur without introducing major risk of errors through human duplication of data. Multiple types of data can be incorporated together and used in the design analysis. Special adaptions of the data can be made quickly because the standard settings are in place and can be copied and modified on the fly.
