LOD (Level of Development)
A measure of how reliable and detailed each element of a BIM model is at a given project stage.
What is LOD (Level of Development)?
LOD is a contractual concept. A wall modelled at LOD 100 is just a placeholder (it shows there is "a wall"). At LOD 300, it has correct dimensions, materials, and constructability. At LOD 400, it includes fabrication details. At LOD 500, it represents the as-built reality with verified field data.
BIM contracts specify the LOD expected at each milestone — e.g., LOD 200 at schematic design, LOD 300 at detailed design, LOD 400 at construction documents. The BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is where this is defined per project.
Common confusion: LOD is NOT the same as Level of Detail (geometric detail). LOD also includes Information Reliability — a beautiful model that lies about dimensions has LOD 100 reliability, not LOD 400, even if it looks polished.
LOD literacy is what makes you trustworthy in BIM coordination. Senior roles depend on understanding what is contractually expected when.
A BIM Coordinator at Shapoorji Pallonji reviews an architect's LOD 300 deliverable — the model claims LOD 300 but window dimensions are placeholder. He issues an RFI to upgrade to true LOD 300 before structural can model around the openings reliably.
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