BIM Level of Development Explained: LOD 100 to LOD 500
If you work with BIM, you have come across the term LOD — Level of Development. It is one of the most important concepts in Building Information Modelling, and also one of the most misunderstood. This guide explains what LOD means in the UK context, what each level represents from LOD 100 to LOD 500, how Scan-to-BIM projects map to these levels, and what you need to specify when commissioning a 3D laser scan for BIM.
What Is LOD in BIM?
LOD (Level of Development) is a standardised framework that defines the accuracy, detail, and reliability of building elements in a BIM model at each project stage. It allows architects, engineers, and contractors to clearly communicate what information is available and what the model can be used for at any given point in the project.
The UK Dual-Track System
In the UK, there is an important distinction that came from PAS 1192-2 and the UK BIM Level 2 mandate:
| Term | What It Covers | | --- | --- | | LOD — Level of Development | Geometry and detail — what the element looks like, where it is, how big it is | | LOI — Level of Information | Data and attributes — what the element is made of, who manufactured it, what the maintenance schedule is |
Both tracks must be specified independently. A model element might be LOD 350 in geometry but only LOI 200 in information — the two are not automatically linked.
Why LOD Matters
| What LOD Does | Why It Matters | | --- | --- | | Sets expectations | Everyone knows what the model contains and what it can be used for | | Defines procurement | Surveyors, designers, and contractors know exactly what to deliver | | Enables coordination | Clash detection and spatial coordination require consistent LOD across trades | | Supports the employer | The client can specify what information they need for each project stage |
LOD 100 to LOD 500: The Definitions
LOD 100 — Concept Design
| Aspect | Detail | | --- | --- | | Geometry | Generic symbols, masses, or approximate shapes | | Quantities | Approximate — overall dimensions, volume, area | | Location | Approximate — approximate location, size, volume, orientation | | Primary use | Feasibility studies, conceptual visualisation, zoning analysis |
LOD 100 is the starting point. Elements are represented by simple shapes — boxes for rooms, masses for buildings — that convey the concept but carry no detailed information. The model can be used for high-level feasibility and spatial planning, but not for detailed coordination or construction.
LOD 200 — Schematic Design
| Aspect | Detail | | --- | --- | | Geometry | Approximate geometry — bounding elements are represented | | Quantities | Approximate quantities can be extracted | | Location | Approximate location and orientation of major elements | | Primary use | Early cost estimates, spatial coordination, initial energy analysis |
At LOD 200, elements have approximate geometry — walls, columns, and major structural elements are represented with approximate sizes and shapes. Non-geometric information may also be attached. The model can be used for early coordination and cost estimating, but details are still indicative.
LOD 300 — Design Development
| Aspect | Detail | | --- | --- | | Geometry | Precise geometry — exact size, shape, location, and orientation | | Quantities | Exact quantities can be extracted | | Location | Precise location of all elements | | Primary use | Construction documentation, trade coordination, clash detection |
LOD 300 is where the model becomes construction-ready. Elements have precise geometry derived from accurate measurements — either from a measured building survey or from design drawings that have been coordinated. The model can be used to produce construction drawings, coordinate trades, and run clash detection.
LOD 350 — Construction Documentation
| Aspect | Detail | | --- | --- | | Geometry | LOD 300 geometry plus interfaces, supports, and connections to other systems | | Quantities | Exact — for construction scheduling and procurement | | Location | Precise — coordinated with all other building systems | | Primary use | Trade coordination, construction-ready model, contractor information exchange |
LOD 350 builds on LOD 300 by adding the connections, supports, and interfaces between building systems. This is the level at which the model can be used for full trade coordination — mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural elements are modelled with enough detail to identify clashes before construction.
LOD 400 — Fabrication and Assembly
| Aspect | Detail | | --- | --- | | Geometry | LOD 300 geometry plus fabrication details, installation data, tolerances | | Quantities | Exact — for procurement and off-site fabrication | | Location | Precise — for installation planning | | Primary use | Off-site fabrication, procurement, construction planning |
LOD 400 is the level at which the model can be used for fabrication. Elements include sufficient detail — materials, finishes, tolerances, connection details — for off-site manufacture and assembly. The model becomes the primary source of information for the fabrication and installation process.
LOD 500 — As-Built and Operational
| Aspect | Detail | | --- | --- | | Geometry | Field-verified geometry — confirmed as-built | | Quantities | Exact as-built quantities | | Location | Verified as-built location of all elements | | Primary use | Facility management, lifecycle operations, building management systems (BMS) |
LOD 500 represents the building as it actually exists — field-verified, not designed. The model includes installation dates, manufacturer details, maintenance schedules, and operational information. This is the model used for facilities management, asset tracking, and building operations over the life of the building.
Scan-to-BIM LOD Levels
In Scan-to-BIM projects, the LOD framework is applied to the point cloud survey and the resulting BIM model. The scan quality and modelling detail must be sufficient to achieve the required LOD.
Scan-to-BIM LOD Definitions
| LOD | What's Included | Typical Point Density | Best For | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 2 | Basic geometry, major elements, no MEP detail | 5–10mm spacing | Planning applications, feasibility studies | | LOD 3 | Full geometry, MEP rough-in, wall build-up | Higher scan quality and coverage | Refurbishment, RIBA Stage 3 design development | | LOD 4 | Full MEP, structural, shop-drawing ready | Highest accuracy | Construction coordination, fabrication |
LOD 3 and above typically requires on-site LiDAR scanning rather than manual measurements. The point cloud density and scan coverage must be sufficient to capture the geometry needed at the required LOD.
What Each Scan-to-BIM LOD Delivers
| LOD | Geometry | MEP | Structure | Deliverables | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 2 | Major elements — walls, floors, ceilings | Not modelled | Not modelled | 3D model for planning and feasibility | | LOD 3 | Full geometry — all elements modelled | Rough-in modelled | Modelled | Full BIM model for design development | | LOD 4 | Complete as-built model | Fully modelled with runs and connections | Fully modelled | BIM model for construction coordination |
Survey Requirements by LOD
| LOD | Scan Equipment | Scan Density | Site Visits | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 2 | Basic laser scanner or photogrammetry | Standard coverage | Single visit | | LOD 3 | Professional laser scanner | High density — all visible surfaces | Single or multi-visit depending on size | | LOD 4 | High-resolution laser scanner | Maximum density — capture all visible and accessible elements | Multi-visit or extended occupation |
UK BIM Level 2 and LOD
The UK BIM Level 2 mandate, introduced in 2016, requires publicly procured projects to use collaborative BIM. PAS 1192-2 sets out the information management requirements, including the use of LOD to specify what the model must contain at each project stage.
How LOD Fits Into UK BIM Level 2
| UK BIM Requirement | How LOD Applies | | --- | --- | | EIR (Employer Information Requirements) | The client specifies the required LOD at each project stage | | BEP (BIM Execution Plan) | The contractor specifies how LOD will be achieved | | CDE (Common Data Environment) | Models at different LOD are managed in the CDE with clear version control | | LOI alongside LOD | Information (data, attributes) is specified alongside geometry |
What to Include in Your EIR
| Specification | What to Include | | --- | --- | | LOD by project stage | LOD 200 for concept, LOD 300 for design development, LOD 350 for construction, LOD 500 for handover | | LOI by project stage | What data and attributes are required at each stage | | File formats | IFC, DWG, or other formats as required | | Software versions | Revit 2023, ArchiCAD 26, or other specified software | | Level of accuracy | Survey accuracy to RICS standards — typically ±10mm for measured building surveys |
Costs in 2025: Scan-to-BIM Pricing by LOD
Scan-to-BIM Pricing (Per Floor)
| LOD Level | Typical Cost Per Floor (ex VAT) | Best For | | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 2 | £500–£1,000 per floor | Planning applications, basic visualisations | | LOD 3 | £1,000–£2,500 per floor | Refurbishment, RIBA Stage 3 design | | LOD 4 | £2,000–£4,000+ per floor | Construction coordination, fabrication |
Overall Project Costs
| Project Type | Estimated Scan-to-BIM Cost (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Small residential (3-4 floors) | £2,000–£5,000 | | Medium commercial (5-10 floors) | £5,000–£15,000 | | Large commercial or mixed use | £15,000–£50,000+ | | Heritage or complex geometry | Premium pricing — specify in brief |
What Affects the Cost
| Factor | Impact on Price | | --- | --- | | Required LOD | Higher LOD = more scan coverage, more modelling time | | Building size and complexity | Larger and more complex buildings take longer to scan and model | | MEP density | Dense MEP installations require more scan passes and more modelling detail | | Point cloud vs. full BIM | Point cloud only is cheaper; full BIM model adds modelling cost | | Location | London and major cities add a logistics premium |
When to Use Each LOD
LOD 100 — When to Use It
| Situation | Why LOD 100 Is Appropriate | | --- | --- | | Initial feasibility studies | Simple massing models for option testing | | Planning pre-application discussions | Basic 3D representation for LPA consultation | | Client presentations | Simple visuals for early-stage engagement |
LOD 100 is appropriate early in the project when the design is not yet developed enough to justify detailed modelling. It provides enough information for high-level discussions without committing to detailed design.
LOD 200 — When to Use It
| Situation | Why LOD 200 Is Appropriate | | --- | --- | | Outline planning applications | Schematic model for planning submission | | Early cost estimating | Approximate quantities from the model | | Spatial coordination | Initial coordination between disciplines |
LOD 200 provides a step up from concept massing — elements have approximate geometry that can be used for initial cost estimates and early coordination. It is appropriate once the design has been developed enough to show the general arrangement.
LOD 300 — When to Use It
| Situation | Why LOD 300 Is Appropriate | | --- | --- | | Full planning applications | Detailed model for planning submission | | RIBA Stage 3 design development | Design coordination and detailed modelling | | Refurbishment projects | Accurate existing conditions model for design |
LOD 300 is the workhorse of BIM design. It provides precise geometry that can be used for construction drawings, detailed coordination, and clash detection. For refurbishment projects, it is typically achieved by a 3D laser scan.
LOD 350 — When to Use It
| Situation | Why LOD 350 Is Appropriate | | --- | --- | | Construction coordination | Full trade coordination with MEP and structural models | | Tender documentation | BIM model as tender information for contractors | | Major refurbishments | Detailed model for construction planning |
LOD 350 adds the interfaces and connections that make the model construction-ready. It is the level at which the BIM model can be used as the primary information source for construction planning and coordination.
LOD 400 — When to Use It
| Situation | Why LOD 400 Is Appropriate | | --- | --- | | Off-site fabrication | BIM model for manufacture of building components | | Modular construction | Detailed model for factory assembly | | Complex installations | MEP model for prefabrication and installation planning |
LOD 400 is primarily used for projects where off-site fabrication or modular construction is planned. The model must contain enough detail for factory manufacture — connection details, tolerances, and material specifications.
LOD 500 — When to Use It
| Situation | Why LOD 500 Is Appropriate | | --- | --- | | Practical completion handover | As-built model for facilities management | | Asset management | BIM model linked to FM systems and maintenance schedules | | Building operations | Operational data in the model for ongoing building management |
LOD 500 is the end state — the field-verified model that represents the building as it actually exists. It is typically achieved by updating the design model with as-built information from a post-construction laser scan.
How to Specify LOD in Your Brief
Essential Specifications
| What to Specify | Why It Matters | | --- | --- | | Required LOD by project stage | LOD 200 for concept, LOD 300 for design development, etc. | | LOI requirements | What data and attributes are required at each stage | | Point cloud requirements | Minimum point density and scan coverage | | BIM software and version | Revit 2023, ArchiCAD 26, or other specified software | | File formats | IFC, DWG, or other formats as required | | Accuracy requirements | Survey accuracy to RICS standards — typically ±10mm |
Questions to Ask Your Scan-to-BIM Provider
| Question | Why It Matters | | --- | --- | | What LOD can you deliver? | Confirm the provider can achieve the LOD required for your project | | What scan equipment do you use? | Professional laser scanners vs. basic equipment — affects accuracy | | What point density do you achieve? | Higher point density = more accurate model | | What BIM software do you use? | Ensure compatibility with your project software | | How do you handle MEP modelling? | MEP modelling requires specific expertise — confirm experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between LOD and LOI?
LOD (Level of Development) covers geometry and detail — what the element looks like and where it is. LOI (Level of Information) covers data and attributes — what the element is made of, who manufactured it, what the maintenance schedule is. In the UK, both must be specified independently. A model might be LOD 350 but only LOI 200.
Q: What LOD do I need for a planning application?
For most planning applications, LOD 200 or LOD 300 is sufficient. Outline planning applications can use LOD 200 — a schematic model showing the general arrangement. Detailed planning applications typically require LOD 300 — a precise model that can be used to assess the impact of the development.
Q: Can I get an as-built BIM model from a laser scan?
Yes — a 3D laser scan produces a point cloud that can be modelled into a BIM model at the required LOD. For LOD 300 and above, a professional laser scanner is required to achieve the point density needed for detailed modelling. The point cloud is the master record — from it, we can produce a BIM model at any required LOD.
Q: How much does a Scan-to-BIM model cost?
For a typical commercial floor, expect to pay £1,000–£2,500 per floor for LOD 3 (full geometry, MEP rough-in). LOD 4 (full MEP, shop-drawing ready) costs £2,000–£4,000+ per floor. Prices depend on building size, complexity, required LOD, and location.
Q: What is the difference between Scan-to-BIM and point cloud delivery?
Point cloud delivery provides the raw scan data — a dense 3D point cloud that can be viewed and measured in point cloud software. Scan-to-BIM provides a modelled BIM model — walls, floors, ceilings, MEP elements modelled in Revit or other BIM software. Point cloud is the raw data; BIM is the modelled output.
Q: Can Scan-to-BIM achieve LOD 500?
Yes — a post-construction laser scan captures the building as-built, and the point cloud can be modelled into a BIM model that represents the building as it actually exists. LOD 500 requires field verification — the model must be checked against the actual building to confirm accuracy.
Q: What is the minimum scan quality for LOD 300?
LOD 300 requires a professional laser scanner with sufficient point density to capture all visible building elements accurately. The scan must cover all accessible areas — floors, ceilings, walls, and any visible MEP elements. For complex buildings, multiple scan positions are required to achieve complete coverage.
Q: How do I specify LOD in my EIR?
Specify the required LOD at each project stage — LOD 200 for concept, LOD 300 for design development, LOD 350 for construction, LOD 500 for handover. Also specify LOI requirements — what data and attributes are required at each stage. Include point cloud requirements, BIM software and version, and file formats.
Q: What is the relationship between LOD and RIBA stages?
LOD typically aligns with RIBA stages: LOD 100 at Stage 0 (Strategic Definition), LOD 200 at Stage 1 (Preparation and Brief) and Stage 2 (Concept Design), LOD 300 at Stage 3 (Spatial Coordination), LOD 350 at Stage 4 (Technical Design), LOD 400 during construction, and LOD 500 at Stage 6 (Handover). The exact alignment depends on the project — your EIR should specify.
Q: Who produces a Scan-to-BIM model?
Scan-to-BIM is produced by survey companies that offer both 3D laser scanning and BIM modelling services. Look for companies with professional memberships (RICS or similar), professional laser scanning equipment, and BIM software capability (Revit, ArchiCAD, or other specified software). Commissioning both the scan and the BIM modelling from the same provider ensures consistency and reduces coordination issues.