BIM LOD Selector Tool: Which Level of Development Do You Need?
Choosing the right Level of Development (LOD) for your BIM model is one of the most important decisions in a scan-to-BIM project. LOD determines how much detail is in the model, how much it costs, and how it can be used.
This selector tool helps you choose the right LOD for your project.
What Is LOD?
LOD — Level of Development — defines how much detail is in a BIM model element. It is defined in the AIA G0O2 standard and refined in UK BIM standards.
LOD runs from 100 to 500. Higher numbers mean more detail. But more detail costs more. The art is choosing the LOD that delivers the value you need without paying for detail you will not use.
LOD 100: Concept
LOD 100 is the concept level. Elements are represented symbolically. Walls are generic planes. Floors are generic surfaces. Locations are approximate.
LOD 100 is rarely used for scan-to-BIM projects. Scan data captures actual geometry. Modelling to LOD 100 wastes the data.
Use LOD 100 for: early feasibility studies where only approximate positions are needed.
LOD 200: Approximate Geometry
LOD 200 adds approximate geometry. Elements are represented with approximate shapes, sizes, and positions. The model gives a rough impression of the building.
LOD 200 is useful for early design. It shows approximately where things are. It is not suitable for construction documentation or coordination.
Use LOD 200 for: early design options, initial client presentations, planning pre-app discussions.
LOD 300: Precise Geometry
LOD 300 is the design development level. Elements are modelled with precise geometry. Shapes, sizes, and positions are accurate. The model reflects the as-designed building.
LOD 300 is the standard LOD for scan-to-BIM. It captures the geometry from the point cloud accurately enough for design, planning, and construction documentation.
Use LOD 300 for: design development, planning applications, construction documentation, MEP coordination.
LOD 350: Additional Detail
LOD 350 adds detail to LOD 300. Elements include additional information — reveals, returns, openings. Connections and interfaces are modelled.
LOD 350 is used when detail matters — for complex architectural features, for fabrication-level modelling, or when the client requires detailed records.
Use LOD 350 for: detailed design, heritage recording, complex architectural features, client FM records.
LOD 400: Fabrication Detail
LOD 400 adds fabrication-level detail. Elements include specifications, connections, and assembly information. The model supports prefabrication and manufacturing.
LOD 400 is rarely achieved from scan-to-BIM alone. It typically requires additional design input. Scan data provides the existing geometry; design data provides the fabrication detail.
Use LOD 400 for: prefabrication, manufacturing, detailed FM records.
LOD 500: Verified As-Built
LOD 500 is the as-built verification level. Elements are verified in the field. The model reflects the completed construction.
LOD 500 is achieved by scanning the completed building and verifying the BIM model against the scan. It is a QA step, not a modelling target.
Use LOD 500 for: as-built verification, FM records, asset management.
Choosing the Right LOD
Use this selector to choose LOD:
Is the model for early design options only? Yes: LOD 200 may be sufficient. No: Continue.
Is the model for planning applications? Yes: LOD 300 is the minimum. Planning drawings require precise geometry. No: Continue.
Is the model for construction documentation? Yes: LOD 300 or 350. LOD 350 for complex features. No: Continue.
Is the model for MEP coordination? Yes: LOD 300 minimum. LOD 350 for detailed coordination. No: Continue.
Is the model for heritage recording? Yes: LOD 350 or higher. Detailed features must be captured. No: Continue.
Is the model for FM or asset management? Yes: LOD 350 or 400. Detailed records needed. No: LOD 300 is typically the right choice.
LOD Selector Summary
| Use Case | Minimum LOD | Recommended LOD | |---|---|---| | Early feasibility | 200 | 200 | | Planning application | 300 | 300 | | Construction documentation | 300 | 350 | | MEP coordination | 300 | 350 | | Heritage recording | 350 | 400 | | FM and asset management | 350 | 400 |
LOD and Cost
Higher LOD costs more:
LOD 200: Lowest cost. Minimal modelling time.
LOD 300: Standard cost. Accurate geometry modelling.
LOD 350: Moderate additional cost. Detail adds modelling time.
LOD 400: Significant additional cost. Fabrication-level detail.
Choose the lowest LOD that meets your project requirements. Paying for LOD 400 when you only need LOD 300 is waste.
LOD and Programme
Higher LOD takes longer:
LOD 200: Fastest. Minimal modelling.
LOD 300: Standard time. Accurate geometry.
LOD 350: Moderate additional time. Detail modelling.
LOD 400: Significant additional time. Fabrication detail.
Programme constraints may limit LOD. If the programme is tight, LOD 300 may be the right choice even if LOD 350 would be ideal.
Fixed-Fee LOD-Based Pricing
icelabz provides fixed-fee scan-to-BIM pricing based on LOD. The price is agreed before instruction. No hidden charges.
To get a fixed-fee quote, specify: the building or area to be modelled, the LOD required, the file format needed, and the programme.
Contact icelabz with your LOD requirements for a fixed-fee quote.
LOD and Element Types
Different element types may be modelled to different LOD on the same project. The specification can define LOD by element category:
Structural elements: Columns, beams, walls. LOD 300 for standard. LOD 350 for detailed.
Architectural elements: Walls, floors, ceilings. LOD 300 for standard. LOD 350 for heritage.
MEP elements: Pipes, ducts, equipment. LOD 300 for routing. LOD 350 for detailed.
Site elements: Boundaries, levels, landscape. LOD 200 for conceptual. LOD 300 for design.
Element-specific LOD specification avoids over-modelling elements that do not need it.
LOD and Software Version
BIM models must be compatible with your software version. Specify the Revit version — 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 — when commissioning scan-to-BIM.
Newer Revit versions support more detailed families and modelling tools. LOD 350 in Revit 2024 may include detail that is not achievable in Revit 2020.
Specify the version you need before commissioning. Model delivery in an incompatible version is not useful.
LOD and Point Cloud Density
The LOD achievable from point cloud data depends on the scan density. High-density scans support higher LOD modelling. Low-density scans limit LOD.
Specify scan density when commissioning. For LOD 350, minimum scan density of around 50 points per square metre is recommended. Lower density scans may achieve LOD 300 only.
LOD and Hidden Areas
Point clouds capture visible surfaces only. Hidden areas — inside walls, beneath floors — are not captured. BIM modelling for hidden elements must be based on assumptions or additional surveys.
LOD specification should acknowledge what cannot be modelled from point cloud data. Specify assumptions clearly.
LOD Verification
Verify that the delivered BIM model meets the specified LOD. Check that elements are modelled to the level of detail. Check that information is accurate and consistent.
icelabz BIM deliverables include LOD verification. We confirm that the model meets the specified LOD before delivery.
Fixed-Fee Scan-to-BIM from icelabz
icelabz provides fixed-fee scan-to-BIM with LOD-based pricing. We confirm LOD specification before instruction. Deliverables are verified for LOD compliance.
Contact icelabz with your LOD requirements for a fixed-fee quote.
When LOD Matters Most
LOD matters most when the BIM model is used for:
Construction documentation: Drawings produced from the model must reflect actual conditions. LOD 300 or 350 required.
MEP coordination: Clash detection requires accurate geometry. LOD 300 minimum.
Heritage recording: Detailed features must be captured. LOD 350 required.
FM and asset management: Ongoing use of the model requires accurate data. LOD 350 or 400.
Commissioning the right LOD from the outset avoids expensive re-modelling later.
LOD Selector Checklist
Use this checklist when specifying LOD:
- [ ] What will the BIM model be used for?
- [ ] What is the minimum LOD for each element type?
- [ ] What Revit version is required?
- [ ] What scan density is needed for the specified LOD?
- [ ] How will hidden areas be handled?
- [ ] How will LOD compliance be verified?