Nov 28, 20222 min read

BIM: The key metadata components held in file names, that need to be held and managed to support CDE

What is Metadata?

Metadata is about the container controlling its position and status in the process. The metadata is a set of data that gives information about other data. ISO 19650 series requires, as a minimum, the following metadata within the Common Data Environment (CDE).

Every container should document a single building zone or asset (location), contained within a single volume of space

What is CDE?

A common data environment (CDE) is a digital information platform that centralizes project data storage and access, typically related to construction projects and building information modeling (BIM) workflows. The data stored in a CDE originally consisted of BIM data and information.

Definition by Trimble

Key metadata components (example):

File naming
Revision and versioning
Status of container contents – what it can be used for
Location
Federation or volume
Originator
Type of information in the container
Unique reference number

Also Recommended to you:

What are BIM dimensions? (4D, 5D, 6D,7D)

Source: BS1192:2007

Structures of names: which gives the revisions and status code. It shows the iterative nature of the information as it progresses to completion.

File container revision codes: Revision code is required to track the progression of a file or document to its completion and authorization. It provides audited change control.

Purpose/status codes:

o What the information in the container can be safely used for.

o Status defines the FITNESS of information in a model, drawing, or document. It allows each design discipline to control the use to which their information may be put. Some examples of status codes are:

S1: fit for coordination
D1: fit for costing
A: fit for construction

Spatial coordination location

o The location is required for the asset’s coordinates in the world and the project. Early work looks at the position in the building such as the floor level, room/space, or a more generic view of infrastructures such as area zone or linear position (a linear reference between two positions)

o Spatial coordination of BIM is basically generated model data 2D or 3D as agreed project coordinate system and true height above project datum

Model segregation – Volume/federation parts

o A volume defines the extent of model files, and one or more model files (referenced files) can relate to a volume. A volume is restricted to a level or location, in a two-dimensional sense that does not combine multiple levels or locations. Pieces of the same discipline, without overlapping or leaving any gaps is a volume. If other discipline's volumes are then overlaid, a composite of multi-authored information will produce the complete project model