LOD: What is it and what can you do with it?

In BIM projects, everything revolves around clear communication. Multiple parties collaborate within a single model—and without clear agreements, misunderstandings can quickly arise.

LOD: What is it and what can you do with it?

LOD as the key to clear BIM projects

One of the key concepts in this context is LOD: Level of Development.
LOD goes beyond just the level of detail. It also reflects the reliability and usability of model information. In practice, however, we often see that expectations around this are not explicitly defined.

With all the consequences that come with it:
models that appear “complete” but are not yet usable,
or models that are developed in excessive detail, resulting in unnecessary costs.

At NoviCAD, we use LOD as a strategic tool.
We define in advance exactly what level of detail is required for each phase and each component—preferably using concrete examples or reference projects. This helps us prevent both waste and delays, while ensuring that everyone involved in the project shares the same expectations.

The result is a more efficient process, reduced failure costs, and better collaboration.

Would you like more control over your BIM projects? Get in touch with us and discover how we use LOD to maximize clarity and efficiency.