In the world of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Level of Development (LOD) has long been the standard for defining the detail and reliability of model elements. While useful in its time, LOD has started to show its age. As projects grow more complex and teams more diverse, the limitations of LOD become increasingly evident—leading to information gaps, inefficiencies, and inconsistent expectations across teams.
Enter LOIN: Level of Information Needed, a concept rooted in the ISO 19650 framework. For BIM Managers, transitioning from LOD to LOIN represents more than just a shift in terminology—it’s a chance to bring greater precision, flexibility, and accountability to project information management. In this article, we explore why LOIN is the future and how BIM professionals can make the switch effectively.
The Problem with LOD
LOD has been a staple in BIM workflows, offering a standardized way to define the amount of detail and reliability of model elements at different stages of a project. It ranges from LOD 100 (conceptual) to LOD 500 (as-built), providing a theoretical roadmap for model progression.
However, the reality is more complex. One major issue with LOD is ambiguity. What one stakeholder considers LOD 300, another might interpret as LOD 350. These inconsistencies can lead to misaligned expectations, delayed decisions, and costly rework.
Moreover, LOD tends to focus heavily on geometry, often neglecting the broader spectrum of information needed for tasks like cost estimation, energy analysis, or facility management. This focus creates information gaps—where data exists in the model, but it’s either incomplete, unreliable, or missing entirely.
Ultimately, LOD promotes a one-size-fits-all approach, which is ill-suited for the highly variable and dynamic nature of real-world construction projects. BIM Managers are left trying to shoehorn unique project requirements into rigid LOD templates, compromising both efficiency and quality.
Enter LOIN – The ISO Approach
The Level of Information Need (LOIN) was introduced in ISO 19650 as a more nuanced and flexible way to define information requirements in BIM projects. Rather than relying on generic levels of development, LOIN empowers project teams to specify exactly what information is needed, when it’s needed, and why.
LOIN integrates three dimensions of information:
- Geometry – The graphical representation of objects.
- Alphanumeric data – Non-graphical attributes such as material specifications or performance criteria.
- Documentation – Linked files, manuals, certifications, and more.
With LOIN, these elements are defined for specific use cases—whether that’s clash detection, quantity take-off, fire safety analysis, or FM handover. It acknowledges that not all elements require the same level of detail at every phase. Instead, information delivery is tailored to the needs of each task and stakeholder.
This means that no two projects have to follow the same rigid path. LOIN enables a personalized strategy, allowing BIM Managers to align project information with goals, team capabilities, and contractual obligations.
LOD vs LOIN – Key Differences
The shift from LOD to LOIN is more than semantic. It changes how we think about delivering value through information.
| LOD | LOIN |
|---|---|
| Based on generic levels (100–500?) | Based on specific, task-driven requirements |
| Focuses primarily on geometry | Integrates geometry, data, and documents |
| One-size-fits-all | Customizable per project and use case |
| Often leads to under- or over-modeling | Ensures only necessary data is delivered |
| Lacks standardization in interpretation | Anchored in ISO 19650 standards |
For a practical example, rather than saying “this wall must be LOD 300 by Design Development,” a BIM Manager using LOIN might specify: “This wall must include geometric representation, fire rating (data), and manufacturer certification (documentation) for the fire safety consultant by Week 12.”
How a BIM Manager Can Make the Shift
Transitioning from LOD to LOIN requires a proactive mindset, collaboration, and a strong grasp of ISO 19650 principles. Here’s a roadmap for BIM Managers ready to lead this change:
1. Understand the Information Needs
Start by identifying the tasks each stakeholder will perform with the model. This includes designers, contractors, facility managers, and even clients. What data do they truly need to make informed decisions? This exercise helps eliminate unnecessary modeling and focuses effort where it counts.
Work with your team to document these requirements clearly. Define for each model element:
- What geometric detail is needed?
- What alphanumeric data is required?
- What supporting documents must be linked?
This becomes your project’s information specification and should be reflected in the BEP (BIM Execution Plan) and EIR (Exchange Information Requirements).
3. Use ISO-Aligned Tools and Templates
Leverage software platforms and templates that support ISO 19650 workflows. Many tools now offer features to define and validate information requirements according to LOIN principles. Set up automated checks to ensure the model meets its defined LOIN at each stage.
4. Train Your Team
Your transition is only as strong as your weakest link. Provide training to all BIM contributors on what LOIN means and how to work with it. Shift the culture from “model everything” to “model what’s needed, when it’s needed.”
5. Monitor and Adapt
As the project progresses, revisit and refine your LOINs. Project needs evolve, and flexibility is part of the ISO philosophy. Build feedback loops into your quality assurance process to ensure continuous improvement.
LOD had its moment, and helped us in the evolution of BIM concepts, but today’s BIM landscape demands something more intelligent, more adaptable, and more aligned with real-world project needs. LOIN provides that path forward.
For BIM Managers, embracing LOIN is not just about compliance with ISO 19650—it’s about taking control of project information, reducing waste, and delivering exactly what stakeholders need to make confident decisions.
In an industry that’s all about precision, it’s time to leave vague LODs behind and lead your team with the clarity and purpose that LOIN offers.
