{"id":15878,"date":"2018-11-08T18:20:03","date_gmt":"2018-11-08T15:20:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intellectsoft.net\/blog\/?p=15878"},"modified":"2023-01-18T16:47:56","modified_gmt":"2023-01-18T13:47:56","slug":"quick-guide-open-bim-software-and-components","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intellectsoft.net\/blog\/quick-guide-open-bim-software-and-components\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Free Open BIM Software & Components"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

In our previous article, we have elaborately explored IFC file formats and other <\/span>open BIM standards<\/span><\/a> which one can use in enterprise systems in the AEC industry. In this article, we are moving further into the subject and will be looking into open source BIM software and components that you can use to build a BIM infrastructure. <\/span><\/p>\n

Without further ado, let\u2019s explore BIM servers, 3D model viewers, validators, and a range of other useful tools for building such an infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n

BIM Repositories<\/b><\/h2>\n

Central BIM model storage is the cornerstone of a robust information system. BIM models used to be stored as files in cloud services like Dropbox, SharePoint, and shared FTP servers for a long time. Users had to keep track of versions manually and change filenames with every next version of a BIM model to distinguish one iteration from another. <\/span><\/p>\n

BIMserver \u2014 From Many Files to a Single Database<\/b><\/h2>\n

BIMServer<\/span><\/a> is an enterprise-grade open-source software that was developed to support the transition of file-based BIM storage to the realm of online databases. The stability of BIMserver is proven in the enterprise, as many commercial applications are built with it. The upcoming release of <\/span>Version 1.5<\/b> will add full support for IFC4 and IFC4 Add 2 specifications.<\/span><\/p>\n

BIMserver operates on the object model that evolved from IFC specifications into Entity Modeling Framework entities, which in turn are stored in a persistent key-value database. The latter uses embedded Berkeley DB Java Edition \u2014 one of the best libraries on the market.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"open<\/p>\n

Simplified BIMserver architecture. Image credit: Article “Bimserver.org – an Open Source IFC model server” (2010)
\n<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This library is the most suitable option for an internal BIM repository that needs to manage models amounting to many gigabytes. Plus, BerkleyDB\u2019s modular architecture and broad set of supported plugins will help you further extend the functionality if your project requires it.<\/span><\/p>\n

BIM Components & Viewers<\/b><\/h2>\n

Now, let\u2019s look at a set of BIM components that you might need for viewing, editing, and modifying BIM models online and on a desktop. Some of them are building blocks that can be re-used in different scenarios, while other are fully functioning, standalone software solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

IfcOpenShell \u2014 Helpful Library with Geometry Conversion<\/b><\/h3>\n

IFC file format requires the support of many internal objects descriptions by class that you can process and analyse later. <\/span><\/p>\n

In visualization, you need to to convert the IFC parametric representation to triangles that can be understood by GPU rendering software. This is were <\/span>IfcOpenShell<\/span><\/a> shines, helping you with object descriptions, file parsing, and conversion into triangles for 3D visualizations.<\/span><\/p>\n

IfcOpenShell was written in C++ and has Python bindings as well as an interactive mode. There is also a set of derivative BIM open source software products available from the IfcOpenShell community \u2014 \u00a0IfcMax, IfcBlender, IfcConvert, IfcOpenShell-python, and BIMserver plug-in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"open<\/p>\n

Example of IfcBlender rendering using IfcOpenShell internal representation based on material properties from an IFC model file.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BIMsurfer \u2014 WebGL Viewer for IFC Models<\/b><\/h3>\n

BIMsurfer<\/span><\/a> is one more tool that works well with BIMserver and relies on IfcOpenShell. It is a customizable WebGL viewer with different view controls, cameras, objects selection\/manipulation, and other tools. It is based on <\/span>xeogl<\/span><\/a> WebGL engine and looks great in modern browsers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"best<\/p>\n

BIMSurfer example of BIM visualization<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

bimvie.ws \u2014 BIMSie API Client<\/b><\/h3>\n

With BIMserver repository, you still need a way to work with your projects and data objects. Here, <\/span>bimvie.ws<\/span><\/a> is the linking tool. The component is available separately and in a JAR package that you can deploy together with BIMserver.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"bim<\/p>\n

bimvie.ws example as part of BIMServer<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dynamo BIM \u2014 Parametric Graphics Programming Tool<\/b><\/h3>\n

Dynamo BIM<\/span><\/a> is a tool for computational design and model parametrization. Open-source and based on a graphical algorithm editor, Dynamo BIM provides flexibility and features that can be easily integrated into your custom in-house environments.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"open<\/p>\n

Parametric design example in Dynamo BIM<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

OpenBIM \u2014 Open Toolbox for BIM<\/b><\/h3>\n

At the core of <\/span>OpenBIM<\/span><\/a> is xBIM (<\/span>eXtensible Building Information Modeling<\/span><\/a>) Toolkit\u2014 a .NET Core open-source software development BIM toolkit that supports the IFC data model.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"BIM<\/p>\n

xBIM Xplorer example in action<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The toolbox includes many different parts that an openBIM architect can re-purpose in custom apps:<\/span><\/p>\n