VMT Solutions drawing standard
Level of Detail LOD 100 to LOD 400
Which components do we model at which level? This matrix answers that question bindingly for 22 component groups, from structure through fit-out to room documentation. It lets you fix the scope of work before the first Point cloud is touched.
What does LOD mean in scan-to-BIM?
LOD stands for Level of Detail and describes how precisely a component is represented in the BIM model. In scan-to-BIM, the LOD level defines which elements are taken from the Point cloud and which features, such as casing, stucco or material assignment, are modelled with them. VMT Solutions works with four levels from LOD 100 to LOD 400 and documents for every component group individually what is included.
- Levels
- LOD 100 / 200 / 300 / 400
- Accuracy from LOD 300
- ±15 mm
- Point cloud formats
- E57, RCP, LAS, FLS, LAZ, XYZ, PTX
- Delivery
- Native File plus IFC2x3
The four levels at a glance
Each level corresponds to one service package. The mapping is fixed: Basic equals LOD 100, Standard equals LOD 200, High equals LOD 300, Premium equals LOD 400.
Massing and main dimensions
Package: Basic
Components as simple volumes with length, thickness and height. No material assignment, no casing. Suitable for feasibility studies and first area calculations.
Components with material
Package: Standard
Doors, windows, staircases and fit-out elements are added, together with material assignment and room data. The usual basis for refurbishment design.
Build-up and connections
Package: High
Casing, columns inside the wall, rafters drawn individually, cornices and balustrades are represented. Dimensional accuracy ±15 mm. The standard for detailed design in existing buildings.
Detail and ornament
Package: Premium
Stucco, wrought iron, window shutters and cabinet fronts true to the original. Roof level points every 30 cm. The level for heritage conservation and reconstruction.
Complete level of detail matrix
A filled marker means the feature is included at that level. A red outlined note describes in which form it is modelled. Select a level above to see only its scope of work. Use 3D and 2D to switch between view and drawing; click an image to enlarge it.
Not included in the standard
Dimensioning, machinery, pipes and electrical are not part of the Basic to Premium packages. These services are ordered separately. They are marked accordingly in the matrix so that the scope is clear from the start.
Electrical: illustrations released, feature list still under review
For electrical, the reference illustrations at LOD 200, 300 and 400 are available. The feature list in the table is a draft derived from those illustrations and has not yet been released. For a quotation we agree the scope of each item directly with you.
Levels can be combined per component group
You do not have to settle on a single level. In practice a mixed specification is normal, for example wall at LOD 300, roof at LOD 200 and facade at LOD 400. We record the allocation per component group in writing in the quotation.
You scan – we support every downstream service, from the Point cloud to the native BIM model.
VMT Solutions Co., LTD · Archicad, Revit, Allplan, Vectorworks
Why we fix the level of detail in writing
Most renegotiations in scan-to-BIM do not arise during modelling; they arise from how the term LOD is understood. Two offices rarely mean the same thing by LOD 300. That is why we do not work from a general definition but from a checklist per component group.
Before modelling starts, our geomatics engineers check the Point cloud for registration, coordinate system and completeness. Only then does modelling begin, following the matrix documented here. At handover you receive the native File for your platform, IFC2x3 and a QC report in which the checked items are traceable.
For you this means the scope of work is fixed before the project starts, and acceptance is checked against the same list the model was built to.
Frequently asked questions about level of detail
What is LOD 300 in BIM?
LOD 300 is the level at which components are modelled with their build-up and connections, not only as volumes. At VMT Solutions, LOD 300 includes casing on walls and columns, columns and beams within the wall, rafters drawn individually, steps true to the original and material assignment on all components. Dimensional accuracy is plus or minus 15 mm. LOD 300 is the usual level for detailed design work in existing buildings.
What is the difference between LOD 300 and LOD 400?
LOD 300 covers the build-up of the component; LOD 400 adds the ornamental and detail layer. Specifically, LOD 400 adds stucco on walls, columns and ceilings, detailed instead of simplified casing, wrought iron on balustrades, window shutters in detail, cabinet fronts with door swing indication, wall finishes, and roof level points every 30 cm instead of three points. LOD 400 is used above all in heritage conservation and reconstruction.
Which level of detail is normal for an as-built survey?
For most refurbishment and renovation projects, LOD 200 to LOD 300 is the right choice. LOD 200 delivers components with material assignment and complete room data; LOD 300 adds component build-up and connections. LOD 400 pays off when ornamental elements are to be preserved or reconstructed. LOD 100 serves feasibility checks and first area calculations.
Can I combine different LOD levels in one project?
Yes, and in practice this is the normal case. You define the level per component group, for example wall at LOD 300, roof at LOD 200 and facade at LOD 400. We record this allocation in the quotation and in the project handbook and model exactly to it. Acceptance is checked against the same list.
Are dimensioning, machinery, pipes and electrical included in the standard?
No. These four areas sit outside the Basic to Premium packages and are ordered separately. Dimensioning covers window, door, room and overall dimensions. Machinery is modelled as a box or in detail depending on the level. Pipes include valves, connections, brackets and support feet from LOD 400. Electrical covers luminaires, switches, socket outlets and cable routing from LOD 200. We list these items separately in the quotation.
Which Point cloud formats does VMT Solutions process?
We process seven formats: E57, RCP, LAS, FLS, LAZ, XYZ and PTX. For projects in Germany we use ETRS89 as the standard coordinate system. Before modelling starts, our geomatics engineers check the registration and completeness of the Point cloud and report gaps back to you before modelling time is invested.
In which software does VMT Solutions deliver the model?
We deliver native files for Archicad, Revit, Allplan and Vectorworks, together with IFC2x3. Native delivery means you can continue working with the model in your own environment without conversion losses. You also receive the processed Point cloud and a QC report.
How does the LOD level affect price and schedule?
Effort increases with each level, but not linearly and not equally for every component group. The largest step comes from stucco, detailed casing and true-to-original ornamental elements at LOD 400. We therefore recommend applying high levels where they are actually needed for the design work. Send us your Point cloud and we normally reply within 24 hours with a detailed quotation per component group.
Define the level of detail for your project
Send us your Point cloud and a short description of the project. We propose a level allocation per component group and break down the effort transparently. We are happy to walk you through it.
