BIM KNOWLEDGE SERIES
BIM
BIM Terminologies & Acronyms
A Simple Guide to Commonly Used BIM Terms and Abbreviations
Focus
BIM Acronyms & Definitions
Application
AEC & BIM Projects
Purpose
Quick Reference Guide
Building Information Modeling (BIM) involves a wide range of technical terms, abbreviations, standards, and processes used throughout the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.
Understanding these commonly used terms helps BIM professionals, architects, engineers, contractors, and other project stakeholders communicate more effectively and understand project requirements clearly.
2D – Two Dimensional
Represents building information using two-dimensional drawings such as plans, elevations, and sections.
3D – Three Dimensional
Represents building elements in three-dimensional space, providing a visual representation of the project.
4D – Four Dimensional
Adds time and scheduling information to the BIM model to support construction planning and sequencing.
A/E – Architect/Engineer
AEC – Architecture, Engineering, and Construction, or Architecture, Engineering, and Contracting
AECOO – Architects, Engineers, Constructors, Owners, and Operators
CMa – Construction Manager as Agent
CMc – Construction Manager as Contractor
IPD – Integrated Project Delivery
SOW – Statement of Work or Scope of Work
POR – Program of Requirements
04
BIM & Information Management Terms
BIM – Building Information Model, Building Information Modeling, and Building Information Management
BEP – BIM Execution Plan
LOD – Level of Detail and Level of Development
LOI – Level of Information
OIR – Organisational Information Requirements
PIR – Project Information Requirements
AIR – Asset Information Requirements
SIR – Security Information Requirements
EIR – Exchange Information Requirements / Employer’s Information Requirements
IDM – Information Delivery Manual
IFC – Industry Foundation Classes
MVD – Model View Definition
05
Building Systems & Technical Terms
BAS – Building Automation System
BEA – Building Energy Analysis
BEM – Building Energy Model
BEMP – Building Energy Modeling Professional
BESA – Building Energy Simulation Analyst
HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
MEP/FP – Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection
CAD – Computer Aided Design
06
Facilities & Operations Terms
CAFM – Computer Aided Facility Management
CFR – Central Facility Repository
CMMS – Computerized Maintenance Management System
COBie – Construction Operations Building Information Exchange
O&M – Operations and Maintenance
SDM – Spatial Data Management
SPV – Spatial Program Validation
NBSAP – National Business Space Assignment Policy
GSA – General Services Administration
IAI – International Alliance for Interoperability
NIBS – National Institute of Building Sciences
NIST – National Institute of Standards and Technology
NBIMS US – National BIM Standard-United States
CIFE – Center for Integrated Facility Engineering
OCA – Office of the Chief Architect
ODC – Office of Design and Construction
PBS – Public Buildings Service
P100 – Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service
08
Additional BIM & Technical Terms
SPie – Specifiers’ Properties Information Exchange
VDC – Virtual Design and Construction
SI – International System of Units
SBU – Sensitive but Unclassified
NBSAP – National Business Space Assignment Policy
PLQ – Plain Language Questions
KEY BIM TERMS TO REMEMBER
BIM
Building Information Modeling and related information management concepts.
BEP
BIM Execution Plan used to define BIM processes and project requirements.
LOD
Level of Detail and Level of Development used to describe model requirements.
IFC
An open standard used to support BIM data exchange and interoperability.
Why BIM Terminology Matters
BIM terminology provides a common language for professionals working across different disciplines and project stages. Understanding these abbreviations makes technical communication clearer and helps professionals interpret BIM requirements more effectively.
Useful for BIM Professionals
Familiarity with commonly used BIM terms is valuable for students, freshers, BIM Modellers, BIM Coordinators, architects, engineers, and other AEC professionals.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
Understanding BIM acronyms and terminology helps professionals communicate consistently, interpret project requirements accurately, and work more effectively within the BIM environment.
