LOD measures how much of the element is defined and reliable in the model — from 100 (concept) to 500 (as-built). The right question is never “what is the LOD?”: it is “what is the LOD for this use?”.
In one sentence: LOD (Level of Development) is a scale from 100 to 500 that says how much the information of each element in the model can be trusted — formalised in the BIMForum LOD Specification (inherited from the American AIA) and nowadays coexisting with the LOIN of the European standard, covered below.
Each step buys a new use. The underlined band is where almost all real projects live — and it is the band up to which this collective delivers: LOD 350 at most, no 400/500.
| step | what is defined | the use it buys |
|---|---|---|
| LOD 100 | The element exists as a symbol or conceptual mass; quantities are order of magnitude. | Feasibility studies, massing, programme. |
| LOD 200 | Approximate element: generic quantity, size, shape, position and orientation. | Preliminary design basis, estimates, application. |
| LOD 300 | Defined element: specific size, shape, location and identity. It can be measured from the model. | Permitting design, quantity take-offs, budget. |
| LOD 350 | LOD 300 + interfaces with the neighbouring systems (supports, connections, clearances). | Discipline coordination, clash detection. |
| LOD 400 | Fabrication, assembly and installation detail. | Construction: model-guided execution. |
| LOD 500 | Element verified against the built work (as-built). | Asset management, maintenance. |
ISO 19650 does not use LOD. It uses LOIN (Level of Information Need, formalised in EN 17412-1): instead of a single scale, one defines per element and per purpose — required geometry, alphanumeric data, documentation — which information that use needs (sizing, coordinating, awarding, managing). At the drawing board: “LOD 300” is the conversational shortcut; LOIN is the answer a tender document under the ISO 19650 expects to see. The practical effect is the same as this whole page's: nobody should pay for information that no use justifies.
In Portugal, the measured reality is that this conversation has not even happened yet: 0 mentions of LOD in 1,059 documents from architecture competitions (2010–2026) (meta-concurso [measured]). When the BIM requirement of DL 10/2024 (Decree-Law) arrives (2030), the vocabulary the tender documents will adopt is this one — it arrives in time for you to procure well before someone else procures on your behalf.
A scale from 100 to 500 that measures how much of an element's information is reliable: 100 is concept, 300 is defined and measurable, 500 is verified against the built work. Formal definition in the BIMForum LOD Specification.
LOD 200–300 for design basis and permitting; LOD 350 for discipline coordination. Above that, only with a concrete use that demands it — fabrication (400) or verified asset management (500).
No — detail is how much you see, development is how much you know. You procure the second.
It is the European version (EN 17412-1, used by ISO 19650): information needs per element and per purpose, instead of a single scale. “LOD 300” is the conversational shortcut; LOIN is the language of the standard.
In scan-to-BIM, typical Portuguese LOD 200–350 modelling comes in between €0.5 and €4.5 per m² from an existing point cloud; each step above the use that is needed multiplies the time without buying anything. The pricing guide has the full ranges.
The scan-to-BIM pricing guide has the ranges per m², by area and by complexity — survey and modelling, with LOD 200–350 declared and the accuracy stated separately.
Open the pricing guide