LOD 200 is approximate, generic geometry, right for most fit-out, refurbishment and design coordination. LOD 300 is precise, documentation-ready geometry. LOD 350 adds the connections between elements so trades can run clash detection, and typically calls for survey-grade capture. Higher LOD costs more, so match it to what the project actually needs.
LOD, or Level of Development, is the industry's way of saying how detailed and reliable a BIM model is. The levels are defined by the AIA and the BIMForum specification, and choosing the right one is the difference between paying for a model you can use and paying for detail you do not need.
The levels, in plain terms
LOD 200: approximate geometry
Elements are shown as generic systems or objects at roughly the right size, shape, location and orientation. Think of it as accurate placeholder geometry. It is the right level for space planning, design coordination, and most fit-out and refurbishment work.
LOD 300: precise geometry
Elements are specific and dimensionally accurate, correctly sized and located. This is documentation-ready: the level you want when the model is going into a tender or construction set.
LOD 350: coordination with interfaces
Builds on LOD 300 by adding the connections and interfaces between elements, so different trades can run clash detection against each other. It sits above LOD 300 and below LOD 400. Because clash detection trades on millimetre certainty at the interfaces, LOD 350 work is usually built on survey-grade laser scanning rather than reality capture - a different capture job, which we arrange through a specialist survey partner when a project needs it.
Each level includes everything in the levels below it, so the model gets more complete, and more work, as you go up.
Which one does your project need?
| If you are... | You probably need |
|---|---|
| Space planning or coordinating a fit-out | LOD 200 |
| Documenting an existing building | LOD 200 to 300 |
| Producing a tender or construction set | LOD 300 |
| Running clash detection between trades | LOD 350 (survey-grade capture) |
| Capturing as-builts for the record | LOD 200 |
LOD and cost
A higher LOD means more modelling time, so it costs more: each level adds detail on top of the one below. The practical point for budgeting is to not over-specify. You rarely need LOD 300 or 350 across an entire building; far more often you need LOD 200 generally, with a higher LOD on the one area, such as a plant room or a structural interface, that actually needs the coordination.
Getting that judgment right is exactly what we do. Sydney Scan Co models to LOD 200 by default and steps up to LOD 300 where a project needs documentation-ready geometry, confirmed in the scope before we start, so you are never paying for detail the job does not use. Where a project genuinely needs LOD 350 coordination, we arrange the survey-grade capture it is built on through a specialist partner. That is the advantage of one team that captures and models in-house: we right-size the LOD to your project, not to a price list. For dollar ranges, see our guide to scan-to-BIM cost in Australia.
Common questions
What does LOD mean in BIM?+
LOD stands for Level of Development. It describes how detailed and reliable each element in a BIM model is, from approximate placeholder geometry up to fully specified, coordinated elements. The levels (100, 200, 300, 350, 400, 500) are defined by the AIA and the BIMForum specification.
What is the difference between LOD 200 and LOD 300?+
LOD 200 is approximate geometry: generic elements at roughly the right size, shape and location. LOD 300 is precise geometry: specific elements that are dimensionally accurate and correctly located, ready for documentation. LOD 300 takes more modelling and costs more.
What LOD do I need for a fit-out or refurbishment?+
Most fit-out, refurbishment and design-coordination work is well served by LOD 200. Step up to LOD 300 where you are documenting for tender or construction. LOD 350, for clash detection between trades, typically calls for survey-grade capture. You rarely need a high LOD across a whole building.
What LOD does Sydney Scan Co model to?+
We model to LOD 200 by default, which suits most fit-out, refurb and mid-rise work, and step up to LOD 300 where a specific part of the project needs documentation-ready geometry, with the delivered tolerance stated in writing. LOD 350 coordination modelling typically needs survey-grade capture, which we arrange through a specialist survey partner. We confirm the LOD in the scope before we start.
Not sure what LOD your project needs?
Tell us what the model is for and we will recommend the right level and price it accordingly. A fixed price comes back within 24 hours.