Not lost in translation – detecting BIM changes

A new package from 3D Repo offers effective real-time BIM change detection. This cloud-based change detection software can be used for 3D construction models to avert BIM issues from unregistered changes. This solution is said to provide a fast and reliable way to detect changes in underlying 3D models, using an encrypted web browser. The patent pending innovation operates on any 3D models, regardless of their file type, software used to produce them or file size. Called 3D Diff, the 3D Repo solution also a
May 22, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
A new package from 3D Repo offers effective real-time BIM change detection. This cloud-based change detection software can be used for 3D construction models to avert BIM issues from unregistered changes. This solution is said to provide a fast and reliable way to detect changes in underlying 3D models, using an encrypted web browser. The patent pending innovation operates on any 3D models, regardless of their file type, software used to produce them or file size. Called 3D Diff, the 3D Repo solution also allows users to share visualisations with project partners and stakeholders irrespective of location or time-zone.


The change detection algorithm allows users to mix and match models from different modelling tools and pipelines and still identify what has changed over time between revisions. This tool is important for design coordination stages, and also throughout construction when contractors introduce as-built models. It is important too for litigation to attribute who did what for legal liabilities and financial claims.

By comparing the actual geometry of a model rather than underlying, software specific object IDs or labels, 3D Diff can detect changes between models from different sources. A user can pass 3D models from PDMS to Navisworks as well as to 7981 Tekla due to project specific requirements. Without 3D Diff, there is no way of verifying what data has been lost in translation from one package to the next. 3D Diff runs in real time, regardless of the model file size, so even complex projects can be checked quickly.

The firm says that this fast, effective, software independent solution for change and clash detection requires no installation of desktop software. Data is encrypted and project privileges, such as view only or edit, can be assigned to individual project partners.

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