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.

Connected Construction

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Roadtec bullish with strong results
    February 21, 2017
    Roadtec says that it saw a strong financial performance in 2016 and has high hopes for 2017. Part of Astec Industries, Roadtec says that it finished 2016 exceeding its sales performance goals. The firm says that the asphalt paving market benefited from the passage of the 6-year FAST-ACT Highway Bill on December 4th, 2015. Astec Industries and Roadtec played important roles in an industry-wide campaign calling for US legislators urging them to pass the bill. “Through these efforts and many others in our i
    Read More
  • Measuring markings performance with on-vehicle tester
    March 9, 2017
    Technology is now available that will allow regular monitoring of the retroreflectivity of road markings. This new system can carry out the monitoring task safely and economically even when the carrier vehicle is moving at normal traffic speed. As a result this ensures that there is no interference to traffic flows, according to manufacturer Reflective Measurement Systems (RMS). The newly developed equipment can be attached to the front of a testing vehicle. The firm says that the RetroTek-M can survey six
    Read More
  • Leica’s growing support network
    April 23, 2013
    Leica Geosystems has launched Leica Zeno Office v3.1 and Leica MobileMatriX v5.1 software updates for the Zeno GIS series. Leica Zeno Office v3.1 and MobileMatriX v5.1 now support the new Leica CS25 GNSS, an innovative tablet computer and high accuracy data collector; Esri ArcGIS 10.0/10.1; and post-processing accuracy improvements. Johannes Hotz, senior product manager, says: “Both Zeno Office, in combination with Leica Zeno Field, and MobileMatriX further support the measurement of positions and associate
    Read More
  • Well-educated personnel are the best investment for the future says the Ammann international training centre
    May 20, 2014
    Far too often, managers will view training as a luxury and not as a competitive and strategic necessity. Lazy team leaders regularly argue that it is a waste of time and money training their people, not least because these same trainees might subsequently leave the organisation. Courses are seen as an interruption, and a good way to delay things. There is always something much more pressing and important on the to-do list and staff can end up feeling forced into the training department. But these are weak a
    Read More

Highlighted Content