BIM Explorer downloads
A free BOQ template for Excel that takes BIM Explorer's export, the UK IDS check pack as IDS files, a sample IFC model and a sample BCF issue exported by the app.
The same columns as the BOQ CSV that BIM Explorer Pro exports, with an item number and an NRM2 work section in front. Paste the exported CSV on the first sheet and the BOQ fills in; pick a work section for each row and the Collection and Summary add up NRM-style. Totals, the Collection and the Summary are live formulas.
The five UK starter checks that come with BIM Explorer Pro, as buildingSMART IDS 1.0 files: Uniclass, spaces, base quantities, common properties and a handover minimum. Open them in any IDS editor to read or adapt them. Each file is listed below.
What each of the five checks looks for, which IFC versions they cover, and how to change them for your own project.
The sample building that comes with BIM Explorer, as an IFC4 file: a single-storey house with walls, a curved roof, doors, windows, curtain walling, coverings, furniture and spaces. Some elements carry quantity sets and some don't, so it's a good model for trying the quantity check, takeoff, floor plans and the UK checks. It's Metre2's own model - use it to try BIM Explorer or any other IFC tool.
One issue on the sample house, exported from BIM Explorer 1.5 in BCF 2.1: the camera, the section plane at 1.2 m (a BCF clipping plane), a snapshot, the title, description, status and author. Open it in any BCF tool to see how BIM Explorer's issues arrive.
Starter checks for UK models - a quick way to see what's missing before you send or accept a model. They cover IFC 2x3, IFC4 and IFC 4.3. How the UK check pack works.
| File | What it checks |
|---|---|
uk-01-uniclass.ids | Uniclass on every element Main building element classes carry a classification whose system contains "Uniclass" (any case). |
uk-02-spaces.ids | Spaces named and numbered Every IfcSpace has a Name (its number) and a LongName. |
uk-03-base-quantities.ids | Base quantities present Walls NetSideArea or GrossSideArea; slabs, roofs and coverings NetArea or GrossArea; beams, columns and members Length; doors and windows Width, Height and Area - in a Qto_, BaseQuantities or other quantity set. |
uk-04-common-properties.ids | Core common properties Walls and slabs IsExternal and LoadBearing; walls and doors FireRating. |
uk-05-handover.ids | Handover minimum (starter, not COBie) Project, site, building and storeys named; door and window types (IFC4) or styles (IFC2x3) with Manufacturer and ModelReference. |
Yes, all of them. The Excel template, the IDS files and the sample model don't need BIM Explorer at all. Running the IDS checks and importing BCF in BIM Explorer is part of BIM Explorer Pro.
Yes - the sample house above. It's the same model that's built into BIM Explorer (click Load sample when the app opens), and it's Metre2's own, so you can use it in any IFC tool. Load sample also offers a duplex apartment and a clinic exported from Revit: they are buildingSMART International's community test files (CC BY 4.0), which you can download from buildingSMART's GitHub.
Yes. They're ordinary IDS 1.0 files. Open them in an IDS editor or a text editor, change them for your project and load your copy with Load IDS file. They're starter checks and don't replace your client's own IDS or EIR.
Yes. It's a starting point - check it against the project's own measurement rules before you rely on it.
The IFC viewer is free. BIM Explorer Pro is a one-off £29.99, with a free 7-day trial.
