Classification#
We have a nearly complete classification system in IFC, why do we need classification systems in addition to IFC?
Classification systems attempt to solve the problem of non standard entity descriptions. They enable different countries and regions to have their own names for objects.
Standardisation is difficult and becomes more difficult the more things you try to standardise. Whilst the naming of things may seem a trivial problem, it does in fact get very complex very quickly as we when we name something in a set, we also classify it and say it is a type of one group and not another.
To take pressure from IFC it has been agreed that we are free to apply classification systems to it.
Examples include :
Uniclass
BIM7AA
Many others
Pros and cons
:white_check_mark: conforms to national / local naming norms.
:x: naming different between different models from different places.
:x: is that really what the entity? - is it classified properly?
:x: if classified properly, is the ifc labling correct?
:x: non trivial to translate between different classification systems.
Challenges / Issues#
Managing the challenges of classification systems is a key component of the manager role in OpenBIM.
Conversion between Classification systems.
Model Classification completeness checking.
Selecting the correct descrition with certainty.
Choosing which classification system to specify for your project.
knowing if an entity exists in a system.
Where to put entities that don’t really fit.
Advanced Classification Problems#
Automated Classification. Use of Machine Learning to support the automated classification of building information models.