Webbased (smart) building management system with advanced 3D IFC-viewer.

Language support:

- English

- German (Deutsch)

- Dutch (Nederlands)

- French (Francais)

The demo’s are available in English only.

BIMkeeper | Introduction and Manual

Using Building Information Modeling To Successfully Manage Real-estate

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Table of Content

Introduction to BIM ................................................................................................................... 3

BIM and IFC ................................................................................................................................ 4

Managing complexes ................................................................................................................. 5

Navigating to a complex ........................................................................................................ 5

Creating a new complex......................................................................................................... 7

Complex detail page .............................................................................................................. 8

Units ....................................................................................................................................... 9

Uploading IFCs ......................................................................................................................... 10

Setting a BIM Project as default .......................................................................................... 12

Conversion ........................................................................................................................... 12

Using the Viewer ...................................................................................................................... 13

Multiple selection and element export ............................................................................... 19

Adding 3D-Related data ....................................................................................................... 21

Account management .............................................................................................................. 23

Role Types ............................................................................................................................ 23

Creating a new user ............................................................................................................. 23

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IMPORTANT NOTE

To access the demo, you must request an account at: https://demo.bimkeeper.com

Please use this demo-instance, only for checking a particular subject. In this first demo we

offer an overview of the main features of the 3D IFC-viewer.

Although we try to keep the demo’s, video’s and manuals up to date, you might find some

new features in the viewer that are not (yet) described.

The demo’s do not offer a very detailed insight in the maintenance part of BIMkeeper. Even

without any BIM model, you can use BIMkeeper for the successful management of

buildings. In Dutch we use the abbreviation OGDB (Onroerend Goed DashBoard). OGDB was

already there before we fully integrated with BIM. So in fact, OGDB and BIMkeeper are

technically the same product.

If you are looking for more detailed information, please contact us:

contact@bimkeeper.com

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Introduction to BIM This document provides a brief description of the visualization and building information

module of BIMkeeper. BIMkeeper is a larger software suit containing a fully web-based

system for managing real-estate. BIMkeeper offers full integration with Building Information

Models (BIM), 3D digital information models representing real estate or other physical

infrastructure.

Using Building Information Modelling offers many business benefits, including but not

limited to: improved collaboration, a more rapid and productive drafting process, error and

conflict reduction during development, and of course numerous visualization capabilities.

BIMkeeper emphasizes and adds to these benefits, providing powerful tools for visualizing

data, connecting, and sharing data relevant to the Building Information Model. For example,

linking condition reports, preparation and set-up of long term maintenance plans,

visualization of sensor readings, and linking and storage of relevant documents.

BIMkeeper is a fully web-based platform, no client software is required, just a WebGL-

compatible browser and device. The platform provides easy search functions, integration

with maps or street view, and the ability to share data (with e.g. just a hyperlink). This very

much eases accessibility of the BIM models and the ability to share information about them.

Screenshot BIM Model in BIMkeeper

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BIM and IFC Building Information Models contain 3D geometry, measurements, physical properties,

materials, connections, and many other relevant building data. These models are often

created by professionals, like architects and specialized offices such as FIMBLE. This is

achieved with advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software such as Autodesk Revit or

Graphisoft ARCHICAD. The internal BIM file formats of these software applications are often

proprietary, but most offer the possibility to export the models into the IFC format. IFC

stands for Industry Foundation Classes, an open (ISO 16739) exchange format for Building

Information Models. BIMkeeper works with IFC files, so it does not matter in which

application the modeling is conducted.

Naturally, the level of information, detail, performance and quality of the model provided in

BIMkeeper entirely depends on the modeling process and/or IFC export options in the used

modeling software. For use with long term maintenance plans, providing proper

measurements (dimensions, areas) and classifications of elements is absolutely required.

BIMkeeper has implemented many optimizations to be able to quickly load and render large

models (including large complexes and IFC’s of several hundred MB’s). It is one of the fastest

web-based viewers available. Still, for smooth performance in WebGL and not to exceed

browser memory limits, care must be taken not to export too much detailed geometry.

The terms IFC models and BIM models are used interchangeably in this document.

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Managing complexes To use Building Information Models in BIMkeeper, it is first necessary to navigate to, or

create a complex. Although we use the word “complex”, “building”, “asset” or “project” also

fits the description.

Navigating to a complex When you log in to BIMkeeper, the first thing you will see is an overview of complexes, and

a search box. You can search for complexes by their name, address, city, or the name of an

IFC model (if available). The result page will show you some basic information about the

complex (thumbnail, name, address, whether it’s a HOA, if there is a BIM model available).

By clicking on a row, you can navigate to the complex.

There are two other ways to browse complexes in BIMkeeper:

The “Tiles” tab shows an overview of complexes (tiles) that are

specifically linked to your BIMkeeper account. This can be used to easily access complexes

you often work with. You can switch between “Show all complexes” and “Show my

complexes in the topright corner”.

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“Map” offers an advanced search and filter functionality. It presents all assets on the map

matching specific criteria (energy labels, construction years, square meters, and many more)

visually on the map.

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Creating a new complex To create a complex you need to have Administrator rights, click on the “Create

complex/building” button on the first search screen in the topright corner:

Next, you will need to enter the required information about the complex (name and

address):

Click on “Save” to finalize the creation of a complex.

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Complex detail page The detail page of the complex provides, at a glance, a visual overview of its location,

appearance and relevant information.

- On the top left, the location and outline of the complex is shown on a map

(OpenStreetMap). In this example, we use information from the Dutch cadaster

(BAG) to draw the building outlines. But we can also link with other sources.

- On the top right, you can use an interactive Google Street View pane.

- On the left side, you can view and/or upload a photo for the complex.

- Below the photo, there is a button to directly open the IFC model. It will be

shown if there is a single IFC model in the complex, or in case of multiple, the one

specifically set as the default.

The complex detail page

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Tabs provide different functions and information about the complex:

o The BIM tab allows you to view and manage the IFCs for the complex

o The 3D-related tab shows information linked to specific building elements

o The files tab lets you download and manage all files/documents relevant

to the complex

o The “Units” tab is shown if there are units in the complex. You can manage

them here and view their location on street view and the map.

Units A complex may contain zero, one, or multiple units. Units can be thought of apartments,

houses or rentable spaces. Or if the complex is not sub divisible (for example, a church), you

can define a single unit for the complex itself.

In BIMkeeper, lots of information can be connected to a unit, including:

- The type of unit (apartment, house, garage)

- The address

- Information about the occupant (including renting contracts or HOA membership

info)

- Many relating properties such as energy label, construction year, value, number

of rooms, etc.

It is not necessary to define units to upload an IFC model. However, they are very essential

objects in BIMkeeper in order to connect building information to. This information, can

among other things, be used to show information in the viewer. Like whether a space is

rented or not, and if yes, by whom. It also allows you to filter assets on a map based on

select criteria. For example, to visually present all assets with a low (D-) energy label built

after 1990.

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Uploading IFCs To upload an IFC, a BIM project has to be created first. A BIM project can consist of multiple

BIM models (IFCs). It is possible to combine multiple IFC files in the view.

To start, first go to the BIM tab. Next, click on “Add new BIM project”:

If there already is a BIM project, click on the “Edit” icon:

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Next, you will see the create/edit page for the BIM project:

First, enter the name of the BIM project if not already present. Below, you can drop one or

additional IFC files. After adding the IFC file, click on “OK” to assign it as a new model.

It is also possible to assign an IFC file as a new version of an existing one.

We strongly recommend uploading the accompanying Revit file (if available) alongside the

IFC model. You can do this by dropping the file as well, add adding it as a “source file”.

When done, click on the “OK” button below. The model will automatically start conversion.

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Setting a BIM Project as default If you uploaded more than one project, it is a good idea to set one as default. To do this,

click on the “Edit” (pencil) icon next to the project. Then, click on the “Set as default project”

checkbox, and press “OK”:

Conversion Before the IFC model is accessible in the viewer, it will have to be converted to a format

suitable for WebGL. This process can take a while. Models that have not yet been converted

will be shown with an hourglass icon and will show the progress. Models of which the

conversion is finished will have a check mark and a “3D” button to access the viewer.

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Using the Viewer

After loading a model in the viewer, you will be presented with a 3D view of the model

(1), and a left (2) and right (3) pane.

- You can navigate and zoom in the 3D view (1) with a mouse or touch controls.

o To center the camera on an object, click on it with the mouse

o To rotate the view, hold and move the left mouse button

o To pan the view, hold and move the right mouse button

o To zoom in, you can use the scroll wheel, or hold and move the middle

mouse button

- The left pane (2) represents the selection of visible elements in the building.

Here you can select and navigate to elements or turn them on or off. You can do

this in six different ways:

-

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o The first tab (“Structure”) lists all floors of a building and allows you to

turn them on or off. For example, when you only want to view a specific

floor of a building.

Building with only two floors enabled

o The second tab (“Types”) shows a list of elements categorized by their

element type. There can be multiple levels of element types, and you can

turn them on or off by level. To hide all elements except a specific

category, right click and select “Hide others”. You can do this for a main

category (“Glass”), or a subcategory (all glass with a specific brand or

dimension

Building with only elements of type doors and glass enabled

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o The third tab (“Classification”) is similar to the previous tab, but instead

categorizes elements by their classification. For example, the NL/SfB

standard.

o The fourth tab (“Zones”) shows elements grouped by Zones, if this data is

defined in the IFC. These represent collections of elements and/or spaces.

For example, all spaces belonging to a specific apartment can be grouped

to a zone.

o The fifth tab (“Groups”) shows elements grouped by Groups. Most of the

time these are general groups. Systems can also be found at the Groups

tab.

o The sixth tab (“Spaces”) shows spaces based on function.

o The right pane (3) shows information specific to the currently selected

element(s). This consists of the name, its type/IFC class, classification and

measurements. The number of elements with the same type, IFC class, or

classification is visible on the right. By clicking “Show more”, you can even

view additional information, such as the unique id and all properties

defined in the IFC. When having multiple elements selected, only

information common to the selection is shown.

- At the top of the right pane (4) is the documentation panel. This shows

additional information (text, hyperlinks, files) connected to the specific element.

For example, an operating manual for a boiler. This additional information comes

from the BIMkeeper database, not the IFC. You can add documentation using the

“Add…” button. We will explain this feature in the next section.

- The toolbar (5) contains some useful tools and advanced functionality:

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The “Separate floors” slider pulls

floors apart, so that it becomes easy

to look into the building. This is

similar to getting a view into the

floors by turning them on or off.

The “Spaces” icon toggles spaces on

or off. This allows you to view, select

and link information to spaces. The

spaces menu, changes the buildings

in space blocks. Each type of space

has its own color. If you click on a

certain space, the selected space

becomes highlighted.

The “eye” icon is used for showing

and hiding elements, and making

them transparent. This menu can

also be accessed by right clicking an

element (in the viewer or left

sidebar.)

“Show all” resets the visibility of all

elements.

“Hide” just hides this element.

“Hide others” hides all elements

except this element.

Next, it is possible to show or hide

only elements with the same IFC

class, main type, or sub type as the

selected element.

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Similar to hiding elements, it is also

possible to make an element (or

other elements) transparent.

The “Look at element” buttons

center and zoom the camera to the

specific element.

The crosshair icon switches to first

person camera mode. This allows

you to linearly move (fly) through a

building. You can look by moving the

mouse, and move by pressing the

WASD or arrow keys. With the “page

up” key the camera will move 1 floor

upwards and with the “page down”

key the camera moves 1 floor

downwards. You can exit first person

mode by pressing Esc.

The viewpoint menu is used to

switch to and manage viewpoints. A

viewpoint stores your current view

(position, rotation) and element

selection.

“Create hyperlink” creates a sharable

link with your current viewpoint. This

can be for example given to an

installer or contractor, so he can see

what element needs to be repaired,

with all relevant information at hand.

“Save viewpoint” opens a dialog to

save the viewpoint in the database,

together with a screenshot. It is

possible to mark a viewpoint as

default, so it will be opened when

the model is loaded.

Next, a list of viewpoints for the

current model is shown. Switch to

the viewpoint by clicking it. You can

also edit or remove them using the

two icons on the right.

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The sectioning tool can make a cross

section of a building, to view the

insides at a specific position and

angle.

To use the tool, first select a side of

an element to start sectioning (for

example, a side of a wall or a side of

a roof). This decide the initial

position and axis of the sectioning

plane.

You can move the sectioning plane

by dragging the on-screen arrows

(red, green, blue).

By clicking “Rotation”, you can rotate

the sectioning plane to another

angle. Click on “Translate” to be able

to move the sectioning plane again.

You can lock the sectioning in-place

by clicking the sectioning lock icon.

To stop sectioning, press the

sectioning button again.

The view settings menu allows you to

tweak some display options in the

viewer, such as lighting, background

color and wireframes.

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The measure menu, allows to

measure specific points. It is possible

to not only measure length, but also

surfaces. To measure something you

have to CTRL + click a point and click

another point to measure. You can

make lines, rectangles, triangles and

squares.

The checking menu allows you to

check certain things about the

model. Like performance impact and

checking walls.

Multiple selection and element export It is possible to select multiple objects in the viewer, and to export the information of the

selection to a CSV spreadsheet.

To select multiple elements, hold the Ctrl key while selecting elements with the left mouse

button in the 3D view. Keep holding the Ctrl key to add to the selection. It is also possible to

select multiple elements by clicking a floor, element type, classification or zone in the left

panel. In that case, all elements with the same floor, type, classification or zone will be

selected.

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To export the selection, click “Export selection (x elements) to CSV” in the right sidebar.

If you want to see a table of all selected elements select “Show selection..”

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Adding 3D-Related data By clicking “Add information” (4), you can add documentation related to a BIM model. Next,

a dialog will be presented:

First, enter a short title for the added information. For example, “Technical manuals”.

Next, you will need to decide on which level the element connects to:

The possible ways to connect an element are:

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- Only this specific element

- To the specific main- or subtype indicated by the architect

- The IFC class of the element

- If available, the classification code. For example, NL-SfB (Dutch), but others are

supported as well

- The floor of the element

- Or, the entire complex

Next, you can either add free text (including an URL/link), or upload file(s).

Finally, you can decide under which tab to put the added information, or create a new tab.

This tab will be a subtab under “3D-related” on the complex detail page. You can add as

many as you want.

Added information can be accessed in two ways. Firstly, clicking an element in the viewer

will show the information that is connected to it, in the top of the right toolbar (4).

Added installation manual to an element

It is also possible to view all added 3D-related information on the complex details page,

under the “3D-related” tab.

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Account management Please note that this chapter is only applicable for administrative users in BIMkeeper.

Role Types There are three user-roles relevant to BIMkeeper:

- Standard user – user with just the rights to read (viewing IFC models,

information of complexes and relevant data/files)

- Manager – user with rights to read, add, change or delete Complexes, IFC

models, and relevant data

- Administrator – user with all manager rights, plus the ability to create new

users, managers, or administrators

Additionally, for standard users it is possible to set whether they may view all files, or only

files in folders marked as public.

Creating a new user To create a new user, first log in with an administrator account. Next:

- Go to the “Admin” menu item

- Click on “Users”

- Click on the “Create new user” button

Here you can enter the necessary data. A username, password, name, and role are required.

When finished, click “Save”. The user should then be able to log in with the provided

credentials.

Page for creating a new user

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-End of manual-

For further questions, please contact IRP at contact@irp.nl