Industry Foundation Classes

Industry Foundation Classes

The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data model is intended to describe building and construction industry data.

It is a neutral and open specification that is not controlled by a single vendor or group of vendors. It is an object-based file format with a data model developed by buildingSMART (International Alliance for Interoperability, IAI) to facilitate interoperability in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, and is a commonly used format for Building Information Modeling (BIM). The IFC model specification is open and available. It is registered by ISO as ISO/PAS 16739 and is currently in the process of becoming the official International Standard ISO 16739.

Because of its focus on ease of interoperability between software platforms the Danish government has made the use of IFC format(s) compulsory for publicly aided building projects. Also Finnish state owned facility management company Senate Properties demands use of IFC compatible software and BIM in all their projects.

Read more about Industry Foundation Classes:  History, IFC/ifcXML Specifications, File Formats, Architecture, Software Vendors Supporting IFC

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