Information Delivery Specification

Information Delivery Specification (IDS) is a buildingSMART standard for specifying and checking simple information requirements from IFC models. It is designed as a free, lightweight, standardised approach to model checking. Read more on the official website.

Introduction

An IDS is a file format ending in .ids containing a list of information Specifications. For example, a single Specification might say that "all walls must have a fire rating property". Model authors receiving an IDS file can use it to ensure all required information is provided for each Specification. Model recipients may use the IDS file to check whether the IFC model meets all of the Specifications. Reports may also be generated to list the results of Specification compliance checks.

IDS Diagram

IDS file creation tools and model checking tools are provided by many software vendors. Any IFC model produced from any software can be checked against an IDS file.

The IDS structure

Each IDS file can be described with metadata, and can contain one or more specifications. Specifications consist of two parts: applicability - describing what elements are subject to this specification, and requirements - listing what those applicable elements should or shouldn't have. Both applicability and requirements are built with facets, such as property, entity, classification, material or partOf.

How to start

Choose software that supports IDS checking (see list of tools supporting IDS).
Download a sample IDS file.
Download a sample IFC model to check against the IDS.
Load both the IDS and the IFC in your software and begin the checking process.
You should obtain a report of all the non-compliances.

That's it! You may also find more sample IDS files in the Examples. If you need help, please feel free to ask for help on the buildingSMART Forums.

IDSedit Documentation

Introduction to IDS

Information Delivery Specification

Introduction

The IDS structure

How to start

Learn more about IDS