Define flexible value matching using patterns, ranges, enumerations, and length constraints. Restrictions extend simple value matching for more complex requirements.

Restriction Types

Enumeration

Allow a value to match any item from a predefined list.

Use case: Limiting allowed values to a specific set.

In IDSedit, use the enumeration editor to add multiple allowed values.

Pattern (Regex)

Define naming conventions or value formats using regular expressions.

Use case: Enforcing naming standards, validating formats.

Basic Pattern Syntax

Character Classes

Quantifiers

Common Patterns for BIM

Bounds (Numeric Ranges)

Specify minimum and/or maximum values for numeric parameters.

Use case: Validating measurements, quantities, performance values.

Examples:

Length (String Length)

Constrain the length of text values.

Use case: Ensuring descriptions aren't empty, limiting field lengths.

Examples:

Combining Restrictions

Some facet parameters support combining restrictions:

Property: FireRating
Restrictions:
  - Pattern: [0-9]+HR
  - Enumeration: ["1HR", "2HR", "3HR", "4HR"]

The value must satisfy ALL specified restrictions (AND logic).

Using Restrictions in IDSedit

1. Select a facet parameter field
2. Click the restriction toggle to switch from simple value mode
3. Choose the restriction type from the dropdown
4. Configure the restriction parameters
5. For multiple values, use the add button

Restriction Examples by Facet

Entity Facet - Predefined Type

Pattern: .*EXTERNAL.*
Matches: EXTERNALWALL, EXTERNAL, DOOREXTERNAL

Property Facet - Value

Enumeration: ["TRUE", "FALSE"]
For boolean-like properties

Attribute Facet - Name Value

Pattern: [A-Z]{2}-[0-9]{4}
For enforcing naming convention like "WL-0001"

Classification Facet - Code

Pattern: EF_25_.*
Matches all Uniclass wall-related codes

Technical Notes

Regex Engine

IDS uses XSD-compatible regular expressions, which are slightly different from common regex flavors:

Numeric Precision

For floating-point comparisons, IDS uses a tolerance:

• Values within 1e-6 relative tolerance are considered equal
• Example: 10.0000001 equals 10 for comparison purposes

Empty Values

• Empty enumeration = any value allowed
• Empty pattern = any value allowed
• No min bound = no lower limit
• No max bound = no upper limit

Testing Patterns

Before deploying, test your patterns:

• Regex101 - Interactive regex tester (use PCRE or ECMAScript mode)
• RegExr - Visual regex editor

Note: Some advanced regex features may not work in IDS. Test with simple patterns first.

Learn More

For detailed restriction specifications, see the official restrictions documentation from buildingSMART.