XBIM

The xBIM (eXtensible Building Information Modelling) toolkit is a free software development tool that allows users to read, create and view building information models (BIM) in the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format. It can be used to create BIM middleware for IFC-based applications.

IFC is a neutral, non-proprietary data format used to describe, exchange and share information that was developed by BuildingSmart UK.

xBIM was instigated by Professor Steve Lockley at the University of Northumbria and is supported by a team of BIM specialists. It is open source, meaning that the source codes are available for anyone to use and develop.

xBIM is written in C# and C++ and uses 'extension methods' making it relatively straight forward to add new methods into an existing class. Developers can write simple command-line applications, or they can create extensions for Windows applications and web services.

The open-source xBIM Xplorer allows users to:

• Open and view IFC files.
• Navigate building information models.
• Show and hide parts of building information models.
• View a building information model in 360° degrees.
• Export IFC files as .ifcXML, ifcZIP files.

[edit] Find out more

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Building information modelling.
• buildingSmart.
• BIM articles.
• BIM resources.
• BIM glossary of terms.
• Industry Foundation Classes.

[edit] External references

• xBIM.
• Open BIM.