What is LOD?

LOD is a set of requirements related to the completeness of the development of a digital information model element.

What is it for?

Well, the point is that the level of elaboration defines the minimum volume of geometric, spatial, quantitative and attributive data required to solve the information modeling tasks.

In other words, LOD can be seen as a kind of bridge between the client and the vendor.

Read on to find out exactly what the level of detail (or level of development) of a digital model is and how it is divided into stages.

What is LOD anyway?

LOD is nothing more than multiple variants of an object with different levels of detail, which are toggled depending on the distance of the object from the camera.

This is necessary because there is no point in calculating the most complex object if it will be visible on a screen of only a few pixels in size.

Small LODs (from 100 to 300, we'll talk about levels later) significantly reduce the load on devices and save resources when rendering.

By the way, LODs are actively used in computer games and even in film production.

What are the different levels of LOD?

Here are five LOD levels with detailed descriptions of each.

LOD 100

This is the minimum level of development. It is typically used for sketching only. All elements are roughly represented.
What is it for? To make preliminary calculations. It is difficult to think of any other use. The content is optimal for preliminary calculations of technical and economic indicators.

LOD 200

LOD 200 is a conditional object with the minimum elaboration necessary to make informed decisions. It is very different from the previous one. It is even possible to understand the exact affiliation of the object, since it has a good level of detail.

LOD 300

This is already a design model with specific and precise dimensions, shape, position in space and basic attributes.

But not without nuances.

And the nuances here are that neither the manufacturer nor the supplier is indicated on such models. However, LOD 300 will still go for design documentation.

LOD 400

Let's move up to the big leagues.

LOD 400 is a high level of elaboration with the most detailed representation and filling of information in the properties.

It is carried out at the stage of creation of working documentation. It looks like a specific scheme with quite specific sizes, shapes, location and even quantity.

And, unlike LOD 300, it already specifies both the manufacturer of materials and the supplier (if any).

LOD 500

Basically, LOD 500 is the same as LOD 400, but much improved!

Or rather, significantly refined.

This BIM model is usually overlaid, even after construction is complete, on the point cloud generated by scanning the object. Everything is included in the LOD 500: manufacturer data, material data, and even all the technical nuances.

I've seen terms like LOA, LOG and others. I'm not imagining it?

No, you're not imagining it! It's the same LOD, just more detailed. Not all experts work with additional aspects, but sometimes it is a very relevant way when you want to maximize accuracy.

In addition to LOA (Level of Accuracy) and LOD (Level of Geometry), which are used when specifying the data, size and shape of an object, there is also LOMD.

LOMD is our good old LOD, but with the word "model" added, which does not change the essence in practice, but can be misleading.

By the way, our site has other materials dedicated to three-dimensional models. In our catalog you can find an object for almost any taste. These are various chairs, tables, chandeliers, lamps, doors, walls, vases for your architectural projects and ready-made character models, which do not even need texturing, and immediately implement in your game (if you are a developer, of course).

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