raw ifc data

Analyzing IFC Files: Five Effective Tools for BIM Data Quality Assurance

Analyzing Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) files is a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy and consistency of Building Information Modeling (BIM) data.

There are various aspects to consider during the verification of these files to avoid errors and ensure the optimal functioning of a project.

In this article, we will present five effective ways to verify IFC files, helping you gain confidence in the quality of your IFC files, essential for efficient work in the field of design and construction infrastructure management.

If you are interested in the topic of IFC 4.3, don’t forget to check out other articles dedicated to this subject on our blog.
  1. All you need to know about IFC 4.3 for infrastructure
  2. IFC 4.3 in road projects – case study
  3. Relations I used to create IFC 4.3 for infrastructure
  4. Spatial Breakdown Structure in IFC 4.3
  5. IFC 4.3 on construction site
  6. Webinar about IFC 4.3
  7. Ticket to openBIM
  8. Export to IFC 4.3
  9. The Key Changes in IFC Schema Shaping OpenBIM for Infrastructure
  10. Transferring from Civil 3D to Quadri and Exporting to IFC 4.3

Notepad++

Notepad++ is the most intuitive and widely used tool for inspecting “raw” IFC files. It efficiently facilitates the analysis of these files, providing advanced browsing capabilities through features such as /Ctrl+F/ for filtering files based on specific phrases, substitution, and highlighting keywords. Additionally, Notepad++ offers a preview of the occurrences of a particular phrase in the file, greatly aiding in in-depth analysis.

Notepad++
Customizing the interface in a way that enhances the display of IFC files is another advantage of Notepad++. The use of colors during file presentation significantly improves the understanding of the document’s structure. This tool not only allows effective analysis and manipulation of IFC files but also provides optimal conditions for better comprehension of their content.
ifc in notepad++
Moreover, the auto-suggestion of words based on those already present in the file streamlines file manipulation tasks.
prompt in Notepad ++

Visual Studio Code

Recently, I have been using Visual Studio Code, primarily due to its remarkable clarity, which is enhanced by installing an “IFC Syntax” plugin. After installing this plugin, files become much more readable, with individual code elements being color-coded, significantly facilitating understanding the file’s structure.

Visual Studio code and ifc
Compared to Notepad++, where creating a custom profile can be time-consuming, the “IFC Syntax” plugin for Visual Studio Code handles all settings for the user, making the configuration process more intuitive. Additionally, the Visual Studio Code plugin appears to work more efficiently than attempting to customize Notepad++ to meet specific needs.
Visual studio prompting
Both editors provide a word search function based on phrases, making navigation through files easy. However, Visual Studio Code stands out with its convenient overview of the entire file content, easing navigation and providing additional working comfort.
overview in ifc

IfcQuickBrowser

IfcQuickBrowser has been a reliable tool for over two decades, dedicated to browsing IFC files. Setting it apart from other available browsers is its ability to trace objects in the context of relations with other classes.

ifc browser
By clicking on a specific object, users have a unique opportunity to see the relationships it has with other elements, both as “Predecessors” and “Successors.” This functionality provides invaluable insight into the IFC file structure, revealing how individual elements are interconnected and where information about a particular object is precisely utilized.
ifcquickbrowser
Additionally, IfcQuickBrowser offers the ability to search the file based on a phrase. It’s worth noting that this feature may be slightly less advanced compared to other available applications. Nevertheless, this functionality enriches the tool, enabling users to effectively search for information within an IFC file. With these advanced features, IfcQuickBrowser maintains its value and usefulness even after two decades since its debut.
ifcquickbrowser searching

Validation service by buildingSMART International

Analyzing the correctness of an IFC file is possible through the validation service provided by buildingSMART International. The following steps outline my approach to file analysis:

1. **File Submission** I begin by submitting the file I want to analyze to the validation service, waiting for a duration dependent on the file size.

2. **Validation Process** During the waiting period, the file undergoes a validation process, including syntax correctness, schema compliance, adherence to rules, and compatibility with the buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD). Upon completion, a detailed report highlighting any errors related to these areas is generated.

3. **Analysis in Visual Studio Code/Notepad++** Once the report is available, I open the IFC file in Visual Studio Code or Notepad++. This allows me to easily locate areas where errors occurred.

The validation service is particularly beneficial for advanced users familiar with the IFC schema. However, it also serves as an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand potential issues in their IFC file.

Check validation service here: validate.buildingsmart.org

validate in buildingsmart

ifcOpenShell

A standout discovery in 2023 for me was ifcOpenShell. While I plan to dedicate a separate post to it, I couldn’t resist sharing some insights now. ifcOpenShell is an extraordinary library and set of tools that enable developers, engineers, and architects to work with IFC data in various programming languages.

Personally, I use ifcOpenShell in conjunction with Python. Even in the testing phase, I already see immense value in this library. I’ve been able to analyze files, extract information such as properties, assigned classifications to specific objects, all relationships assigned to an object, the number of classes categorized as ifcElement subgroup, the number of property sets, and more.

This opens up endless possibilities for analysis. During my tests, I used the Colab platform (from Google), also known as “Colaboratory.” It is a platform that allows writing and executing Python code without configuration, providing free access to GPU units, and facilitating project sharing.

I highly recommend this approach, especially for those starting their journey with ifcOpenShell. More information about this tool, how to get started, and code examples can be found on the official website: ifcopenshell.org

colaboratory and IFC

Summary

In conclusion, effective analysis of IFC files is a key element in ensuring data accuracy in BIM models. Choosing the right tools, such as Notepad++, Visual Studio Code, IfcQuickBrowser, Validation Service, and ifcOpenShell, can significantly facilitate this process, providing diverse capabilities for browsing, validating, and analyzing data.

The combination of these tools can be tailored to various user needs, both for advanced users and those who prefer more intuitive interfaces. Introduction to IFC file analysis using these tools allows for a better understanding of data structure and identification of potential issues, crucial for efficient work in the field of design and construction infrastructure management.

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Author:

Marcin Pszczolka

Marcin Pszczolka

BIM Manager
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