EN ISO 29481-3:2022 defines a standardized, machine‑readable data schema for Information Delivery Manual (IDM) specifications used in Building Information Modelling (BIM). As the technical addition to the methodology in ISO 29481‑1, this part specifies how to store, exchange and read IDM content (including an idmXML schema) so IDM documents can be processed reliably by software and workflows across the construction lifecycle.
Keywords: ISO 29481-3, EN ISO 29481-3:2022, IDM schema, idmXML, idmXSD, BIM, information delivery manual, machine-readable IDM, information exchange.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Machine‑readable IDM schema: A formal data model and naming conventions to represent IDM content so tools can parse, validate and exchange IDM specifications.
- Authoring metadata: Structured elements for specification identifier (specId), author, publisher, change log and committee information to ensure provenance and traceability.
- Use case and business context: Formal representations for use cases, business context maps (process, interaction and transaction maps) and actor definitions.
- Exchange requirements: Definition of information units, constraints, corresponding external elements and links to corresponding Model View Definitions (MVD) or other exchange artefacts.
- IDM code generation rules: Rules to support automated generation of machine‑readable IDM outputs and mappings.
- Annexes and deliverables: Includes an informative idmXML schema definition (idmXSD) and guidance on IDM specification stages.
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- BIM managers and coordinators - to author interoperable IDM specifications and ensure consistent information handover across project phases.
- Software vendors and developers - to implement idmXML/idmXSD support in BIM authoring, validation and exchange tools.
- Consultants, architects and engineers - to define clear information requirements and map deliverables to digital models.
- Contractors and asset owners - to validate received BIM deliverables against standardized exchange requirements and outcomes.
- Standards bodies and implementers - to harmonize IDM practices and link IDM to MVDs and other interoperability standards.
Related standards
- ISO 29481‑1 - methodology for IDM (this document is the technical addition).
- Model View Definitions (MVDs) - referenced in the standard as corresponding exchange artefacts for implementation.
EN ISO 29481‑3:2022 enables reliable, machine‑readable IDM exchange - improving BIM interoperability, automating validation and clarifying information handover in the construction industry.
