Purpose

Use IFC Export Mappings to control how ArtisanRV landscape elements are classified and exported to Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) files. IFC Export Mappings help ensure that planting, terrain, hardscape, site elements, and landscape infrastructure are correctly represented when exchanging BIM data with consultants, contractors, clients, and asset management systems.

Proper IFC mapping supports BIM compliance, model interoperability, coordination, and information management throughout the project lifecycle.

Prerequisites

Before configuring IFC Export Mappings:

Outcome: The project is prepared for IFC data mapping and export.

1. Review Project Export Requirements

1. Confirm the required IFC deliverable.
2. Review project BIM Execution Plan requirements.
3. Identify:
   • Required IFC schema version
   • Client information requirements
   • Classification standards
   • Asset management requirements
4. Confirm project export objectives.

Outcome: Export requirements are clearly defined.

2. Review Landscape Content

1. Audit the project model.
2. Review:
   • Existing Trees
   • Proposed Trees
   • Planting Areas
   • Seed Mixes
   • Linear Paths
   • Area Pads
   • Terrain Elements
   • Hardscape Features
   • Root Barriers
   • Root Balls
3. Verify that objects are correctly categorised.

Outcome: Landscape content is ready for classification mapping.

3. Open IFC Export Mappings

1. Access the IFC Export Mapping tools.
2. Open the mapping configuration interface.
3. Review the current mapping definitions.
4. Verify that project standards are being applied.

Outcome: IFC mapping settings are available for review and modification.

4. Review Default Mappings

1. Examine the existing mappings assigned to project elements.
2. Confirm how landscape categories are currently classified.
3. Review:
   • Element categories
   • IFC entity assignments
   • Export parameters
   • Property set definitions
4. Identify any elements requiring adjustment.

Outcome: Existing export behaviour is understood.

5. Configure Landscape Element Mappings

1. Assign the appropriate IFC classifications to landscape objects.
2. Review mappings for:
   • Planting
   • Trees
   • Terrain
   • Site surfaces
   • Paving
   • Landscape structures
3. Ensure similar elements are mapped consistently.
4. Apply organisational BIM standards where applicable.

Outcome: Landscape content is correctly mapped for IFC export.

6. Review Property Information

1. Verify model parameters required for export.
2. Confirm that key information is available, such as:
   • Object names
   • Specifications
   • Classification data
   • Dimensions
   • Quantities
   • Asset information
3. Correct missing or incomplete metadata.

Outcome: Exported objects contain the required information.

7. Test the IFC Export

1. Execute an IFC export using the configured mappings.
2. Generate a test IFC file.
3. Save the exported model for review.
4. Confirm the export process completes successfully.

Outcome: A test IFC file is available for validation.

8. Validate Exported Data

1. Open the exported IFC model in an IFC viewer or coordination platform.
2. Review:
   • Element classification
   • Object hierarchy
   • Property data
   • Geometry integrity
   • Site coordination information
3. Confirm landscape elements appear as expected.
4. Document any issues identified.

Outcome: Export quality is verified.

9. Refine and Re-Test

1. Update mappings where issues have been identified.
2. Correct:
   • Classification assignments
   • Property mappings
   • Missing information
   • Export configuration settings
3. Repeat the export and validation process.
4. Confirm all requirements have been met.

Outcome: IFC output complies with project requirements.

10. Publish IFC Deliverables

1. Complete a final export using the approved mappings.
2. Verify:
   • File naming standards
   • Project metadata
   • Revision information
   • BIM compliance requirements
3. Issue the IFC deliverable as part of the project package.
4. Archive the approved mapping configuration for future use.

Outcome: IFC deliverables are ready for coordination, review, and information exchange.

Verification Checklist

• ✅ IFC export requirements have been reviewed.
• ✅ Landscape content has been checked and categorised correctly.
• ✅ IFC mappings have been configured.
• ✅ Property information has been verified.
• ✅ Test exports have been completed.
• ✅ IFC data has been validated.
• ✅ Mapping issues have been resolved.
• ✅ Final export has been generated.
• ✅ Deliverables comply with project BIM requirements.

Recommended Next Step

Following the IFC Export Mappings workflow, perform a full BIM coordination review of Terrain Models, Planting Elements, Existing Trees, Proposed Trees, Linear Paths, Area Pads, Root Infrastructure, Hardscape Features, and Classification Data to ensure all landscape information is accurately represented before issuing federated BIM deliverables to project stakeholders.