Data exchange formats are crucial to the BIM methodology as they ensure interoperability between different software applications and stakeholders. The "Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)" format is widely used, especially in building construction, and enables the exchange of geometric and non-geometric data. Besides IFC, other formats such as the "BIM Collaboration Format (BCF)" are also important for identifying errors or collisions when overlaying BIM models. In addition to IFC, there are other important formats such as the "Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie)" for operations and maintenance information, "Industry Process Standards (IPS)" for specific industry standards, and "IFC-Bridge" for bridge construction. The "openBIM" approach promotes collaboration and data exchange between different BIM platforms and applications by emphasizing open standards such as IFC and COBie. Using an appropriate data exchange format is critical to ensure that all project stakeholders have access to relevant information and can collaborate smoothly, regardless of the BIM software they use.
