Documentation

IFC Element Matching

Match Revit and IFC element identifiers across model versions so issues and markups stay linked when the model is rebuilt.

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IFC Element Matching

LocusBIM can match elements in a loaded GLTF/GLB model back to their source IFC identities using a lightweight sidecar file. This unlocks GlobalId-based BCF export and richer issue metadata without requiring a full IFC parser.

What Is a Sidecar File?

When you export a GLB from Revit using the LocusBIM Revit plugin, the plugin also writes a companion .lbim-ifc.json file alongside the GLB. This sidecar maps each mesh UUID in the GLB to its IFC GlobalId, element type, level, and discipline.

Linking the Sidecar

  1. Open a GLB model via File → Open Model.
  2. Go to File → Link IFC Sidecar… and select the matching .lbim-ifc.json file.
  3. LocusBIM reads the sidecar and enriches each 3D element in the model tree with its IFC identity.

Match Rate Indicator

After linking, a match rate badge appears in the Model Tree header (e.g., 1,847 / 1,902 elements matched — 97%). Elements that could not be matched (e.g., elements added after the IFC export) are shown in amber in the tree.

What Matching Enables

Key / ControlAction
BCF GlobalIdEach BCF issue contains the IFC GlobalId of the selected element — importable by any BCF-compliant platform
Richer issue cardsIssue panel shows IFC element type (e.g., IfcBeam, IfcDuct) alongside the Revit category
Cross-discipline filteringFilter the Model Tree and Issues panel by IFC discipline (Architectural, Structural, MEP)
Tip: If your Revit model changes significantly, re-export both the GLB and the sidecar from the Revit plugin to keep IDs in sync. The match rate indicator will show any new unmatched elements.
Related topics
  • Issue TrackingTrack RFIs, clashes, and coordination issues with AI-suggested categories and urgency tags, plus full BCF 2.1 round-trip.
  • Link PDF to 3DCalibrate a 2D sheet to its 3D model coordinates so clicking a markup flies the 3D viewer to the matching element, and vice versa.
  • Cost ImpactLive cost estimates as you mark up PDFs and 3D issues. Calibrate scale, link IFC element types, map Revit categories, toggle imperial/metric, roll up per project.