Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an abstract concept. The preferred
definition of BIM is “Building Information Modelling is digital representation of
physical and functional characteristics of a facility creating a shared knowledge
resource for information about it forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life
cycle, from earliest conception to demolition” (Snook, 2011). Different dimensions and
capabilities of BIM are articulated, such as 4D, 5D, 6D, etc. Interoperability issues have
been discussed with Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) specification and Construction
Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie). BIM maturity models have been
compared. Subsequently, the chapter reviews a brief historical perspective on BIM
software. It then proceeds to describe current and commonly available BIM software.
Eventually, it concludes with an overview of training programmes that are pertinent to
the obtaining of BIM software skills.
