Explorer

The BIMWorkplace Explorer module provides a structured environment to explore, analyze, and manage BIM model data.

It allows project teams to work with integrated models, inspect elements, create custom data tables, save views, export structured information, and manage metadata with controlled permissions.

What the Explorer module is used for

Use Explorer to review and manage model information in a visual and data-driven way.

In Explorer, you can:

• View model data in custom tables
• Group elements by selected properties
• Choose which properties appear as table columns
• Connect table data with the 3D model
• Highlight, isolate, or display selected elements in wireframe
• Save model views for later use
• Organize saved views into folders
• Export structured data to Excel
• Edit metadata, depending on your plan and permissions
• Create topics from the model context

Model data management

Explorer supports controlled management of model metadata.

Users can work with non-geometric information associated with model elements, such as parameters, classifications, systems, quantities, operational data, or custom attributes.

Depending on permissions, users may be allowed to edit specific data fields directly in the platform. This helps teams update and validate model information without opening the native authoring software.

Data extraction requirement

Model data must be extracted before it can be used in Explorer.

Data extraction is available for:

• RVT models uploaded through the BIMWorkplace Revit plugin
• IFC models

For RVT models uploaded through the Revit plugin, edited data can be synchronized back to Revit using the BIMWorkplace plugin.

Custom data tables

Explorer allows users to create custom data tables based on model properties.

When creating a table, users can define:

• The table name
• The properties used to group model elements
• The columns displayed for each element
• The model data that should be reviewed or exported

This is useful for technical reviews, model audits, COBie checks, quantity analysis, construction tracking, and facility management preparation.

Saved views

Explorer allows users to save model views that combine model context, filters, and data tables.

Saved views can be used for:

• Coordination reviews
• Client presentations
• Discipline-specific analysis
• Field checks
• Data validation workflows
• Operation and maintenance handover reviews

Saved views can be organized into folders and configured as public or private, depending on who should be able to access or edit them.

Model and table interaction

Explorer connects model geometry with data tables.

Users can select elements in the table and locate them in the model, or select elements in the model and review their corresponding data in the table.

Available actions include:

• Highlight elements in the 3D model
• Isolate selected elements
• Display isolated elements with the rest of the model in wireframe
• Reset selections
• Expand or collapse table categories
• Apply saved 3D filters

This helps teams understand the visual impact of data issues, missing information, or grouped elements.

Reports and Excel export

Explorer allows users to export data tables to Excel for external review, analysis, or reporting.

Quick Reports export the current table for reference and analysis. These reports are intended for viewing and sharing.

For editable data workflows, use the appropriate Excel export and import process available in the platform, according to your plan and permissions.

Why this matters

Explorer helps teams move from model visualization to structured information management.

By combining 3D context, metadata, custom tables, saved views, permissions, and Excel workflows, Explorer supports better model audits, data validation, quantity reviews, handover preparation, and BIM-based decision-making.