In the context of using 3D geometric attributes of project elements, the information layers about time and cost attributes of elements are denoted by the abbreviations 4D and 5D for ease of understanding. In the attribute layers of 5D cost and 4D time entities - 3D geometric attributes from CAD (BIM) projects are used as a source of attribute values of entity volumes.
4D is an entity attribute-based information layer that augments entity data from the 3D project model with attributes about the duration of construction activities for specific element categories, which are subsequently displayed in work schedules, allowing the project team to visualize the temporal attributes of entities in the form of sequencing and timing of construction activities.
5D extends the geometric information of a 3D model with attributes about the cost of elements and adds a financial planning and cost management aspect to the overall information model.
Costing systems with work costing and time calculations leading to work schedules are among the main ones in the landscape of companies
Costing data and 3D, 4D, 5D attribute properties of entities, recorded and processed in ERP systems (or Excel-like tools), are used for automatic costing and budget planning, including material procurement, man-hours and labor.
