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Define API

Empower construction software with Define API

Define API enables you to integrate structured standard-based construction data with various external systems or digital solutions.

Our API provides a common machine- and human-readable digital language for construction data software – such as 3D-object libraries, PIM and CDEs or BIM authoring tools.

Benefit from data modelling capabilities, reduced information silos, and improved data interoperability for your clients.

What can you do with Define API?

Integrate

with existing software infrastructure to automate workflows and ensure smooth information exchange

Create

custom software powered by a common digital language and use it as your competitive advantage

Expand

the value proposition of your software solutions by providing ready-to-use content aligned with the official standardisation body in your target markets

Implement Common language through a data dictionary

With Define API you can integrate data dictionaries with ready-to-use content as part of your product offering to enable your clients to capture and exchange high-quality, interoperable construction object data. Take advantage of the Data Templates on national level or customise them to fit your specific needs in Define.

  • Find ready-to-use content​ aligned with the official standardisation body of the country in an industry-agreed and structured format
  • Integrate with other software solutions to break down silos and ensure smooth information exchange based on a common digital language

Do you need more information on implementing common digital language with Define API?

Use Cases

Enrich BIM Models with content for LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) calculation

Case 1: IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) BIM Model

If the Data Dictionary accessed through the API supplies mapping between templates/properties and IFC entities / properties, using the API from an IFC compliant software allows to:

  • Select IFC entities in the BIM model that need properties for LCA calculation;
  • Request the API to get the Data templates corresponding to the selected IFC entities;
  • Request the API for the properties attached to the chosen Data Templates;
  • Request the API for all the information on the selected properties;
  • Request the Data Template properties mapped to IFC properties;
  • Attach a link to the property definitions to the IFC Model or enrich the IFC properties; definition when they are mapped in the Data Dictionary.

Case 2: Revit BIM Model

If the Data Dictionary accessed through the API supplies mapping between templates and Revit Objects, using the API from Revit allows to:

  • Select Revit objects in the BIM model that need properties for LCA calculation;
  • Request the API to get the Data templates corresponding to the selected Revit Objects;
  • Request the API for the properties attached to the chosen Data Templates;
  • Request the API for all the information on the selected properties;
  • Add new parameters to the Revit objects.

Create information requirements on projects, for specific purposes, according to specific milestones based on data templates developed in the national data dictionaries.

By accessing the national data dictionary content with Define API, users will be able to:

  • Request all purposes and milestones that are used by the national Data Dictionary;
  • Request Data Templates that are relevant for the milestones I need in my project;
  • Request Data Templates that are relevant for the purposes I need in my project;
  • For each chosen Data template, request the properties according to milestone and / or purpose to be addressed.

Owners need classified objects to be delivered in the project.

If the Data Dictionary accessed through the API supplies mapping between Data Templates and the required classification system, using the API allows to:

  • For each object available in the model, get the provided classification code;
  • Request the API for Data Template mapped to the classification code from the model;
  • Check it the API has returned Data Templates corresponding to the selected object for the provided classification code.

Digitise your products by integrating Define API with your PIM (Product Information Management) system.

  • Request all Data templates in national Data Dictionary
  • Find the relevant Data template for your product
  • For the chosen Data template, request the properties and their details. Fill in values for each property in your PIM system

If you have a use case to address, you can contact us

Case Studies

Michael Sebbelin Porskær
Head of Business Development аt NTI

NTI enables standardized data management as part of their digital solutions

Define API webinar: How to empower BIM software with construction object data templates and EPD data?

Define API for developers

Link to a technical documentation

Try it in Postman

Download the Open API .json file here https://developer.cobuilder.com/open-api

To get access contact Support