What is the General Data Environment?

The General Data Environment is an information space that allows project stakeholders to jointly manage and share construction project data, documents and information in a controlled and structured manner. The PIG acts as a single source of information for all project-related data and eliminates the need for heterogeneous storage systems, which reduces the risk of data duplication and errors. The pig provides a configured and safe space for commands, as well as the ability to exchange information and access current data. Thus, the use of the Common Data Environment allows for improved communication and transparency of data exchange between stakeholders.

SOD Methodology

The General Data environment is an integral part of the BIM technology concept. The international standard that regulates the exchange of information throughout the life cycle of the constructed object is ISO 19650.

Section ISO 19650-4 is devoted to the exchange of information to ensure the quality of the final information model of the project. Based on this regulatory document, you can formulate key requirements for the General Data Environment:

1. Unique identifiers for each information object (file, drawing, model, etc.)
2. Structured storage system.
3. Change control, file version .
4. Zoning and procedure for transferring information from one zone to another.
5. Capture events.

General Data Environment Structure

One of the key features of the pig is the division into working areas. In accordance with the international standard, BS1192 distinguish between 4 information storage areas. Let's take a closer look at each zone individually.

• The WIP (Work-in-progress) contains unverified design data used only within the disciplinary team. Information is not available to other groups, departments.
• The Shared area contains validated design data available to all project disciplines. The data are suitable for interdisciplinary coordination (coordination of design solutions). At this level, files are uploaded to an open access folder. It is possible to use them as a link to develop related sections. After the customer approval procedure, the data is transferred to the next stage.
• The Published area contains coordinated (consistent) and approved project outputs available to all project participants (including all external organizations).
• The Archive area stores all versions of the project data. Archived materials cannot be edited.

OpenCDE Concept

The Open CDE concept defined in DIN SPEC 91391 is one of the areas of development of the pig. DIN SPEC 91391 lists and describes the functions that are required or desired in the General Data Environment. The use of fully functional pig systems is a prerequisite for the use of BIM technology in design and construction.

The concept allows you to use open data when there are systems of various manufacturers in projects. The exchange of data between the pig and other systems, such as CAD programs, is carried out using the REST API.