Map Elements to Modules

Mapping is where design meets cost in Darwin.
After importing an IFC model or 2D drawing, the next step is to tell Darwin which cost module corresponds to each building element or quantity takeoff.

This creates a bridge:

• From geometry → to quantities → to cost logic.

Once mapped, Darwin can compute costs automatically based on the quantities extracted from the model and the modules you assign.

---

1. What Mapping Really Means

In traditional estimating, you look at a drawing or model, identify a component (e.g. a concrete wall), and then manually calculate its cost.

In Darwin, the process becomes structured:

1. Identify an element or element group in the IFC or a quantity from a 2D drawing.
2. Assign a Module that represents how that element is built.
3. Darwin uses:
   • the module’s construction logic
   • the quantities (from IFC, 2D takeoff, or manual entry)
   • the price list
     to compute costs automatically.

Mapping is not automatic guessing — it is controlled classification that preserves estimator judgment.

---

2. How to Map Elements

To begin mapping:

1. Open your Project.
2. Navigate to the project QTO Session you want to work with.
3. For a 2D session, switch from Takeoff to Mapping. For an IFC session, open its mapping panel.
4. Choose an element group from the list (e.g. Walls, Slabs, Doors, or 2D QTO items).
5. Select a Module or, when appropriate, a Material from your catalog.
6. Save the mapping.

For an IFC session, you can map a whole layer at once or add an individual override for an exception. Once mapped, the selected elements or measurements reference the chosen module or material.

---

3. What You’ll See in the Mapping Interface

Darwin organizes imported data into groups based on:

For IFC models:

• IFC class (e.g., IfcWall, IfcSlab)
• type name
• layer or classification metadata
• quantity type (area, volume, length)

For 2D drawings:

• quantity type and description
• measurement annotations
• layer or zone information

Each group shows:

• number of elements
• relevant dimensions
• extracted quantities
• current mapping status

This helps you understand the scope of each module assignment.

---

4. Choosing the Right Module

A module should reflect how the element is constructed, not just its name.

For example:

IFC Element	Good Module Choice	Avoid
Concrete Wall	Masonry Wall 20cm	“Generic Wall”
Slab	Reinforced Concrete Slab 15cm	“Floor System”
Window	Aluminum Window Type A	“Openings”

Good mapping improves:

• accuracy
• consistency
• traceability

If the right module doesn’t exist yet, you can create a new one and return to mapping.

---

5. Validating Mapping Results

After mapping, use the Viewer to verify:

• highlighted elements match the expected module
• dimensional quantities make sense
• groups are consistent (e.g., all 20cm walls grouped together)

Tip:
If something looks irregular, you can split groups, reclassify elements, or create specialized modules.

---

6. How Mapping Affects Estimation

Once mapping is complete:

• each mapped module appears automatically in the Estimation Details
• quantities flow directly from the import (IFC or 2D)
• costs update when price lists update
• changes in the source file can be reprocessed without rebuilding the estimate

Mapping is the foundation that makes Darwin’s estimations structured, repeatable, and fast.

---

7. When Mapping Is Not Needed

If you are estimating:

• conceptual projects
• partial designs
• renovation scopes
• projects without BIM

…you can skip mapping entirely.

You can still create estimations manually by entering quantities and choosing modules.

Darwin supports both workflows equally.

---

8. Next Step

With your elements mapped, you’re ready to build your first estimation:

➡️ Create Your First Estimation