Map IFC Elements to Modules

Map IFC Elements to Modules

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

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.

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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.
2. Assign a Module that represents how that element is built.
3. Darwin uses:
   • the module’s construction logic
   • the IFC-derived quantities
   • the price list
     to compute costs automatically.

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

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2. How to Map IFC Elements

To begin mapping:

1. Open your Project.
2. Navigate to the IFC Import Session you want to work with.
3. Go to the Mapping tab.
4. Choose an element group from the list (e.g. Walls, Slabs, Doors).
5. Select a Module from your catalog.
6. Click Apply Mapping.

Screenshot placeholder:
Add here: Mapping interface showing element groups and module selector

Once mapped, all elements in that group will reference the selected module.

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3. What You’ll See in the Mapping Interface

Darwin organizes the model into groups based on:

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

Each group shows:

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

This helps you understand the scope of each module assignment.

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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.

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5. Validating Mapping Results

After mapping, use the IFC 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.

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6. How Mapping Affects Estimation

Once mapping is complete:

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

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

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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.

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8. Next Step

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

➡️ Create Your First Estimation