Master Level 0 Layer Management & standardization. Critical guide to BS 1192 and ISO 19650 naming, print layers, and digital design efficiency.
The Unseen Architecture: Why Standardized Layer Management is the Foundation of Digital Design
By: Carlos Santos
The creation of a successful architectural or engineering project involves far more than elegant lines and structural integrity; it demands meticulous, structured data management. This is the often-overlooked, yet crucial, realm of Layer Management in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM). The establishment of a coherent, universally understood layer system is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it is the linchpin of collaboration, efficiency, and project longevity.
Without this foundational order, digital assets rapidly devolve into an unmanageable digital chaos. In this deep dive, I, Carlos Santos, will explore the core principles, the critical difference between visual and non-visual data in layers, and the paramount importance of global standardization, particularly in light of mandates like the BS 1192 and the overarching ISO 19650 framework.
The Invisible Framework: Decoding Layer Management and Standardization
Layer management is the methodology by which graphical and non-graphical information within a digital design file is organized and controlled. Think of layers as transparent sheets stacked on top of each other, where each sheet contains a specific category of information (e.g., walls, dimensions, text). The consistency and clarity of the name given to each layer, the so-called Naming Convention, is what allows professionals from different disciplines—Architecture, Structural Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP)—to collaborate effectively on the same project file.
The push for standardization, epitomized by protocols like the older BS 1192:2007 (now largely superseded by the ISO 19650 series), addresses the fundamental flaws of idiosyncratic, project-specific naming. A common convention ensures that when an Electrical Engineer receives a file from an Architect, they can instantly identify and manipulate the layers relevant to their work without guesswork. This common ground, as championed by publications and discussions frequently found on industry-focused platforms such as Diário do Carlos Santos, transforms information exchange from a risky translation exercise into a seamless, automated process.
🔍 Zoom on Reality
The current reality in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector often presents a stark contrast between ambition and execution, largely due to inconsistent data practices. A poorly structured CAD or BIM file, with layers named arbitrarily (e.g., "Wall_final," "Dims_new," "Misc"), becomes an insurmountable hurdle during project phases involving external teams, auditing, or facility management handover. The "Level 0 Naming Convention" is the most rudimentary, yet critical, step in establishing order. This convention typically dictates the use of mandatory fields—such as the discipline/role identifier (A for Architect, S for Structural), a major group (WALL, DOOR), and potentially minor groups—separated by common delimiters (like a hyphen). This structured approach ensures that the most fundamental aspect of the layer's content is immediately apparent from its name.
A significant practical challenge is differentiating between Print vs. Non-Print Layers. Print layers contain elements intended to appear on a physical drawing (e.g., object lines, text, key dimensions). Conversely, non-print layers hold vital, but visually distracting, information, such as construction lines, reference grids, audit data, or elements of a different level of detail not suitable for the current drawing set. Failing to correctly assign this property can lead to drawings that are illegible, misinterpreted, or contain proprietary information accidentally released in a public print set. Real-world project failures, often leading to costly reworks and delays, can frequently be traced back to this basic lack of digital hygiene.
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📊 Panorama in Numbers
The benefits of moving from an ad-hoc layering system to a globally recognized standard are not anecdotal; they are quantifiable in time, cost, and risk reduction. While precise global statistics are fluid, key industry bodies and academic studies consistently highlight the economic impact of non-standardization:
Reduction in Information Search Time: Studies on the adoption of BIM standards (rooted in practices like BS 1192) suggest that standardized naming and data classification can reduce the time spent searching for and validating information by up to 30% over the project lifecycle.
Cost of Rework: In the construction industry, rework due to poor information management and coordination can account for anywhere between 5% and 20% of the total contract value. Layer standardization directly mitigates a significant portion of information-related errors.
Interoperability Savings: When data exchange between different software platforms (CAD to BIM, or one CAD system to another) adheres to an international layer standard, the manual effort required for data translation and cleaning—the so-called "digital scrap"—is drastically reduced. The ISO 19650 framework, which supersedes BS 1192 in the UK and serves as a global template, provides a uniform language for this exchange, unlocking significant savings in collaboration time.
Data Structure Example: Under the BS 1192 layer structure (Role-Classification-Presentation-Alias), the number of fields and the character limit for each field provides a common structure, unlike the vast, unstructured variation found in proprietary systems. For instance, the original BS 1192 mandated a field for the Role (e.g., A for Architect) and a field for Classification (often linked to systems like Uniclass), creating an organized metadata structure directly in the layer name.
Key Takeaway: The initial investment in setting up and enforcing a standardized layer protocol is typically overshadowed by the compounded savings realized from reduced errors, quicker data access, and streamlined multidisciplinary collaboration.
💬 What They Say Out There
The discourse within the professional community unequivocally supports the rigorous application of layer and naming standards. Seasoned CAD and BIM managers frequently cite the "wild west" era of digital design, where every firm, and sometimes every individual drafter, used a unique system. This led to perpetual file cleaning and reconciliation during every project handover.
Industry experts widely praise the shift from national standards, such as the UK’s BS 1192, to the truly international ISO 19650 series (specifically ISO 19650-2 for the delivery phase). The common sentiment is that this evolution represents the essential globalization of best practices. As one prominent digital construction manager noted:
"The move to ISO 19650 has taken the principles of BS 1192, which proved its worth on a national level, and provided a globally recognizable structure. It's no longer about a 'British' way of working, but an 'International' way of managing information. For multinational projects, this is non-negotiable."
The consensus also emphasizes the ethical responsibility of designers to leave behind a clear, durable digital asset. Layer standardization is an act of foresight, ensuring that the facility managers and operators who inherit the digital model years later can navigate the data without needing to consult the original design team. The separation of print from non-print layers is often highlighted as a basic professional courtesy that prevents confusion and printing errors.
🧭 Possible Paths
For any organization looking to formalize its layer management—whether a small studio or a large multinational firm—there are clear, structured paths toward implementation of a robust standardization strategy:
Adopt the International Standard: The most forward-looking path is to fully adopt the principles of the ISO 19650 series. While ISO 19650 itself is broader, focusing on information management throughout the asset lifecycle (BIM), its core tenets require a structured approach to all digital data, which includes layer naming.
Model After Established Standards: For those not immediately migrating to full BIM/ISO compliance, systems like the older BS 1192 (or its global analogue, ISO 13567 for layer naming specifically) offer a proven, field-tested template. This involves defining the mandatory fields (Discipline, Major Group, Minor Group, Status) and the corresponding codes.
Implement a Print/Non-Print Protocol: This is a crucial, non-negotiable step. Every layer standard should include a clear, systematic way to designate layers that should never be printed. A common method is to use a specific character (e.g., a prefix or suffix like "_NP" or "_REF") in the layer name, or to explicitly configure the layer's "Plot" property within the CAD software's configuration.
Training and Audit: Standardization is useless without consistent enforcement. A robust internal training program must be established for all staff, followed by regular quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) audits of project files to ensure adherence. This checks for "rogue" layers and enforces the Level 0 Naming Convention.
🧠 To Ponder…
The core challenge of layer standardization lies not in the technical definition of the standard itself, but in the psychological hurdle of adoption. Why do so many professionals resist a system that demonstrably improves efficiency and reduces stress?
The answer often involves a perceived loss of autonomy and the short-term pain of learning a new, rigid convention. Drafters accustomed to their personal, informal naming systems may view a structured standard as an unnecessary imposition. However, this perspective fails to grasp the ultimate purpose: the project file is not a private workspace; it is a collaborative data asset. The personal convenience of a moment must be weighed against the collective, long-term efficiency of the entire project team and the future owners of the building.
The concept of the Common Data Environment (CDE), central to the ISO 19650 framework, emphasizes that all project data must be structured for shared access and exchange. Layer management is the most granular, fundamental part of this CDE structure. Therefore, the adoption of standards like BS 1192 (or the more current ISO 19650) is not a mere compliance issue, but a profound shift in professional culture toward data stewardship, requiring every team member to prioritize clarity and collaboration over personal habit.
📚 Point of Departure
For an organization to successfully transition to a standardized layer management system, it must first establish an explicit, non-negotiable set of rules based on a formal standard.
A solid starting point is to focus on the four key fields defined in many layer standards, including the principles found in BS 1192 and the US National CAD Standard (NCS), which are conceptually similar to ISO 13567:
| Field Name | Typical BS 1192/ISO Principle | Example Code | Description |
| Discipline/Role | Owner of the information (Mandatory) | A (Architect), S (Structural), M (Mechanical) | Defines who created or owns the information on the layer. |
| Major Group | Element or object group (Mandatory) | WALL, DOOR, ROOF, DIMS (Dimensions) | Defines the primary construction element or data type. |
| Minor Group | Sub-element or component detail (Optional) | FULL, CLNG (Ceiling), FRSH (Finishes) | Provides further detail on the Major Group. |
| Status/Phase | Current state or purpose of information (Optional) | PROP (Proposed), EXST (Existing), N (New) | Defines the lifecycle status or drawing purpose. |
A layer for an Architect's proposed full-height wall would thus look something like: A-WALL-FULL-PROP. This structure provides immense clarity at a glance. Furthermore, a firm must define a comprehensive list of layer suffixes for non-plotting information, ensuring that dimensions, markups, and reference geometry are meticulously separated from the final construction lines. A non-print layer for the Architect's wall dimensions would be: A-WALL-DIMS-PROP_NP. The simple addition of the _NP suffix is the Level 0 control that prevents visual and printing errors.
📦 Box informativo 📚 Did You Know?
The evolution from national standards to global frameworks is one of the most significant yet least-discussed revolutions in the AEC digital space.
Did you know that the British Standard BS 1192 became the bedrock for the development of the international ISO 19650 series? The ISO standard, published in 2018 (Parts 1 and 2), took the core concepts of the UK's BIM Level 2 framework—including the principles of structured information management, the Common Data Environment (CDE), and naming conventions for files and layers—and stripped them of UK-specific language to create a truly global framework.
The original BS 1192:2007 was fundamentally a "Code of Practice" for collaborative information production. Its strict layer naming convention was an early, essential step toward data consistency. By building on this, ISO 19650 establishes the highest level of standardization, defining how information is managed across the entire asset lifecycle, from planning and design through to operation and eventual decommissioning. Consequently, while a designer may still reference the layer structure concepts of BS 1192, they are now operating within an internationally recognized information management framework that ensures their data can be used anywhere in the world, by any ISO-compliant partner. This process is about making information itself a universally understood language, not just lines on a drawing.
🗺️ From Here, Where To?
The future trajectory of layer management moves far beyond simple naming conventions and into the realm of automated, semantic data classification. The current state—where layer names are manually assigned and checked—is already being superseded by smarter, object-based systems found in advanced BIM software.
The next phase will involve even greater integration of standards. The Level of Information Need (LOIN), a concept introduced in ISO 19650, will directly influence layer composition. For instance, a drawing set required for the planning phase will only contain layers that meet a low LOIN, excluding layers with highly detailed or proprietary manufacturing data. This dynamic control, driven by project requirements rather than manual manipulation, will further automate the distinction between "Print" (appropriate to the LOIN) and "Non-Print" (inappropriate or excessive for the current LOIN) information.
Furthermore, the rise of "Digital Twins" requires that all underlying data, including the historical lineage of every digital layer, be clean, organized, and easily searchable. A well-managed layer system, following principles like those in BS 1192 or ISO 19650, is essential for this process. Without clear, consistent metadata provided by the layer name, the data flowing into a Digital Twin is useless. The industry is moving toward a mandatory, machine-readable standard for every piece of digital information, making rigorous layer management a prerequisite for participating in high-value, digitally-enabled projects.
🌐 Online, It's Out There
People post, we think. It's on the web, it's online!
The online realm is a continuous source of debate and clarification regarding information standards. Forums, professional LinkedIn groups, and specialized blogs are buzzing with discussions on the nuances of applying ISO 19650 to real-world projects, specifically concerning the legacy of BS 1192 principles.
Clarity on ISO 19650 Terminology: Many online guides and articles focus on mapping the old terminology from BS 1192 (like "BIM Level 2") to the new ISO concepts (like "Information Management"). This helps professionals understand that the principles of rigorous data control remain, even if the names have changed.
Layer Generator Tools: The community has developed and shared various automated tools and spreadsheets designed to help firms quickly generate compliant layer names based on the BS 1192 or ISO 13567 structures. This widespread sharing of utilities underscores the industry’s collective desire for standardized, error-free layer management.
Discussions on "Non-Print" Layers: Online conversations frequently stress the distinction between simply hiding a layer and setting its non-print property. Professionals share horror stories of sensitive layers being accidentally plotted because the team relied on a visual check instead of the actual plotting configuration, reinforcing the need for the basic Level 0 print/non-print designation.
🔗 Knowledge Anchor
Embracing the shift from idiosyncratic layer management to a globally recognized standard like ISO 19650 is vital for any professional navigating the digital future of the AEC sector. A foundation built on structured data, as defined by robust naming conventions (such as those rooted in BS 1192 principles), unlocks unparalleled efficiency and collaboration.
To understand how this digital transformation is reshaping entire industries, and to explore the next frontier of data-driven value creation, clique aqui to continue reading about how forward-thinking data strategies are impacting the real estate market.
Final Reflection
The topic of layer management and standardization, while seemingly mundane and technical, is anything but. It is a critical examination of professional discipline and collaborative intent. A design professional who names a layer arbitrarily is not merely being informal; they are introducing a technical debt that a colleague, a facilities manager, or even a machine will eventually have to pay. The adoption of standards like BS 1192 and the comprehensive ISO 19650 is the industry's collective commitment to integrity—a promise that the digital assets we create today will be clear, durable, and useful tomorrow. Our mandate is to build not only structures but also a legacy of intelligible data.
Featured Resources and Sources/Bibliography
BS 1192:2007+A2:2016 - Collaborative production of architectural, engineering and construction information. Code of practice. (The foundation for UK BIM standards, now largely superseded by ISO 19650). [Search for official BSI publication]
ISO 19650-1 and ISO 19650-2 - Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling. (The current international standard). [Search for official ISO publication]
ISO 13567-2:2017 - Organization and naming of layers for CAD — Part 2: Concepts, format and codes used in construction documents. (Specific international standard for layer naming). [Search for official ISO publication]
United States National CAD Standard (NCS) - Provides an established layer naming format that shares structural principles with international standards.
https://www.nationalcadstandard.org
⚖️ Disclaimer Editorial
This article reflects a critical and opinionated analysis produced for Diário do Carlos Santos, based on public information, news reports, and data from confidential sources. It does not represent an official communication or institutional position of any other companies or entities mentioned here.
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