Overview of the i-model
An i-model is a container for rich, multi-discipline information published from known sources in a known state at a certain point in time. Each i-model is:
- A published version of this information, provided as a secure, read-only file.
- Portable, combining all information into a single container for easy distribution.
- Self-describing, because you can view the design without having the application with which it was created.
- A semantically rich data file that contains the related business information from the design applications as well as the graphics.
- An interoperable deliverable tailored for change management.
- Used for information exchange throughout all phases of a project's life cycle.
An i-model is used to exchange project information from different applications and products. Because it is a snapshot of the design, it can be used in many different types of workflows. The i-model combines all the graphics and business data intelligence, as defined by the design application, into a single deliverable container for distribution. The result is decreased file size and easier navigation. An i-model contains links back to the original source data from which the i-model was derived, facilitating the life cycle review workflow.