The foundation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) lies in the BIM model itself. Therefore, BIM core modeling software—also known as BIM Authorship Software—is essential for practitioners throughout the entire BIM lifecycle. This software enables the existence of BIM, making it the cornerstone of the entire process. The most commonly used BIM core modeling software is illustrated below and can be broadly categorized into four main groups:
1. Autodesk’s Revit series—including Revit Architecture, Revit Structure, and Revit MEP—has dominated the civil construction market for nearly 30 years, often used alongside AutoCAD. Its influence remains unparalleled in this sector.
2. Bentley Systems offers Bentley Architecture, Bentley Structure, and Bentley Building Mechanical Systems, which hold a significant market share in infrastructure projects such as municipal works, water systems, bridges, and roads, as well as factory design across industries like electrical, pharmaceutical, chemical, and petroleum.
3. After acquiring Graphisoft in 2007, Nemetschek unified ArchiCAD, VectorWorks, and AllPLAN under its software platform. Among these, ArchiCAD is the most recognized domestically. Despite being one of the earliest influential BIM core modeling tools, ArchiCAD faces challenges in China due to the multidisciplinary nature of local design institutes, which require more specialized professional support. Meanwhile, Nemetschek’s other products, AllPLAN and VectorWorks, dominate the German and American markets respectively.
4. Dassault’s CATIA stands as one of the most advanced mechanical design and manufacturing software worldwide, with a near-monopoly in fields like aviation, aerospace, and automotive design. When applied to engineering construction, CATIA excels in modeling, visualization, and managing information for complex shapes and large-scale buildings, outperforming traditional construction software. However, it struggles with integration tailored to the specific project and personnel characteristics of the construction industry. To address this, GeryTechnology developed DigitalProject, a derivative software based on CATIA targeted specifically at engineering construction projects. Fundamentally, DigitalProject is still built on CATIA.
When choosing BIM core modeling software for an enterprise or project, consider the following guidelines: Autodesk Revit is ideal for civil building design, Bentley is better suited for infrastructure and factory projects, and for architecture alone, Revit, ArchiCAD, and Bentley are all viable options. DigitalProject and CATIA tend to be more expensive and are best considered when budgets are ample or projects are highly irregular. Additionally, it is crucial to take into account the owner’s requirements and other external factors when making a final decision on BIM software selection.
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