buildingSMART / buildingSMART/IFC4.x-development

Proposal - mechanism to add semantics to unrooted classes

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ifc-update-out
Dominant language
Python
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234
Forks
123
Avg merge
15h 4m
Merged PRs (30d)
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Description

Very often we reuse data (especially geometries) in a model where it is unclear if this is for semantic reason (the elements should be in sync) or for storage efficiency.

The IfcReference - if changed into a rooted class - could provide a way to add this additional semantic dimension to unrooted elements.

Also, its usage should be extended to not only be used in metrics and applied values.

The problem might be that it would make it more difficult to enforce the correct class for attributes, though this is also the case in the current implementation.

With such a mechanism we could reuse local placements (named user coordinate systems), points (shared between an element and a dimensioning), etc. more effectively.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

Start by reviewing the current IfcReference concept and how it is used in metrics and applied values. Define whether changing it to a rooted class can express semantic reuse for unrooted elements such as local placements and points, while considering attribute class enforcement. Done means the proposal resolves the intended scope and its constraints clearly.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Domain
documentation
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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