Digital Twins & BIM Models for Buildings and Infrastructure
Cloud-hosted digital twins and BIM coordination models (LOD 200–300) for long-term asset management.
Digital twin is one of the most abused terms in construction technology. Half the industry uses it to mean ‘a Revit model’; the other half describes something out of a Marvel movie. The honest definition sits in the middle: a digital twin is a 3D model of a real asset, kept up to date on a defined schedule, connected to the operational data that actually matters, and accessible to the people who make decisions.
That definition matters because it dictates cost. A BIM model is a one-time deliverable. A digital twin is a living system. You need a plan for who updates it, how often it is re-scanned, where it lives, and who has access. DCMS builds both — but we will not sell you a twin without an update workflow, because a twin that stops updating is just an expensive 3D file.
BIM model vs. digital twin — a straight comparison
| Attribute | BIM model | Digital twin |
|---|---|---|
| Lifecycle | One-time | Ongoing |
| Update cadence | Never (usually) | Monthly–yearly re-scan |
| Data linkage | Geometry only | IoT, CMMS, BMS integrations |
| Hosting | File on a server | Web-accessible platform |
| Primary user | Design team | Owner / operator / FM |
| Typical LOD | 200–350 | 200–300 with attributes |
The DCMS twin platform
Our hosted platform gives clients a web-based portal (no plugin, no desktop install) where facility teams can navigate the point cloud, click any element to see attributes, and share links with contractors or tenants. It sits on top of your Revit or IFC model and the underlying point cloud.
- Browser-based walk-through of the point cloud
- Click-to-inspect element attributes pulled from Revit
- Role-based access — landlord, tenant, contractor, consultant
- Versioned snapshots so you can compare state over time
- Optional CMMS integration (Maximo, Archibus, Corrigo, FMX)
- Optional BMS/IoT overlay for live sensor data
- Hosted in Canada — data residency for public sector clients
Who is a digital twin actually for?
Not every building needs one. We recommend a twin when at least two of these are true:
- The asset is worth > $50M or is mission-critical
- You manage 5+ similar assets and want portfolio-level insight
- The asset changes frequently (labs, hospitals, data centres)
- You are planning a major renovation in the next 3 years
- Multiple vendors need coordinated access to the same building record
- You are responsible for regulatory reporting on the asset
Update cadence — what actually keeps a twin alive
The single biggest failure mode we see is a beautifully built twin that no one updates. Six months in, someone moved a wall, no one told the twin, and the model is now lying to everyone who opens it. The fix is boring but crucial: contract for a defined update cadence at day one.
- Quarterly walk-through re-scan of high-change areas
- Annual full re-capture of the entire asset
- Change-order-driven updates for major renovations
- Live tie-in to CMMS work orders for MEP changes
- A named owner on the client side responsible for signoff
Standards and formats we deliver in
- Revit (RVT) — the industry default for North America
- IFC 2x3 and IFC 4 — for OpenBIM workflows
- E57 / RCP / LAS — point cloud
- COBie — for facility management handover
- glTF / IFC.js — for web viewers
- gbXML — for energy analysis handoff
Portfolio digital twins across the Americas
Because DCMS operates from six offices — Montréal HQ, Toronto, New York, Houston, Lima and São Paulo — we can build and maintain twins for portfolios that span countries. A Canadian REIT with US and Latin American assets gets one twin platform, one point of contact and one billing relationship.
Explore related DCMS services and projects
Every capture project usually connects to two or three of these — click through for the details.
Frequently asked questions
How is a digital twin different from a BIM model?+
A BIM model is a static file. A digital twin is that same model plus a plan to keep it accurate over time, a hosting platform, and (usually) integration with your operational systems.
How much does a digital twin cost?+
Initial build ranges from $1.50–$4.00/sq ft depending on LOD and MEP scope. Ongoing hosting and quarterly re-scans typically run 15–25% of the initial build annually.
Do I need IoT sensors for a digital twin?+
No. Sensors add live data, but a well-maintained visual twin already delivers most of the operational value. Start without sensors, add them where they earn ROI.
Is the twin hosted in Canada?+
Yes — our default hosting is in Canadian data centres, which matters for Québec public sector clients and Bill 25 compliance.
Can multiple vendors access the same twin?+
Yes. Role-based access lets landlords, tenants, contractors and consultants each see the right slice with the right permissions.
What happens if we stop the update contract?+
You keep the model. The platform access ends but the underlying Revit and point cloud are yours to host elsewhere.
Do you support OpenBIM?+
Yes. IFC 2x3 and IFC 4 exports are standard. We can also deliver BCF for issue tracking.
Can you retrofit a twin onto an existing Revit model?+
Yes, though the model usually needs QC against a fresh scan first to catch drift. That upgrade is typically 30–50% of a from-scratch build.
We also serve these areas
Crews mobilize daily across Greater Montréal. We regularly run digital twins & bim models projects in Vieux-Montréal, Downtown Montréal and out to the West Island. Same scope, local logistics — pick your neighbourhood below.
Browse other DCMS capabilities
All services are delivered by the same in-house engineering team, so scopes can be combined into a single mobilization.
LiDAR, Photogrammetry & Drone Surveying
High-precision 3D laser scanning, aerial drone surveys and photogrammetry for comprehensive site documentation.
As-Built Documentation & Reality Capture
Fast, accurate as-built surveys delivering AutoCAD plans and Revit BIM models with industry-leading turnaround times.
Building & Structural Inspections
Comprehensive envelope inspections, deflection analysis and structural assessments using advanced LiDAR.
Engineering Consulting & Technical Analysis
Expert engineering analysis, technical diagnostics and MEP system documentation for retrofit and renovation.
Forensics, Condition Assessment & Remedial Planning
Technical investigations, heritage documentation and condition reports for remedial engineering.
Petrochemical / Mining / Aggregates Services
Specialized volumetric analysis, plant documentation and safety compliance for heavy industry operations.
Explore a digital twin for your portfolio
We'll walk you through a live demo of a comparable asset before you commit a dollar. Book a 30-minute session with our Montréal team.