Overview
EN ISO 13567-2:2017 / ISO 13567-2:2017 - Technical product documentation - Organization and naming of layers for CAD - Part 2: Concepts, format and codes used in construction documentation - defines a common structure for organizing and allocating CAD layers in construction projects. Adopted by CEN as EN ISO 13567-2:2017, this part of the ISO 13567 series focuses on construction-specific concepts, layer-name format and coding conventions to support clear communication and project management across disciplines.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Applies to CAD layer organization and allocation for construction projects to support communication and management.
- Layer name subclassification: Establishes independent classifications for concepts used in layer names, including:
- Agent responsible (project-unique; not defined within the document)
- Element (physical construction parts or areas/spaces)
- Presentation (graphic/display-related information)
- Status (new, existing-to-retain, demolition, etc.)
- Sector (physical subdivision: building, storey, zone)
- Phase (time-based subdivision: project, construction, demolition)
- Projection (views derived from the same model)
- Scale, Work package, User defined
- Mandatory vs optional fields: The standard identifies certain mandatory fields (for example, Agent responsible, Element, Presentation) and other optional fields (status, sector, phase, projection, scale, work package, user-defined) for inclusion in layer names.
- Layer name format and coding conventions: Provides principles and coding rules to create consistent, machine- and human-readable layer names. (The standard defines format rules; specific code tables are contained in the full document.)
- Purpose: Enable switching of presentation layers, modelling of before/after states, and consistent allocation of element data for communication.
Practical applications
- Create consistent CAD layer naming schemes across architects, engineers and contractors to reduce miscommunication.
- Improve document management, drawing production and automated processing by CAD/BIM tools through predictable layer codes.
- Support phased project delivery (design, construction, demolition) by encoding status and phase in layer names.
- Facilitate multisector projects by separating physical locations (sectors) and projections (views) within the same model.
Who should use this standard
- CAD managers and administrators
- Architects, structural and MEP engineers
- Construction document controllers and contractors
- Standards and quality managers in AEC organizations
Related standards
- ISO 13567-1 - Overview and principles (companion standard that provides general rules for the ISO 13567 series)
Using EN ISO 13567-2 improves interoperability, clarity and project efficiency by standardizing CAD layer organization and naming for construction documentation.