Snapshots: sharing BIM validation progress

What are Snapshots and how they can help your BIM projects

What are Snapshots?

Snapshots are a new feature in Data Octopus that allow you to share the results of your IFC and IDS validation checks with project stakeholders. With Snapshots, you can create a read-only view of your project checks and share it via a simple link — no login required. This makes it easy to keep project managers, BIM coordinators, clients, and other stakeholders up to date on compliance progress.

Key benefits

  • Quickly share validation progress with stakeholders
  • No account or login required to view
  • Archive and restore Snapshots as project phases change
  • Maintain transparency while protecting your source data

Why have we created the Snapshots feature?

Common collaboration problems

  • Validation reports often get buried in email threads
  • Stakeholders without tool access are left in the dark
  • Time wasted creating manual screenshots or PDFs
  • Lack of consistent project progress tracking

How Snapshots solve these issues

  • One-click creation of a shareable project view
  • Universal access via a simple link
  • Clear, consistent presentation of results
  • Easy administration through the Project Snapshots screen

Who are Snapshots for?

Primary users

  • Project Managers needing oversight of compliance
  • BIM Coordinators tracking validation progress
  • Clients & Owners seeking reassurance on quality
  • Design Teams reviewing model issues collaboratively

Industries where Snapshots are valuable

  • Infrastructure projects with multiple stakeholders
  • Public sector projects requiring accountability
  • Healthcare and education builds with strict compliance
  • Large private developments where transparency is key

How to create a Snapshot

  1. Navigate to the Project Checks screen
  2. Use tag filters to organise the checks you want to share
  3. Click the Snapshot button
  4. Enter a Title and Description
  5. Click Create Snapshot and copy the shareable link

How to manage Snapshots

  1. Navigate to the Project Snapshots screen
  2. Select the Snapshot you want to administer
  3. From here, you can:
    • Archive a Snapshot to disable access
    • Restore an archived Snapshot when needed
    • Edit the title or description for clarity

Important notes about Snapshots

  • Do not include commercially sensitive data in Snapshots — anyone with the link can view them
  • Snapshots are read-only, ensuring validation results cannot be altered
  • Archived Snapshots provide an audit trail of project progress
  • Ideal for aligning with ISO 19650 information management processes

Snapshots in action

Example 1: Client progress updates

Provide clients with reassurance that models are meeting IDS requirements by sharing a live Snapshot instead of sending static reports.

Example 2: Design team collaboration

Allow design teams to view validation gaps without needing a Data Octopus account — streamlining review meetings.

Example 3: Compliance audits

Create a series of Snapshots over the project lifecycle to demonstrate due diligence during compliance checks.

Getting started with Snapshots

Step 1: Run your project checks

Filter and organise results using tags.

Step 2: Create your first Snapshot

Add a clear title and description so stakeholders understand the context.

Step 3: Share and manage

Send the link by email, archive when no longer needed, and restore as projects evolve.

Ready to try Snapshots? Start your free checks with Data Octopus today and share your progress with stakeholders in minutes.

This guide covers the essentials of Snapshots. For further details on BIM compliance workflows, explore our IDS validation resources or contact our support team.