AI Plan Comparison
AI that automatically compares drawing versions to identify changes and revisions.
Definition
AI Plan Comparison uses computer vision to automatically compare different versions of construction drawings and identify what has changed. These tools can detect additions, deletions, and modifications across drawing revisions, even when drawings have been reformatted or shifted. AI plan comparison saves hours of manual overlay comparison and ensures that changes don't go unnoticed between design phases or revisions.
In Depth
Comparing drawing revisions to identify what changed is a fundamental task in construction coordination, and doing it manually is slow and unreliable. A structural engineer looking at 200 architectural sheets needs to find the 30 that changed and understand what changed on each one. Manually overlaying each sheet to spot differences takes days and inevitably misses subtle changes.
AI plan comparison automates this by analyzing two versions of each sheet at the pixel and vector level. It identifies geometric changes (moved walls, added rooms, modified details), annotation changes (new or revised dimensions, updated keynotes, added notes), and schedule changes (modified entries in door, window, or finish schedules). Each change is categorized by type and significance so the reviewer focuses on meaningful revisions rather than trivial formatting changes.
For coordination workflows, AI comparison runs across all disciplines when a new revision is issued. When the architect issues a revised set, AI identifies which architectural changes affect the structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing disciplines, producing a discipline-specific impact report for each consultant. This targeted notification replaces the current approach of sending a generic "new set issued" notice and hoping each discipline reviews the relevant changes.
Examples
Identifying all changes between 50% and 100% CD drawing sets
Highlighting addenda changes for subcontractor review
Comparing as-built drawings against original design
Nomic Use Cases
See how Nomic applies this in production AEC workflows:
Compatible Platforms
Nomic integrates with these platforms so you can use ai plan comparison across your existing project data:
Frequently Asked Questions
AI Plan Comparison uses computer vision to automatically compare different versions of construction drawings and identify what has changed. These tools can detect additions, deletions, and modifications across drawing revisions, even when drawings have been reformatted or shifted. AI plan comparison saves hours of manual overlay comparison and ensures that changes don't go unnoticed between design phases or revisions.
Identifying all changes between 50% and 100% CD drawing sets. Highlighting addenda changes for subcontractor review. Comparing as-built drawings against original design.
Automated Drawing Review: Automatically review drawings against building codes, internal standards, and client requirements.