Dive Brief:

• A 170-page book supported by associations representing mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors is a guide to how the specialists can mesh their work with the growing use of building information modeling and other spatial coordination programs used by designers and general contractors.
• The book is titled "Achieving Spatial Coordination Through BIM: A Guide for Specialty Contractors" and took two years to compile and write.
• Included in the manual are checklists, a glossary of terms, and recommendations about software and hardware and what Internet connections will make the subs most effective in meeting the information needs of projects for which they are hired or want to be hired.

Dive Insight:

The backers for this book are  the Mechanical Contractors Association of America Inc., the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association and the National Electrical Contractors Association. The mechanical association's executive director, David Langley, said the groups are "teaching our members how to be the best that they can be with BIM, and if it works for these three organizations, it will permeate." Members of the groups can get a digital version of the book for free or a print one for $25, with higher prices for non-members.