1.1 This practice describes a method of organizing building information to support informed decision making. The kinds of data considered in this practice includes text, numeric, and graphic data. The system of organization is applicable to a wide range of data collection and organization tasks from routine in-depth analysis of a single building, to situations where many buildings must be evaluated and prioritized in a short time frame.

1.2 The organizational structure is based on UNIFORMAT II (ASTM E 1557), a system which groups building elements according to the way buildings are constructed and function.

1.3 The use of UNIFORMAT II provides a set of recognized summary levels that are relevant throughout the industries that design, construct, and manage buildings.