Drawing Comparison
Summary: Bedrock’s drawing comparison automatically matches sheets, aligns drawings, and detects changes between revisions. Upload two drawing sets and get detailed change analysis in minutes.
How It Works
- Upload two drawing sets (prior revision and current revision)
- Match - AI automatically matches corresponding sheets
- Align - Drawings are aligned without manual point selection
- Detect - Changes are identified and categorized
- Export - Download overlays and change reports
A 500-sheet comparison takes minutes, not hours.
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatic Sheet Matching | AI matches sheets between revisions even when sheet numbers change |
| Auto Alignment | No manual 3-point alignment required |
| Change Detection | Identifies additions, deletions, and modifications |
| Change Categorization | Labels changes by type (dimension, text, graphic) |
| Cost Impact Estimation | Estimates labor and material impact of changes |
| Batch Processing | Compare entire drawing sets in one operation |
| PDF Export | Standard overlays compatible with any workflow |
Comparison Methods
Bedrock offers multiple visualization options:
| Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| Color Overlay | Quick visual scan of all changes |
| Side-by-Side | Detailed comparison of specific areas |
| Change List | Systematic review of categorized changes |
| Cost Report | Stakeholder communication on impact |
Supported Drawing Types
| Discipline | Examples |
|---|---|
| Architectural | Floor plans, elevations, sections, details |
| Structural | Framing plans, foundation plans, details |
| MEP | Mechanical, electrical, plumbing layouts |
| Civil | Site plans, grading, utilities |
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Set Size | 1,000+ pages per set |
| Supported Format | |
| Minimum Sheet Size | Letter (8.5” x 11”) |
| Maximum Sheet Size | ARCH E (36” x 48”) |
| Output Formats | PDF overlay, CSV report |
Processing Speed
| Set Size | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| 50 sheets | 2-3 minutes |
| 200 sheets | 5-8 minutes |
| 500 sheets | 12-15 minutes |
| 1,000 sheets | 25-30 minutes |
Times vary based on drawing complexity and change density.
What Gets Detected
Bedrock detects changes across all drawing elements:
- Dimensions: Changed measurements, added/removed dimensions
- Text: Spec changes, notes, callouts
- Graphics: Lines, shapes, hatching, symbols
- Annotations: Revision clouds, tags, leaders
What Doesn’t Get Detected
Some elements are filtered to reduce noise:
- Title block updates (dates, revision numbers)
- Watermarks and stamps
- Minor PDF rendering differences
- Color profile changes
Integration
Bedrock outputs work with your existing tools:
- Bluebeam: Import overlays for additional markup
- Procore: Attach reports to RFIs and change orders
- Email: Share PDFs directly with stakeholders
- File Storage: Export to any folder or cloud drive
FAQ
How accurate is the change detection?
Bedrock detects changes at the pixel level. Accuracy exceeds 99% for graphic elements. Text detection accuracy depends on PDF text layer quality.
Can Bedrock compare drawings from different sources?
Yes. Bedrock compares any two PDF drawing sets regardless of source. Drawings from different CAD systems, scanned documents, or mixed sources all work.
What if sheets don’t match between revisions?
Bedrock identifies unmatched sheets (new sheets in current, deleted sheets from prior) and reports them separately. You can review and manually match if needed.
Does Bedrock work with scanned drawings?
Yes, but accuracy is higher with native PDFs. Scanned drawings may have alignment challenges depending on scan quality.
Key Takeaways
- Upload two drawing sets and get change analysis in minutes
- Automatic sheet matching eliminates manual pairing
- Auto alignment means no 3-point calibration
- Changes are categorized by type with cost estimates
- Works with all drawing disciplines (arch, struct, MEP, civil)
- Outputs integrate with Bluebeam, Procore, and any PDF workflow
Last updated: 2026-02-04