# NotebookLM for AEC: AI research on your own documents

Source: https://cloudbrain.in/ai-tools/notebooklm
Last updated: 2026-11-12

NotebookLM, now called Gemini Notebook, is Google's AI research assistant for your own documents. You add sources such as PDFs, Google Docs, websites and videos, and it answers questions with citations to those sources, and creates briefings, audio overviews and mind maps. Answers are grounded in your files but still need checking.

## What is NotebookLM?

NotebookLM is Google's AI research assistant, now called Gemini Notebook. You create a notebook, add sources such as PDFs, Google Docs and Slides, websites, YouTube videos and audio, and ask questions. Answers cite the passages they come from. It can also create briefings, study guides, audio overviews, mind maps and slide decks from your sources.

## How do AEC teams use NotebookLM?

- **Architects** load the brief, bye-laws and client correspondence for a project and ask questions across them.
- **Engineers** compare requirements across standards and specifications.
- **Contractors** query tender documents and contracts.
- **Developers** brief new team members from a project's document set.

## What should you check before relying on it?

1. **Citations.** Open the cited passage and check it says what the answer claims.
2. **Completeness.** Make sure the notebook holds the current versions of all relevant documents.
3. **Account.** Use Workspace accounts for project documents.

NotebookLM is a ready-made example of [retrieval-augmented generation](/glossary/retrieval-augmented-generation). For an assistant built on your whole document library, see our [custom AI tools](/services/custom-ai) service.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is NotebookLM the same as Gemini Notebook?

Yes. Google now calls NotebookLM Gemini Notebook, and notebooklm.google redirects to the new address.

### Is NotebookLM free?

Yes, with standard usage limits for a Google account. Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra plans raise the limits, and most business and school accounts can use it once an admin turns it on.

### Is it safe to upload project documents?

Use a Google Workspace account: Google says Workspace uploads aren't reviewed by people or used for training. Follow your firm's AI usage policy and leave out personal data the task doesn't need.