Month: June 2013

Using Point Cloud tools to convert any (?) 3D geometry to Revit native geometry

Luke Johnson

Could we laser scan the world, make a big point cloud, and then import it into Revit?  Well, one day we might be able to accomplish that on a small scale (then again, maybe not).  In the meantime, try this process:

  1. Make the point cloud from existing geometry using this guide
  2. Use GreenSpider (more info at this link) to bring the points into Revit (and ‘maybe’ make a form using splines)

I’m sure results will vary… please comment if you try it out.

    Revit 2013 Update Release 3

    Luke Johnson

    Just in case you missed it, Update Release 3 is available for all 4 Revit flavours (links below).

    Key fixes (as per documentation):

    • Improves stability when using Hardware Acceleration, Graphics Mode.   
    • Improves stability when opening projects which utilize Extensible Storage.
    • Improves visual fidelity between canvas and printed output.   
    • Improves visual fidelity of hidden lines, MEP pipe centerlines and haloed gaps when not using Hardware Acceleration, Graphics Mode.   
    • Improves Structural family data integrity during upgrade of project.
    • Improves data integrity when canceling Save As operation.
    • Improves interaction between Revit Server 2013 and Riverbed compression.
    • Enables users to browse Revit Server Networks when a bound workstation cannot contact the Domain Controller.  

     Dave Baldacchino informs us that this update includes the Hotfix that fixes some nasty non-WYSIWYG bugs (when printing in vector):
    Anyway, I also checked that the recent Update 3 (for OneBox)incorporates this hotfix as well, so just skip it altogether and install Update 3 as fast as you can. There are separate downloads for the stand-alone packages.
    via
    http://do-u-revit.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/what-you-see-is-not-what-you-get.html

    Link for RVT (Onebox):
    http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=21891257&linkID=21208796

    Link for RAC:
    http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=21890399&linkID=9273944

    Link for MEP:
    http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=21891036&linkID=21208796

    Link for RST:
    http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=21890545&linkID=21208796

    I guess the fact that we are receiving a significant update to 2013 after getting 2014 will be a further warning to some users to delay the 2014 rollout…

    IFC Exporter for Revit (v2.11/v3.3) and IFC Export Alternate UI for Revit (v1.11/v2.3) available

    Luke Johnson
    You are getting this message because you downloaded a version of IFC Exporter for Revit or  IFC Export Alternate UI for Revit prior to June 14, 2013.  We have posted an update to both, which you can get to using the links below:
     
    2013:
     
    IFC Exporter for Revit 2013 (v2.11):
    http://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/RVT/Detail/Index?id=appstore.exchange.autodesk.com%3aifcexporterforrevit%3aen
     
    IFC Export Alternate UI for Revit 2013 (v1.11):
    http://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/RVT/Detail/Index?id=appstore.exchange.autodesk.com%3arevitifcexportalternateui%3aen
     
    2014:
     
    IFC Exporter for Revit 2014 (v3.3):
    http://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/RVT/Detail/Index?id=appstore.exchange.autodesk.com%3aifcexporterforrevit2014%3aen
     
    IFC Export Alternate UI for Revit 2014 (v2.3):
    http://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/RVT/Detail/Index?id=appstore.exchange.autodesk.com%3arevitifcexportalternateui2014%3aen
     
     
    Updates from the previous versions are listed below.  Please upgrade to the newest version! 
     
    If you do not wish to receive upgrade notices, please reply and I will make sure you don’t get these notices in the future.
     
    Regards,
    Angel Velez
    Senior Principal Engineer
    Autodesk, Inc.
     
    via email

    Using the vanilla toolset for multidisciplinary Revit coordination

    Luke Johnson

    A recent article on gostructural.com describes the basic tools used for coordination between disciplines in Revit.  Its worth a read for “Revit coordination beginners.” 

    It covers the three primary coordination tools in vanilla Revit:

    • Copy / Monitor
    • Coordination Review
    • Interference Check

    Here are a few little gems from the article:
    The elements that can be included in the copy/monitor process include: Levels, Grids, Columns, Walls, Floors, and Openings

    Coordination Review actions:

  1. Postpone: take no action on the element
  2. Reject: makes no change to the element in the host file
  3. Accept Difference: Accepts that a change has been made between the monitored elements but no change is needed between the elements
  4. Modify/Rename/Move: If the element is renamed/moved, this option will rename/move the element to match the monitored element

    5. via
    http://www.gostructural.com/magazine-article-gostructural.com-6-2013-coordinating_your_autodesk_revit_structure_project_with_other_revit_disciplines-9339.html

    Heads-up: Daniel Hughes on LinkedIn

    How can I get this parameter into a tag?

    Luke Johnson

    Ever wanted to get a Tag to pick up the hardcoded Elevation value given to a nested Family?  Then check out this great little thread and cool answer by Julien!

    Answer:
    You need to set a SP in the nested family.
    Make the plate geometry attached to ref planes that are not the 2 from the template. Assign a SP to the distance between the RP at center of geometry and the RP that defines origin. SP will be by instance. Beware of directions for correct behavior when loaded in the host.
    In the host family, add the same SP, select the plate, and in properties palette, look for the tiny button on the left. Click and choose the SP you’ve added. The insert point of the plate must be set to the ref level of the host.
    Now you have the elevation of the plate driven by a SP in the host. Create a tag for this SP. You’re done. 

    By Julien Benoit at
    How can I get this parameter into a tag?