Category: Uncategorized

Case Study with downloadable resources (What is Revit?)

Luke Johnson

Have you ever wanted a very simple explanation of what Revit actually is and what it does?  Sometimes it can be hard to encapsulate this for new users.  Perhaps this post will be of assistance:
what-is-revit – Revit Furniture.com

It includes step by step advice on learning Revit, plus links to resources (both online and downloadable).

If you have used Revit for a while, you may find yourself disagreeing with some of the advice – but hey, we all have different ways of getting the job done!

I leave you with this little excerpt from the post, wise in its simplicity:

Step 1) Model in the way the building would get constructed

via NYC RUG Mailing List (Robert Mencarini)

Ask the Project What it Wants

Luke Johnson

A few interesting thoughts from revitdialog:
The few BIM start up meetings I’ve sat in, usually involve “these are the BIM uses we are going to do”.  Really?  Did you ask the project what it wants.  There is a reason why you sit down and figure out what are the goals of the project BEFORE selecting the BIM uses.  More specifically what are the quantitative goals for the project.  

Read more:
Getting Real

Auto-Section Box has been updated!

Luke Johnson

This is arguably my favourite free add-in for Revit.  Check out the new features:
  •  Support for Revit 2014
  •  New “Toggle Section Box” command
  •  Ability to arrange the section box view side-by-side with the selected view
  •  Support for creating section boxes from view outlines, section lines, and scope boxes
  •  New “Quick Auto-Section” command
  •  Worry-free selections – automatic filtering of 2d and datum elements

Click here for a video showing the top 5 uses, including the new features.

Download at:
COINS Auto-Section Box | Autodesk Revit | Autodesk Exchange Apps

Utility to index point cloud before importing to Revit

Luke Johnson

Very cool tip from Ben Malone – he shows you how to use AdPointCloudIndexer.exe from a command line (outside of Revit) to prepare point clouds for practical use.  A typical 2013 location for this utility is:
C:Program FilesAutodeskRevit Architecture 2013ProgramAdPointCloudIndexer.exe

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Image from BIMopedia

Read the whole post at:
Stand alone indexing of RAW point cloud data into .pcg files | BIMopedia

If you want to know more about different point cloud formats / file extensions, there is some info on the wiki:

  • Point Cloud Projects (*.rcp): Pick an indexed point cloud project file with .rcp extension. An .rcp is an aggregation of multiple .rcs point cloud files.
  • Point Clouds (*.rcs): Pick an indexed point cloud file with .rcs extension.
  • Raw formats: Pick a file with an extension in the list to automatically launch an indexer application that will convert the raw file to an indexed file.
    Note
    After the indexed file is created, you must use the Point Cloud tool again to insert the file.
  • All Files: Pick a file with any extension.

via
 Inserting a Point Cloud File – WikiHelp

Subscription customers can now download back-catalog of Raster Design versions

Luke Johnson

I previously posted that Raster Design was now free for anyone with a Suite subscription that includes AutoCAD.  The nice implication of this is that you can now download versions of Raster Design from 2013 through 2010!  Just login and check out your Downloads on your Subscription page.

Thanks Autodesk 🙂


Previous post:
What Revit Wants: Every 2014 Suite that includes AutoCAD also gets Raster Design

EDIT1 Looks like this has disappeared at the moment too (4 April 2013)

IFC Exporter for Revit 2013 updated to v2.9 (list of fixes in post below)

Luke Johnson
via email
You are getting this message because you downloaded a version of IFC Exporter for Revit 2013 or Revit IFC Export Alternate UI prior to March 29, 2013.  We have posted an update to the IFC Exporter for Revit, which you can get to using the links below:

IFC Exporter for Revit 2013 (v2.9):
http://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/RVT/Detail/Index?id=appstore.exchange.autodesk.com%3aifcexporterforrevit%3aen

Updates from version 2.8.1 are listed below.  Please upgrade to the newest version!  Please note that there is no update to the corresponding Alternate UI in this update release.

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.


What’s new for IFC Exporter for Revit 2013 v2.9:

New Functionality:

– Add/fix property sets: Pset_SpaceThermalDesign, PsetSanitaryTerminalTypeToiletPan
– Add support for IfcBuilding Description and LongName.
– Add support for IfcBuildingStorey Name override, ObjectType, Description, and LongName.
– Allow exporting a Revit Assembly as an IfcSystem.
– Allow exporting a Revit Floor as an IfcFooting.
– Parameters in Revit no longer have to have the same base type as their corresponding IFC property. For example, an IFCTEXT property in IFC could now have a corresponding “Number” parameter in Revit.

Bug Fixes:
– Add material associations for FabricSheets.
– Change the precision given in IFCGEOMETRICREPRESENTATIONCONTEXT to VertexTolerance/10 (about 1/1600″).
– Create local placement closer to geometry for many Family-based instances.
– Don’t create orphaned IFCAXIS2PLACEMENTs with invalid IFCCARTESIANPOINT references.
– Ensure that the IFCFACEOUTERBOUND for an IFCFACE with more than one boundary corresponding to the boundary with the largest area.
– Export rooms, areas, and MEP spaces when exporting 2nd level space boundaries, even if they aren’t part of the energy analysis model (like gross design areas).
– Fix duplicate GUIDs for some columns split by level that had instance geometry.
– Fix issue where elements in assemblies would not be related to building storeys if the parent assembly were marked as not exported.
– For properties where they are defined with a different Revit parameter name and IFC property name, if the Revit parameter name is not found, look for the IFC property name.
– In the case where linear grid lines were grouped into 3 distinct direction sets, and 2 of the directions were orthogonal, the 3rd set of grid lines would not be exported. This has been fixed.
– Only export beam/column/member quantities if “QTO” export is chosen.

– Use IfcRelAssignsToGroup, not IfcRelAggregates, for IfcZones; stabilize IfcRelAssignsToGroup GUID.

Revit 2014 direct download links (RAC RST MEP LT)

Luke Johnson

EDIT2 – These links should all be ok now.

Note – copy and paste these links, they are not clickable

These are working:
RAC 2014
http://trial.autodesk.com/SWDLDNET3/2014/REVIT/DLM/Autodesk_Revit_Architecture_2014_English_Win_32-64bit_dlm.sfx.exe
RST 2014
http://trial.autodesk.com/SWDLDNET3/2014/REVITST/DLM/Autodesk_Revit_Structure_2014_English_Win_32-64bit_dlm.sfx.exe
RMEP 2014
http://trial.autodesk.com/SWDLDNET3/2014/RVTMPB/DLM/Autodesk_Revit_MEP_2014_English_Win_32-64bit_dlm.sfx.exe
Revit LT 2014
http://trial.autodesk.com/SWDLDNET3/2014/RVTLT/DLM/Autodesk_Revit_LT_2014_English_Win_32-64bit_dlm.sfx.exe

To download, you could use admintool download as per this link, or just use any download manager.

Revit 2014 download link should be:
http://trial2.autodesk.com/SWDLDNET3/2014/RVT/DLM/Autodesk_Revit_2014_English_Win_32-64bit_dlm.sfx.exe
working now! (not yet live, not working 3.30pm 1 April 2013)

Here is the vanilla AutoCAD 2014 link:
http://trial2.autodesk.com/SWDLDNET3/2014/ACD/DLM/AutoCAD_2014_English_Win_64bit_dlm.sfx.exe

Some things are missing (not live yet), and I guess they will become available soon, like:
http://trial.autodesk.com/SWDLDNET3/2014/BDSPRM/DLM/Autodesk_Building_Design_Suite_Premium_2014_English_Win_32-64bit.sfx.exe

Some notes and other links:
http://trial2.autodesk.com/SWDLDNET3/2014/ACD/WI/{64CFA19F-6192-4CD5-AA9E-77334D584BE2}/SETUP_x86.tar.lzma2
(I don’t know what this is for, it was started during the auto download and install process)

Direct link to the download manager:
https://emsfs.autodesk.com/utility/dlm/prod/Installer/2_000_006/AutodeskDownloadManagerSetup.exe

This will install or upgrade Akamai Netsession.  If you want to learn more about Akamai and Autodesk products, check out this link.

The key folder for Akamai is still C:UsersUSERNAMEAppDataLocalAkamai

C:Program FilesCommon FilesAutodesk SharedAutodesk Download ManagerDLMSession.exe

Link to the downloader / installer:
http://trial2.autodesk.com/SWDLDNET3/2014/ACD/WI/AutoCAD_2014_English_Win_32_64bit_wi_en-us_Setup.exe 

A few things happen when the downloader / install launches, like:
/url “http://trial2.autodesk.com/SWDLDNET3/2014/ACD/WI/AutoCAD_2014_English_Win_32_64bit_wi_en-us_Setup.exe” /akamai /auth authparam /sid SESSION_ID

and
2013/4/1:14:50:48    LJ    LJ-NOTEBOOK    Download    Play    SETUP_CONFIG    http://trial2.autodesk.com/SWDLDNET3/2014/ACD/WI/{64CFA19F-6192-4CD5-AA9E-77334D584BE2}/SETUP_x86.tar.lzma2

How to become a Revit Deployment Pro (you don't need to reinvent the wheel)

Luke Johnson

Certain Revit guys are undeniably at the “top of their game”.  Zach Kron for conceptual modelling.  Jeremy Tammik for API / programming.  Aaron Maller for a bunch of practical stuff, like Creating a Revit Template. Dave Light for a bunch of other stuff, like explaining new features.  Steve Stafford for longest-running, regular Revit blog.  The list goes on… but,

When it comes to Revit deployment, Gordon Price is “that guy”. 

If you have a question about (or a problem with) deploying Revit, Gordon has probably already solved it.  How can you benefit from his considerable experience in the area?  By taking his course on Udemy.

The course allows you to get a huge head-start on your own deployment plan, as it provides access to the deployment scripts that Gordon has developed.  These do two main tasks – admin scripts for things that need admin rights, and then user scripts for things that need to be done on a per user basis.

You know you want these…

The course is presented in a very understandable and accessible way.  Gordon provides background and orientation where necessary, but he also goes into detail on advanced topics as required.

The videos are very helpful, and demonstrate the entire process.  A number of common problems with Revit installation and deployment have been foreseen and handled by Mr Price (such as the long filename issue).

As for 2014 deployments:  I know for a fact the Gordon is deeply involved in setting up his own deployments for 2014 products, and when the time comes, he will update the Udemy course for 2014 products.  In many cases, the principles remain similar across versions.

Other cool tips and ideas in the Udemy course include:

  • how to use Resource Monitor to really tell if your Revit install has crashed…
  • set deploy default Press and Drag to zero (off).  (Want to get a T-shirt?)
  • handling multiple Templates with quick shortcuts from the Start Screen
  • disabling access to the global Wikihelp (if you want to)
  • much, much more

Here is the promo video:

(embedded JWPlayer)

In summary, Gordon is at the top of the Revit deployment game.  I tend to think he knows more than the Factory about real-world deployment.  He has developed a great system, and shared it with us all in a very comprehensive online course.  Don’t reinvent the wheel.  The time and cost required (from you or your company) to view this course will be easily won back through smooth and fast deployment.

Gordon has kindly provided a special coupon code for readers of What Revit Wants – use this link:
Revit Deployment / Gordon Price – What Revit Wants (10% off)

You can find Gordon Price on LinkedIn here. His blog is the Pragmatic Reviteer.
EDIT:  New info on Revit 2014 deployment (applies to those subscribed to the course, use the link above)

All,
Just wanted to let you know, testing for the 2014 version is well under way. The new code and videos will be available in the next week. Of course material is included in your current course membership, no upgrade fee!
New for 2014

  • Automated Uninstalls
  • More granular control over UDC files
  • Improved logging
  • Simplified customization
  • Improved support for installing and maintaining multiple generations of ADSK software.
I am really excited about some of the new features. I hope you find the new version an improvement over the 1.0 effort.
And thanks again for joining the course!
Best regards,
Gordon Price
the Pragmatic Reviteer

PS – If you think that I (Luke Johnson) am good at things, feel free to connect with and endorse me on my LinkedIn page .