Beyond Design

BIM Coordinator – An easier way to share coordinates between Revit, Civil 3D and Navisworks

When you want to share coordinates between a Revit building model and Civil 3D site in the past it has tended to be a manual process. This tool from Autodesk Consulting allows you to share coordinates and height of a site to Revit to ensure you can simply create a true 3D site model. BIM Coordinator is a technology preview on Autodesk Labs for AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2012 and Autodesk® Revit® 2012 software to assist project team members with building and site grids.

Please watch the video for an example of how to use the tool. Or follow the brief instructions below.

• Select the Add-in in the Toolbox in Civil 3D
• Select 2 points on the same level as a reference for the model location
• Choose the relevant units and save the coordinate file
• In Revit go to the Add Ins tab > Import Shared Coords from ACCSXML file.
• Select the same two reference points for the model
• Choose the coordinates file you just saved.
• In Manage > Location > Site make the Shared Coordinates the current coordinate system in Revit
  • Changing the orientation from Project North to True North will allow the model to reflect the new orientation
• Export the model from Revit to a DWG for Civil 3D
  • You should change the export options to Solids > ACIS Solids for optimal export for Civil and correct the Units for your project)
  • You can then XREF this into Civil 3D ensuring accept all current coordinates and the model will be in the correct location
• Export an NWC file from Revit for Navisworks
  • Ensure the Navisworks Settings use Shared Coordinates rather than Project Internal
  • This can be brought through and appended to the Civil 3D DWG in Navisworks for a complete site model.

See http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/bim_coordinator/ to get hold of it for free.

This is currently only available for the 2012 products but please provide your feedback so we know if you want this for later versions and how it can be improved.

Autodesk AEC DevCamp – Calling anyone interested in using the API to develop for Navisworks, Revit and Civil 3D

Are you interested in customizing, extending or integrating with Autodesk® Revit^®, AutoCAD^® Civil 3D^®, Navisworks^®,  technologies around Autodesk's BIM 360 vision, including Vault Collaboration AEC and Revit Server, new Autodesk web services and mobile technologies, and more?

If yes then the Autodesk AEC DevCamp is for you!

• When: June 6-7, with a DevLab on June 8
• Where: Boston, Massachusetts -- near Autodesk's AEC Division headquarters
• Cost: early bird discount fee of US $500 valid to April 30, 2012, thereafter US $600

The 2 day DevCamp offers training for beginners and experts on the APIs of each of the products listed above. You get to talk to Autodesk product management and engineering staff, and to meet fellow developers like you. There is also a Business Development track for those steering their company's strategic direction and investments as well as Autodesk specific sales and marketing topics. 

Following on from the DevCamp we are holding a day long DevLab. The DevLab has no agenda as it's all about spending quality time working with you on your specific needs and challenges. ADN DevTech engineers covering Autodesk technologies – Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks and more - are available to help you – 1 to 1. Bring your laptop and work on your code as you'd normally do in your own office. With DevLab you have a team of experts available to review your code, answer your questions, and make suggestions.

CALL TO ACTION – let us know you're interested!

To receive more information on the DevCamp and DevLab, including the detailed agenda and registration instructions, please send an email to Melrose Ross on email address melrose.ross@autodesk.com giving your full name and company name.

I've never seen so many iPads in one place

At the end of last week I got back from the Construction MobileIT 2011 Conference in London in the UK, it was a great one day discussion about how mobile devices can be best used in the construction industry. With fascinating insights from Transport for London about how BIM models are helping with Emergency Service planning on London Underground after the 7/7 terrorist bombings in 2005, discussions about the safety of putting data in the cloud, using QR codes in versioning of drawings, use of point cloud technology by surveyors across the life cycle of a building project and whether social media has a place in construction for resolving RFI's.

It's a growing area revolutionized by the iPhone, iPad and App Store by Apple, but there's Android and Windows platforms amongst others in the marketplace and more rugged tablets designed for field use on construction sites. We've heard of people who use their tablets to remotely connect to their work machine to view their Revit and Navisworks models, but more and more developers are using our APIs to create apps such as CadFaster to let you view and markup Revit models on your iPad and Vela Systems to bring data from the field back into your information model.

With the mobile applications we already offer such as the newly released Constructware Field app to help manage projects from the field, Buzzsaw for managing files, AutoCAD WS for editing files and Bluestreak to help collaboration, there's a growing list of apps to help with your workflow and no doubt there'll be more to come in the future.

We just have one question for you, if you could take one app into the field with you tomorrow to help with your day to day work, what would it be?

‘One Size Fits All’ Quick Properties

We know you work with models from various disciplines and CAD applications, we also know that they come with a multitude of different properties and property names, which can make setting up Quick Properties (formerly Smart Tags) for each model you load in a real pain point. For those that haven't seen them before, Quick Properties when switched on, appear when you hover over an item with a list of pre-defined properties for that item.

As you can see, there's a long list of possible properties that can be used, and a smart tag in action. They can also be used in 2D sheets as below.

To set these up you need to load a model and go to Options > Interface > Quick Properties > Definitions. You will then be able to add Quick Property Definitions dependent on the properties available in the model.

You can save these for use in other models by going to Export and selecting Quick Properties > Definitions, which will save an XML with those saved properties.

Opening the XML you can see the file structure comprises of an Optionset, Option Name, Data Type and Internal Name, before moving on to the next option.

The problem many people now come across is that the majority of (in this example) DWF properties, will be completely ignored by models from other applications such as Revit, Civil3D, Inventor, AutoCAD. This is where you might want to create a 'one size fits all' Master XML file that can be imported into any project that will contain the relevant properties from each model type.

You will need to open example models from each discipline (Revit MEP, Revit Architecture, AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and create Quick Property Definition XML files containing Properties for each type of model.

Then open the XML in Notepad or other editing application and copy the relevant properties from there to a 'master XML' file. Just ensure you don't copy across duplicates, otherwise they will later appear multiple times when available in the model.

You will then be able to Import this Master XML to each users machine and it can be used in multiple projects.

Now when hovering over an item when Quick Properties is switched on, Navisworks will ignore all the irrelevant Properties for that model and only display those available.

Let us know how you get on and Submit a Tip if you have any other ways you manage to repurpose data and settings between projects.

Free Autodesk Virtual Event – See the Suite Advantage

You've probably heard about Autodesk design suites, but would you like to find out more?

Autodesk is hosting a free Virtual Event on September 7, so you can attend from the comfort of your desk with zero travel expense, and see how the various design suites can help you deliver more innovative designs better and faster than ever?

Follow this link for registration, more information on the event and details of the available sessions:

http://aec.experience.autodesk.com/all/

There's something for everyone, regardless of industry, so worth a look I'd say. And if you haven't previously attended an event like this, then here's a sneak preview of the virtual environment:

 

Why not drop us a comment to let us know what you think of the event?

Navisworks - AutoCAD previous version support

'Team. Team, team, team, team, team. I even love saying the word, team'. If you have no idea what I'm talking about – and there's a good chance you won't if you live outside of the UK – check out this clip for reference, taken from the UK comedy show, The IT Crowd.

We all know that if we work together [as a team] then, as Aristotle put it, "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts". And if you think about it, Navisworks supports and actively encourages this philosophy – by bringing together all project contributors to create a greater whole.

Navisworks supports a diverse range of authoring applications and laser scan formats. This is achieved through a combination of file exporters and file readers:

And this list continues to grow with your teams' requirements to collaborate with an increasingly diverse supply chain, including manufacturers and fabricators.

In this post I wanted to specifically discuss support for AutoCAD, and AutoCAD-based applications. Here we provide both options, file exporters and file readers.

Exporters

With the exporters (either installed as part of the Navisworks product, or as a separate standalone installer) you can export a Navisworks Cache file (NWC) directly from your AutoCAD-based app. One of the benefits of using the exporter is that you can then distribute a more compressed, un-editable version of the model, and you know the receiver will view the model as intended (that is, you don't have any concerns over the use of Object Enablers, as discussed here).

File Readers

Navisworks includes RealDWG, which effectively means that it can open DWG files as though it's vanilla-AutoCAD, thereby ensuring file fidelity. Object Enablers can also be installed and configured for Navisworks, meaning that it can support custom objects and properties from say, Civil 3D, or other third party AutoCAD-based apps.

Previous Versions

You can usually expect to find support for three previous versions. Navisworks 2012 however, supports:

• Nine versions of DWG, AutoCAD 2004-2012,
• Nine versions of the 32-bit Exporter, 2004-2012
• Five versions of the 64-bit Exporter, 2008-2012

As you can probably imagine, we're unable to maintain an ever increasing number of prior versions. For the next release we're considering dropping support for some of the older DWG file readers and exporters, 2004-2006 (inclusive).

Now would be a good time to let us know if this brings you out in a cold sweat! If this doesn't affect you, we'd equally like to hear which prior versions you are working with, to help guide future decisions.

Autodesk Construction on Fox Business News

Here's a great video from last week's Fox Business News where Autodesk's Jay Bhatt talks about the use of 3D and BIM and how customers are using it to save money in the construction industry.

Whilst for many, this ‘looks like science fiction’ and is ‘really cool’, for those in the industry, this is essential to the way you work.

Let us know what you think of the video, especially if you're new to Autodesk software and 3D modeling

So my model is there, you say, I just can’t see it…

Continuing on from my earlier post, Now I know I left my model around here somewhere… I wanted to share more information about Object Enablers (OEs), and how to work with them in Navisworks.

So where can I get an Object Enabler?

It's generally recommended that you get an OE from whoever created the DWG file, as this should ensure you get the correct version OE. OEs will generally be found on the product CD of the authoring application.

You can typically get your hand on an OE from the vendor website of the authoring application. For example, Autodesk Object Enablers can be found here:

http://www.autodesk.com/oe

And are there different types of Object Enabler?

The simple answer is, yes. There are two types of OE. Firstly there are 'shared' OEs that require no configuration. These are based on the older OE model and when installed on a machine they are specified in the registry for use with all applications that need to use it. Secondly there are application specific, or 'unshared' OEs. These are based on the modern OE model and need to be configured for each application that will use it. These OE files are installed locally to each configured application, which although takes up more disk space, they do avoid conflicts. The new model can be found with applications such as AutoCAD Architecture from 2007 onwards.

So do I need to install all Object Enablers for Navisworks?

No. Since Navisworks was acquired by Autodesk we were able to build-in the most common OEs, so Navisworks Simulate and Manage 2012 already contain the AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP 2012 OEs.

Okay, so how do I install an Object Enabler for use with Navisworks?

Run the OE installer and if/when prompted to configure the OE, select the relevant Navisworks product(s):

And how do I use an Object Enabler once installed?

Navisworks uses RealDWG technology, supporting multiple prior versions. Whilst this introduces an extra level of complexity, it means that we can support customers working with older software versions – which can only be a good thing, as we often hear about software versions being locked down for the duration of a project.

Most OEs tend to be backwards compatible, meaning that a 2012 OE can read objects created in an older version. The main thing you need to be aware of is to ensure you're using the corresponding DWG Loader Version for the installed OE. For example, if you have a Civil 3D 2011 OE, then you need to use the 2011 DWG Loader Version, which you can set in the Navisworks Options:

The OE will then be used automatically. Bear in mind though, that if you are using the 2011 loader and OE, then you will NOT be able to load a 2012 DWG file correctly – as that would require the loader/OE to be Forwards compatible, i.e. know what the format will look like in the future. Then why change the format, I hear you ask? Well, as we add new features and functionality in each new release, extensive research has shown that customers want to be able to save the new stuff J hence an update to the file format being necessary.

Okay, so Scene Statistics shows no Object Enablers are missing but I still only see wireframe?

There are a few further options you can try if this happens. Try these in order:

1. Delete the <filename>.NWC file that corresponds to the DWG file you're trying to open (this should be found in the same directory as your DWG file) and then open the DWG file again.
2. In the DWG/DXF file reader options, change Render Type to Shaded, and then open the DWG file again.
3. In the DWG/DXF file reader options, select the option to Use ADT Standard Configuration, and then open the DWG file again.

As I said earlier, this is simple when you know it, but can be frustrating when you don't, so I hope these posts helps you to see your models as they were intended.

Now I know I left my model around here somewhere…

Have you ever wondered why your DWG models appear as 2D lines (proxy objects) in Navisworks? If you've encountered this it's likely due to a missing object enabler.

So what is an Object Enabler?

You can think of an Object Enabler (OE) as a 'translator' for custom objects. Applications based on the AutoCAD platform, (including Autodesk products like AutoCAD Civil3D or AutoCAD MEP, and non-Autodesk products like CADduct or QuickPen) generate custom objects that are saved into the DWG file format. Many applications have the ability to read these DWG files, however outside of the authoring application these custom objects generally cannot be interpreted. DWG file readers will therefore tend to display these custom objects as proxy graphics - wireframe geometry as in the image above.

So for these custom objects to be displayed correctly outside of the authoring application, the OE is installed on the machine reading the DWG file, and this 'translates' the custom objects into a language that it understands. Simple when you know, but frustrating when you don't!

And what's a custom object again?

In this instance, a custom object generally refers to an object that can be selected and inserted into a file from within an AutoCAD-based application, such as a door, a duct, a pipe, a structural member, and so on. These custom objects are typically found in content libraries that are built into these applications.

So when is an Object Enabler needed?

An OE will generally be required whenever there is a need to read a DWG file containing custom objects, in an application other than the authoring application.

And how do I know if I need to use an Object Enabler with Navisworks?

When a DWG file is opened in Navisworks, if the objects are displayed as proxy graphics (as in the image above), then as a rule of thumb you're going to need an OE. Go to the Home tab and slide out the Project panel to access the Scene Statistics.

Which look like this:

Amongst other information, the Scene Stats will report any missing, or failed to load OEs. If you see these messages, it confirms that an OE is required to load the file correctly.

You'll need to install the relevant OE. Or, if the OE has already been installed and you still get these messages, then it's likely you're using a different DWG Loader version. I'll explain more about this and more in a follow up post. Stay tuned…

Tango and Cache

So you've updated some of your CAD files, you want to refresh your model, but you aren't sure which files have been reloaded, or why more files have been reloaded than you thought.

We check the following things when deciding whether to load an existing NWC file, or whether to reload the file and create a new NWC.

Read and Write Cache

In the Options under Model > NWC there is a setting to check whether we should read existing cache files if available. If you think you'll want to use cache files for speedier loading times then ensure Write Cache is checked. This will overwrite an existing version of an NWC file in that folder, something to watch out for if you export files from Revit, AutoCAD etc.

Timestamp

We'll look to see which version of the file is most recent, the CAD file or the NWC file. Let's say we've just saved a new version of an AutoCAD Architecture DWG, saved at 2.00pm on 1/1/2011 (working New Year's Day, ouch) and you have an earlier version of the NWC file saved from last time you loaded the Navisworks model, say with a timestamp of 1pm on 1/1/2011, we'll reload the DWG and create a new cache file.

All timestamps are stored and compared in UTC, so as long as Windows is configured correctly Timezones shouldn't be an issue.

Options

There's a set of options for each File Reader. Each time one of these options changes, we're changing how we read the file, so we would need to reload the file from scratch to include Text, or change render type, or increase the number of points in a laser scan.

If you have multiple users accessing the files, then it becomes increasingly important to ensure their options match, otherwise a single option may force a reload for all the files, which obviously takes up time. To ensure all users have the same options you can either, Export and Import the options on each machine, or use the Project and Site Directories (something for another post).

Version Numbers

If you are opening a model in 2011 on one machine and 2012 on another, we'll reload the model. This also applies to Service Packs, Subscription releases and beta builds. If you're not sure which version you have check under Help > About Autodesk Navisworks…. and you will get a screen where the exact version number of Navisworks is shown. We don't reload the file between Manage and Simulate unless the version numbers are different.

This can be tricky area to get right as there can be so many variables, but do any of you have any tips on how to work with cache files? Do any of you use the Batch Utilty? How many sites do you use the same CAD files across? Does this blog post help you understand why you may have problems with NWC files?