BIM Manager

Navisworks Keyboard Shortcuts for blazing fast clash reviews

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:47:00 +0000

Navisworks is a powerful tool and a very important part of our workflow, but as we dove deeper into Navisworks I realized it was an incredibly slow process working through all the unimportant clashes to focus on what really matters.

I knew I wanted keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process but Navisworks does not allow you to create new keyboard shortcuts, so I decided to hack my own using Autohotkey; which is a simple programming language that is used to automate tasks in windows.

These shortcuts are specifically aimed at making the clash review process as effecient as possible (I have a feeling this going to make a lot of people VERY happy).

First off all the shortcuts are based on the number pad on the keyboard (if you don't have one you can buy an external one like pictured) or you can modify the included autohotkey source code. Note that the Num Lock must be turned off for this to work!

Navisworks Keyboard Shortcuts

Included in the zip file is the executable, the autohotkey source code if you want to customize this to your liking and a pdf that shows what the shortcuts are.

Most of the shortcuts are self explanatory but they do some very handy things.

0 - sets the clash to 'Reviewed' and brings up the assign to dialog (assign is a great tool to organize your clash reports and add comments for sending out to subs)

1 - sets the clash to 'Reviewed' and then automatically moves on to the next clash (my clash reports only contain clashes set to 'Reviewed', in my world 'Active' means it still needs to be reviewed)

2 - moves to the next clash in the list without changing the status

3 - set the clash to 'Approved' and moves to the next clash

4 - selects the clashing object in the left side of clash detective and zooms to that object

5 - full screen (if you have 2 monitors I recommend putting Navisworks on the second monitor, this way when you use full screen it puts the full screen view on the left monitor and leaves all you tool palletes open on the right monitor)

6 - selects the clashing object in the right side of clash detective and zooms to that object

7 - selects the clashing object in the left side of clash detective and turns on the select filter (the select filter is a great way to quickly slim down the number of clashes, if you don't use it then go learn it now!)

8 - moves to the previous clash without changing the status

9 - selects the clashing object in the right side of clash detective and turns on the select filter

. - focus on the overall clash (this is great if you get lost in your model)

/ - Sets navigation to classic walk mode

* - sets navigation to classic orbit

- - sets the clash view to 'Dim other'

+ - sets the clash view to 'Hide Other'

Keep in mind this is truly a 'hack' way to do this, so there will be times this doesn't work as expected and is provided as-is. Remember to close this application after you exit Navisworks as it might mess with other programs that may have 'Autodesk Navisworks Manage' in the window title. If you use other programs while using Navisworks you can simply turn Num Lock back on and this shouldn't affect any other programs.

I hope this proves to be useful for everyone and I hope it inspires others to share the tools they have developed. I believe sharing is important to move us all forward as a group.

Please provide feedback and any other ideas you may have to improve the tool.

Navisworks items worth re-posting

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 21:20:00 +0000

First off I didn’t even know about the blog Beyond Design until very recently; check it out, loads of good information.

One of their latest posts is extremely important about inaccurate clash results. I tested this and the conservative test came up with many more results that simply didn’t show up with the traditional hard clash test (very disconcerting)

Another good post is from Dwane’s blog which talks about clashes showing up grey which was very aggravating, thanks Dwane!

Job opening for a Scheduling Specialist

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:54:00 +0000

This isn’t directly BIM related but could be in the future, Neenan is looking for a scheduling specialist, you can apply on our website www.neenan.com under careers

Scheduling Specialist

Summary:
The Scheduling Specialist is responsible for improving the overall integrity of Neenan schedules, design through construction, and general scheduling competency of the Neenan employees. He or she will provide the oversight of all project schedules and be involved with resource allocations to ensure the successful set-up, progress and completion of our projects. The Scheduler will work to create consistency and integrity of schedules across projects and the company.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Work with business development to develop proposal schedules for the acquisition of work with team input.
•    Work with design development, preconstruction, project management and field to help them accurately set up a baseline schedule.
•    Work in the capacity of a technical resource for company personnel managing schedule modifications and updates throughout the overall project progress.
•    Manage a database of schedules and as built data from a variety of projects for reference.
•    Create a database of template schedules of different product types.
•    Provide training and support on Microsoft Project, P6 and expand Neenan’s use and general competency regarding schedules.
•    Assist with large scale schedule modifications as needed.
•    Assist teams with the use of the 8 week schedule tool.
•    Support the transfer of scheduling information from the master schedule to the 8-week and the 3 or 4 week schedule.
•    Work with Project Executives to ensure effective resource allocation on projects.
•    Maintain open and positive relationship with team members through regularly scheduled meetings and address their concerns.
•    Create a competency matrix relative to schedules – basic skills, 101, and 201.
•    Build a testing protocol to assess employee competence.
•    Verify scheduling competency of Neenan personnel.
•    Capable of helping to create a schedule based on minimal design information and design/build team direction.
•    Help to develop strategies with claims avoidance and how it relates to scheduling.
•    Competency to make a brief assessment of a schedule and determine its accuracy and completeness.
•    Train staff to track actual dates in the schedule.
•    Ability to create and train others on cost loading schedules.
•    Ability to create and train others on resource loaded schedules.

Qualifications:

•    Master of Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6
•    Overall computer competence
•    Seasoned trainer
•    Thorough knowledge of commercial, healthcare and education construction
•    Strong leadership skills including the ability to build alignment and to motivate others
•    Strong collaboration and listening skills
•    Able to hold people accountable
•    Able to quickly gain the respect of all disciplines, especially the Field
•    Sound knowledge of scheduling methodology, standards, and practices
•    Understand scheduling logic from beginning of design through construction completion
•    Ability to periodically travel to remote project sites
•    Understanding of government requirements is a plus
•    Minimum 5 years construction scheduling experience

Additional Responsibilities:

• In addition to the above, all employees are expected to play by the TNC Rules of the Game and practice Archistruction.
• The 4 Key Behaviors of Archistruction are: 1) Collaborate across disciplines, 2) Challenge others and be willing to be challenged, 3) Always focus on value for clients, TNC and our partners, 4) Be responsible beyond your job description.

Revit 2012 Type Catalog Bug

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Thu, 05 May 2011 14:45:00 +0000

UPDATE - This has been fixed in Service Pack 1

Here’s a nasty little bug I found when editing families with type catalogs in 2012
Steps to reproduce:
Open a family that has a type catalog (W-Wide Flange is a good example) there is only one family type to start with in this family. Save the file. Now if you look at the family types all of them from the type catalog are in the family. At this point if you save (note that the ootb families are set to read only so you need to change this first), close and re-open the family the types go away and still left with one type. But if you change types to something besides W12x26 and save the file ALL of the types are saved in the family.
The development team has acknowledged this as a problem and said it requires a ‘code fix’ and can give no time frame of when it will be fixed.
My advice is to temporarily rename the txt file while editing your family so it doesn’t see it and ruin your day.
Support’s advice was that your library should be read only so this shouldn’t be a problem, that’s all good and fine for end users but when you’re editing the family it can become an issue.

Revit Launcher

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:46:00 +0000

Download here

This program is used to create a local file automatically, open the file in Revit with the option to Specify worksets, Detach from central, etc.
The Revit Launcher.exe can be placed in the same folder as the central file, but I would recommend putting it in one location on your network.
If you place it on your network you will then need to create a shortcut to this file. After you create the shortcut go to the properties, the target should already be pointing to the location of the Revit Launcher.exe, Start In needs to be the path to the central file, be sure to put quotes around the path.

There can only be one Revit file in this folder.
The name of the central file must be XXXXX #VV Central.rvt, where XXXXX can be anything of any length, # is the discipline
(A, S or MEP, where the 3 letters in MEP can be expressed in any order) and VV is the version number
The spaces shown in the filename can be any character you want, including a space.
So 123456789 Project_A08-Central.rvt would work the same as 123456789-Project-A08_Central.rvt
The following dialog will come up when the shortcut is double clicked.

From here you can select the discipline of Revit you want to use, 64 or 32 bit Revit, if you want to open all worksets (default), Specify Worksets, Detach from central, Only open Revit or Only Create Local File.
If you click on the Advanced tab you can see how much RAM is installed in the machine and the size of the central file.

When you click OK a local file will be created in C:\Revit Local Files\XXXXX Where XXXXX is the first portion of the central files name
The local file will be renamed to remove Central and add the current users username
If a local file already exists it will be moved to C:\Revit Local Files\Archive
If an archive exists it will be moved to the Recycle Bin first
The program automatically opens the correct version of Revit based upon the version number in the filename (works for 2008 and up)
If the central file is named incorrectly or there are more than one Revit files in the folder, or if the correct version/discipline of Revit is not installed a error message will be displayed.
The local file is then opened automatically with whatever workset option you have selected or detaches from central if the option is selected
The warning about copying the local file is automatically dismissed
The worksharing monitor will be automatically opened if it is installed
The program is compatible with XP, XP64, Vista and Vista 64
Currently compatible with Revit Architecture/Structure/MEP 2008/2009 64 and 32 Bit
I will be updating for Revit 2010 when it is released
The script can be terminated at any time by pressing Win+X
You can also change the defaults through the shortcut, for example you can add this to the end of the target in the shortcut: Specify S 09, every time someone clicks this shortcut now it will default to specify worksets, open with Revit Structure 2009. On most projects we do not use specify worksets, this is why the default is open all, for large projects I just change the shortcut to specify. Some projects have Architecture and Structure in one file, so I have two shortcuts to open the same file but one opens with arch, the other with structure.
I'm open to any improvements!
UPDATE I have added the ability to change the username in the advanced tab and the script now checks to see if there is a recovery file in the local folder, if there is it gives you the option to open the recovery file or create a new one.
UPDATE 4/20/09 Now works with Revit 2010
UPDATE 6/2/10 Now works with Revit 2011, added function to repair common Revit problems by pressing Ctrl + R when launcher window is open, you can also view a list of variable by pressing Win + V
UPDATE 6/11/10 MAJOR update for 2011, now works with addins!

This program is used to create a local file automatically, open the file in Revit with the option to Specify worksets, Detach from central, etc.
The Revit Launcher.exe can be placed in the same folder as the central file, but I would recommend putting it in one location on your network.
If you place it on your network you will then need to create a shortcut to this file. After you create the shortcut go to the properties, the target should already be pointing to the location of the Revit Launcher.exe, Start In needs to be the path to the central file, be sure to put quotes around the path.

There can only be one Revit file in this folder.
The name of the central file must be XXXXX #VV Central.rvt, where XXXXX can be anything of any length, # is the discipline
(A, S or MEP, where the 3 letters in MEP can be expressed in any order) and VV is the version number
The spaces shown in the filename can be any character you want, including a space.
So 123456789 Project_A08-Central.rvt would work the same as 123456789-Project-A08_Central.rvt
The following dialog will come up when the shortcut is double clicked.

From here you can select the discipline of Revit you want to use, 64 or 32 bit Revit, if you want to open all worksets (default), Specify Worksets, Detach from central, Only open Revit or Only Create Local File.
If you click on the Advanced tab you can see how much RAM is installed in the machine and the size of the central file.

When you click OK a local file will be created in C:\Revit Local Files\XXXXX Where XXXXX is the first portion of the central files name
The local file will be renamed to remove Central and add the current users username
If a local file already exists it will be moved to C:\Revit Local Files\Archive
If an archive exists it will be moved to the Recycle Bin first
The program automatically opens the correct version of Revit based upon the version number in the filename (works for 2008 and up)
If the central file is named incorrectly or there are more than one Revit files in the folder, or if the correct version/discipline of Revit is not installed a error message will be displayed.
The local file is then opened automatically with whatever workset option you have selected or detaches from central if the option is selected
The warning about copying the local file is automatically dismissed
The worksharing monitor will be automatically opened if it is installed
The program is compatible with XP, XP64, Vista and Vista 64
Currently compatible with Revit Architecture/Structure/MEP 2010/2011 64 and 32 Bit
I will be updating for Revit 2012 when it is released
The script can be terminated at any time by pressing Win+X
You can also change the defaults through the shortcut, for example you can add this to the end of the target in the shortcut: Specify S 09, every time someone clicks this shortcut now it will default to specify worksets, open with Revit Structure 2009. On most projects we do not use specify worksets, this is why the default is open all, for large projects I just change the shortcut to specify. Some projects have Architecture and Structure in one file, so I have two shortcuts to open the same file but one opens with arch, the other with structure.
I'm open to any improvements!
UPDATE I have added the ability to change the username in the advanced tab and the script now checks to see if there is a recovery file in the local folder, if there is it gives you the option to open the recovery file or create a new one.
UPDATE 4/20/09 Now works with Revit 2010
UPDATE 6/2/10 Now works with Revit 2011, added function to repair common Revit problems by pressing Ctrl + R when launcher window is open, you can also view a list of variable by pressing Win + V
UPDATE 6/11/10 MAJOR update for 2011, now works with addins!

Links to files updated

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:04:00 +0000

I had previously hosted my files on AUGI, now that this is gone I have moved my files to dropbox, I have updated the original posts with new links and below are the links all together
Navisworks Revit Grid Family – see this post
Navisworks Search Sets xml file I never posted this to the blog before, only on AUGI. This can be imported into Navisworks to bring in predefined search sets that correlate with Revit categories, AutoCAD MEP, Tekla, AutoSprink, etc. I’m always adding to this as I get different files types. If you have more to add please let me know so we can add to this master file.
Revit Launcher – This is another utility I only posted on AUGI, see this post

Navisworks User Survey

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:10:00 +0000

If you’re interested in providing feedback to Autodesk about Navisworks keep reading…

The Navisworks team are currently running an online user survey to gain your feedback. It’s an opportunity to let us know how satisfied you are with the current product, and to highlight functionality that you would like to see improved or introduced. The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete and your input is greatly appreciated!

To access the survey click here: http://tinyurl.com/navisworksusersurvey

Troubled Times for AUGI

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:00:00 +0000

As you’re probably aware by now AUGI is going through a very rough period; you can read more here…

Dave B’s comments on disappointing a community

Steve’s thoughts

Phil Read has started a petition to spill the board of AUGI, if you’re disgusted with what has gone on I recommend you sign this and pass it on; I have.

Petition to spill the board of AUGI

For those of you looking for old data from AUGI, you can use google’s cache feature for now.

Go here, add your search term after this site:forums.augi.com, then click the Cached link

I will be mining some of my more ‘valuable’ posts from this and posting them on my blog in the near future and hosting any files I’ve posted to dropbox.

It will be interesting to see if users abandon AUGI after this, I hope it’s not the case. I will continue my support being a moderator; but I do believe it’s time for a change in the guard.

AU bound

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:27:00 +0000

I'll be off to AU soon with 3 others from Neenan. If I make it in time I will be at the bloggers social tonight/AEC mixer/the lounge if you want to get together.

I just downloaded mastering REVIT arch to my iPad/kindle, maybe I will actually read it now that I don't have to carry around that Cinderblock of a book

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2011…move along folks, nothing to see here

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:38:00 +0000

I’ve been patiently waiting for a new release of QTO, which finally came out yesterday; a mere 7 months off of Autodesk’s release cycle for the rest of their software. I figured they must be doing great things with all the time they’ve had to work on the product right?

Well, not so much. The only notable new feature is takeoff coloring of the model. The rest doesn’t get me excited, which you can see here http://doddsandends.typepad.com/blog/2010/11/autodesk-quantity-takeoff-2011-released.html (sorry Jason)

3D is still unusable for the most part, none of the navigation tools have been brought over from design review. No sectioning, walking, hiding, etc. No split screen, can’t have multiple documents open. Still can’t total your quantities inside qto.

All that said, it is still a good program and we will continue to utilize it, I just needed to express my disappointment in the development of the product.

Scan to BIM

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:00:00 +0000

I haven’t seen this posted anywhere else besides a tweet that Beau sent out the other day. This is too exciting to not be talked about.

This should help reduce the cost of laser scanning since previously you generally had to rely on the scanning company to convert the point cloud to a model in AutoCAD. I have not tried it yet so I can’t speak to it’s usability but I am excited to find a project to use it on.

http://www.avatech.com/solutions/building-design/product-details.aspx?product=90

The Scan to BIM software add-in takes the ordeal out of the process of getting 3D laser scanning data into Revit. It enables you to import point clouds directly into Revit, visualize them directly in Revit, and interact directly in Revit with automated recognition and placement of walls and openings, as well as pipes and ducts.

Back in action

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:49:00 +0000

I just signed up for the blogger social event at AU and realized I haven’t posted since March (my jaw dropped a little when I saw that) I must admit I had lost my motivation towards BIM and it was a rough year while I tried to find my path in life. Some of you know that I found a deep passion for photography and this overtook my life; it was all I could think about and nothing else mattered. I couldn’t see balancing work life with my newly found purpose.

Recently I went through Dale Carnegie Training, which Darren Lewis explains nicely in his blog post How to be human. This really awakened me and revitalized my passions for life in general. I have re-dedicated myself to BIM and am very excited for the coming year.

My focus will be helping implement Lean construction methodologies with BIM and really changing our entire process rather than simply inserting BIM into the same old processes. We continue to bring in lots of work at Neenan despite the economy, which speaks volumes of how great this company already is; I’m excited about the potential this company has.

Soon I’ll be posting about what we’re doing with Vela in the field using iPads on the jobsite amongst other things. No real content in this post, just a reintroduction to get myself motivated to post again. For those of you going, I look forward to seeing you at AU!

p.s. for those of you interested I am still fully immersed in photography as well and am selling my work for install in commercial/residential buildings. If you have any connections with interior designers I would appreciate you forwarding my contact info on! We just finished an install in one of our medical buildings which you can see on my other blog www.kinghamphotographyblog.com and you can see my work at www.kinghamphotography.com

QTO

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:59:00 +0000

Oops Jason already posted my last tip on his blog last year, and I’m even subscribed to his blog…oh well. Maybe this will help raise the awareness of QTO.

So far I’ve found Jason’s blog:

dODDS and Ends

and…

Autodesk QTO Users Group

last and never least…

AUGI Quantity Takeoff Forum

Anyone else have any good QTO resources?

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff and Windows 7

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:37:00 +0000

In Windows 7 you will receive the following error when attempting to open a file in QTO

Fortunately Autodesk support was extremely fast to respond (3 hours) with this solution:

The ADOX file is a file required for VBA applications that the 2010 QTO installer does not install into Windows 7. A manual copy of the Vista version of this file into the program should correct this issue. You will need Administrator rights to perform this operation. Here is a process for you to try:

Copy and install the ADOX file:

1.) Close Quantity Takeoff.

2.) Locate the following path\file on the install DVD: \x86\Autodesk\QTO\Vista\ADOX.DLL

3.) Copy the ADOX.DLL file to the installed QTO directory:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2010\

4.) Restart QTO.

5.) Open a new or existing project.

Easier model text on a curved wall

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:44:00 +0000

Daryl posted a good tip for placing model text on a curved wall. While it is a creative solution I believe I have a better method for you all.

First off create a new family from the Generic Model – Face Based template. Put in a piece of model text, give the model text an instance parameter so you can change it in the project, you can also give parameters for material and depth. Load this into your project and place on the face of the wall (which can be done in plan, elevation or 3d)

Now in plan view array some ref planes around the center point of the wall to get your spacing between the letters correct, to align these just select and drag to align with the ref plane, you cannot use the align tool. Now if the wall ever changes the text will go along with it.

Subscription Pack available for Navisworks

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:51:00 +0000

Autodesk released a plethora of updates for many products yesterday, Revit and AutoCAD had plenty of coverage in the blogosphere, so I’ll only touch on the Navisworks update.

First off we can now import and export fbx format. Importing is not such a big deal for me, but exporting is very nice to bring out to 3ds max.

Batch processing utility, I had already automated most things using autohotkey but maybe these will be a bit more reliable since it runs directly through Navisworks:

File list—produces a text file containing a list of the paths and file names of all design files used in an integrated model

File combine—enables users to automatically import a batch of files of any supported format into a single model

File convert—enables users to automatically convert a batch of supported files into individual Navisworks files

Last and certainly not least is the NWC export utility. This is huge. Finally we can freely distribute this exporter to the entire project team, now anyone can export to Navisworks without buying the software. Thank you, thank you, thank you Autodesk for listening to the customers.

These can be downloaded from the subscription (obviously you must be on subscription) http://subscription.autodesk.com

New BIM Blog

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:20:00 +0000

A former associate of mine has started up a new BIM blog called BIMbytes, Grant was one of our best Revit users and had quite a bit of exposure to real world BIM working for us. He just finished college and was focused on structural engineering, his thesis was on using BIM in a integrated educational environment and is teaching a class at AU on this subject (needs more people to sign up so it doesn’t get canceled though!)

Grant is also seeking employment as well, so if you know of anyone that needs a Revit/BIM Manager please give him a call!

Undocumented Features of Revit 2010

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:40:00 +0000

By now you have all seen the new features (go here if you haven't) Instead of re-hashing that I'm going to run through some of the lesser known or undocumented features.

The GOOD

Performance has been improved over 2009, in my testing it is the fastest version yet (seat of the pants testing), but most people are reporting it's about the same speed as 2008 was (which is good!)

You can now add the current revision to your drawing list.

In a worksetted file you can discard your changes AND relinquish at the same time, before you had to just close out, don't relinquish, re-open and then relinquish.

Instance Properties dialog is now re-sizeable.

In print setup you can now have halftone print as thin lines (there is a checkbox under options)

You're now able to create filters for sections, elevations and callouts. So for example you could turn off interior elevations by creating a new filter with the elevation category and filter by family and type of interior elevations, add the filter to your view and turn the filter off.

Keyboard shortcuts were added for the following: Gray inactive worksets, each dimensions type (aligned, linear, angular, radial, arc length) Extend is now it's own tool so you can create a shortcut for this as well. ALL of the items in the view control bar now can have shortcuts (except for the scales of course) Borrow and return license

External tools can have shortcuts too, this is what it looks like in the keyboardshortcuts file:

; Add-Ins
"NW" ribbon:"Add_Ins-External-External Tools-Navisworks 2010"

The BAD

Type Properties is NOT re-sizable

Orient to view/direction has no keyboard shortcuts anymore, you now have to right click the view cube, if you need to orient to a plane you have to right click on the steering wheel. This is a major step backwards.

Switch windows isn't easily accessible anymore, but can be added to the Quick access toolbar

Same with the worksets selector and the type selector.

My thoughts on the ribbon...it's great for new users and discoverability of tools, which sounds like this was the main intent from reading their blog. For advanced or even slightly experienced users this is a step backwards for productivity. If you don't use keyboard shortcuts now, you better start. This is the only way you will remain efficient in 2010. There will be a lot of disappointment around this release, when Phil Read is putting up angry blog posts you know things are bad.

With that, we will be upgrading. It is certainly not a rush though, I'm going to wait at least a month to let the users play around in it first because it is going to be a major disruption.

Overall I give this release a thumbs down. Maybe in 2011 they will address the users needs rather than corporate's...

New-ish Navisworks blog

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:44:00 +0000

Beyond the Paper has been around for quite some time but has been focused on DWF, now Volker will also be posting about Navisworks.

Volker has a couple of posts already...

Introducing Autodesk Navisworks Freedom 2010

Navisworks NWD or Navisworks NWF file format?

Welcome to the Navisworks world Volker!

Revit Grids in Navisworks, Part Deux

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:04:00 +0000

I originally posted this a year and a half ago, my how time flies
http://bimmanager.blogspot.com/2007/10/revit-grids-in-navisworks.html
Since then I've found those grids to be fairly ineffective, it takes way too much time trying to select the grid to get into the properties.
So I created a similar family but it has a grid marker arrayed so the grid location shows up all along the grid. This has made working in Navisworks a million times easier.

Setting it up in Revit has not changed, so follow the instructions from the original post.
It can be downloaded here

How to change the avatar in NavisWorks

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:37:00 +0000

This doesn't seem to be documented anywhere so here is a quick how-to.

First off open up the file you want as your avatar, it could be a dwg, skp, etc. Now publish this file to an nwd to the following folder C:\Program Files\Autodesk\NavisWorks Manage 2009\avatars\new folder name\new avatar name.nwd

Restart NavisWorks if it is open.

Open the file you want the avatar for, go to Viewpoint > Edit Current Viewpoint > Collision Detection > Setttings... > Enable Third Person, now from the Avatar drop down you can select your new avatar.

Under the viewer settings you can also change the size of the avatar by changing the height and the radius

Technorati Tags: NavisWorks,Avatar

Black objects in NavisWorks?

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:12:00 +0000

Ever had objects from a dwg that come in black? No matter what you do it seems you cannot change the color.

The solution is very simple, go to the materials tab in presenter and delete the material called ByLayer, this comes across sometimes when the image file isn't present.

Too many new blogs to keep up with

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:48:00 +0000

I've been meaning to add these to my list of links but I may need to create a new page just for links, there are so many now!

http://www.revitcommunity.com
http://architechure.blogspot.com/
http://revittut.blogspot.com/
http://irevit.blogspot.com/
http://virtualconstruct.blogspot.com/
http://whosafraidofthebigbadbim.blogspot.com/
http://www.revit-waterman.blogspot.com/
http://bimboombam.wordpress.com/
http://revitclinic.typepad.com/
http://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/
http://revitize.blogspot.com/
http://collaborativeconstruction.blogspot.com/
http://bimvids.blogspot.com/
http://managing-cad.blogspot.com/
http://mep-cad.blogspot.com/
http://revitunplugged.blogspot.com/
http://fmdesktop.blogspot.com/
http://revitstructure.spaces.live.com/
http://revitrockstar.blogspot.com/
http://revitfix.blogspot.com/
http://www.revitfactory.com/
http://redbolts.com/blog/
http://buildinginformationmodeling.wordpress.com/
http://www.bimmanager.com/
http://insitebuilders.wordpress.com/
http://otrorevitblog.blogspot.com/
http://revit.rossbar.com/

New Revit Extensions

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:33:00 +0000

Here’s a few extensions I’ve come across recently

FilterTool – This is how Revit’s filter tool should work.

From their site: You're able to filter not only the categories of your selection but also the types. Your selection is level-based. Additionally, you can save pre-defined Filters, so whenever you need a recurring selection, just open a saved Filter selection in our FilterTool.

ideate explorer – Same as above except even more powerful. I need this and I need it now. Considering they are about the same price if you get the office version of filtertool, I think this is the right choice.

Revit Excel Import – Converts excel files to dxf so you can import them into Revit as a link. It’s not very ‘BIM’ that’s for sure, but there are times I could’ve have used this.

Metal Wood Framer – I know of many people that have been looking for this, it automatically creates wood or metal stud framing from your Revit walls

BIMreview – THE way to maintain standards in Revit.

I’ve only tried BIMreview so far because we are currently on a purchasing freeze. Stinkin economy is preventing me from having any fun.

BIM Management Forum Now on AUGI!

noreply@blogger.com (David Kingham) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 03:23:00 +0000

Mike Perry just invited me to be the moderator of the new BIM Management Forum on AUGI, I have graciously declin….wait….accepted!

So I am now the moderator of two forums on AUGI, the other being the NavisWorks Forum

Hmmm when do we get a QTO forum Mike?

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