BIM Manager

Easier model text on a curved wall

david.kingham@gmail.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

david.kingham@gmail.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

david.kingham@gmail.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

david.kingham@gmail.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

david.kingham@gmail.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

david.kingham@gmail.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.

You can download the Revit family on AUGI (you must be registered on the AUGI forums which is free)

How to change the avatar in NavisWorks

david.kingham@gmail.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?

david.kingham@gmail.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

david.kingham@gmail.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

david.kingham@gmail.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!

david.kingham@gmail.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?

Technorati Tags: AUGI,BIM,Management,VDC

Advanced Options in NavisWorks

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:13:00 +0000

Came across this on the Connected blog. Since most people probably don’t read a buzzsaw blog for NavisWorks information I thought I would repost it here.

- Click Start.

- Click Run.

- Type in cmd in the Open field and click OK.

RESULT: A black command prompt window will open. Click into the black window so you can type commands in.

- Type: "CD C:\Program Files\Autodesk\NavisWorks Manage 2009"

RESULT: You will now be in the NavisWorks Program Directory

- Type "OptionsEditor.exe -a"

RESULT: The Global Options editor will open in advanced mode.

So many options, I have some digging to do. I will post if I find anything interesting.

Technorati Tags: NavisWorks

Autodesk University 2008

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:34:00 +0000

April? Really? I haven't posted since April. Wow, been busy.

We have made quite a bit of progress in that time, doing a lot with NavisWorks bringing it into the field and tying the model to the construction schedule. Have been training the construction project managers in Navis to view the model, measure, markup, etc.

We also hired a Revit Specialist so I can focus on the bigger BIM picture rather than just Revit. All of our projects are in Revit now, unfortunately with economy situation there are not many new jobs to speak of. We recently had layoffs and the possibility of more is very real.

But even with that bleakness we are still sending 18 people to Autodesk University! We still feel there is great value in it and you can't beat the training you get for the price.

I will be at the BIM Mixer, the Blogger Social, the AUGI Volunteer get together, AEC direction meeting (architecture and construction) and some other unconference events.

I'll be updating my twitter status (I'm stealing this idea from Greg) saying where I'm at so you can find me if you like. You can follow me here http://twitter.com/davidkingham

Revit Detail Level and NavisWorks

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:14:00 +0000

Steve at HOK posted about Interference Detection and Detail Level which reminded me the same sort of thing applies in NavisWorks also, the NavisWorks exporter only exports geometry that is visible at a FINE level of detail, if fine is unchecked it will not be exported, and it does not matter what your view is set to if you select export current view, it will still go to fine.

NavisWorks Forum Alive on AUGI

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:57:00 +0000

NavisWorks Forum
I will be moderating this forum on AUGI, will be posting some good stuff like search sets for revit categories soon.

Tools I use everyday

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:33:00 +0000

Thought I would share some of the tools I use that are not directly related to BIM but help me in getting the job done. Please share what you use!

nDroid
An application launcher similar to launchy or quicksilver only much much faster, I cannot live without this anymore.
xplorer²
A replacement for windows explorer, allows you to have two panes side by side, tabs, etc.
Notepad++
A replacement for notepad, this is invaluable when writing code, the best part is the syntax highlighting for virtually any programming language, also has tabs.
AutoHotkey
A programming language that is very simple to use to create very simple macros or hotkeys or fairly advanced programs (nDroid was created in AHK for example)
Mindmanger
For creating mindmaps, most people know what this is by now
7-Zip
Replacement for winzip, works for any compressed files and I like it better than winrar
Camtasia
For quick screen recordings
Captivate
If you want the very best program for creating help videos this is it.
CCleaner
Cleans out all the crap on your computer
GIMP
Free replacement for photoshop
Hatch Manager
Quickly make hatch patterns in AutoCAD
Firefox
If you don't know what this is you've been living under a rock. I won't even list all the extensions I have
PDFCreator
The best PDF writer ever.
SnagIt
Must have, great screen captures
StatBar
Helps keep an eye on system stats at all times
TerraCopy
Makes copying large files much easier
PDF Split and Merge
Just as it says, splits multi sheet pdfs up or merges single pdfs into one
Google Reader
RSS feed reader

Shading Elevations in Revit

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:47:00 +0000

Miles Walker from HOK posted this tip for fading out elevations
While this does work I believe I have a much better solution.
I originally posted it on AUGI and you can download the family here
What I did was create a mass family that has a transparent material with different levels of shading, so if you have a building with multiple steps you can make your elevations easy to understand.
Simply place the family between the elevation and the building, make sure mass is turned on in your elevation and turned off in your floor plans. You will need to use the linework tool to turn the edges of the family to invisible lines, hover on one of the edges and hit tab to select all the edges at once. The only caveat is you have to use Raster instead of Vector when printing.

Revit Grids in NavisWorks

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:57:00 +0000

I've been struggling to find my bearings in NavisWorks because the grids from Revit are not 3d so they do not come into NW. I've come up with a pretty good solution in the meantime.
I created a 2-Pick family in Revit that I creatively called 'Grid.rfa'

The grid bubbles and the grid line are extrusions 1/4" high, I tried using Model Lines but they are just too hard to select in NW. The grid name/number are tied to a 'Grid' parameter.

I created an empty project that I linked the structural model into and proceeded to Copy/Monitor the grids into the project. From here I can use the pick option for creating the 2-pick family grids with 'Lock' checked.

Then all you have to do is set the 'Grid' parameter in the newly created grid.

Now what happens if the grid changes? That never happens so we don't have to worry about it....oops had a moment of insanity.

Since we copy/monitored the grids we can simply do a coordination review (look in help if you don't know what this is) the grids will automatically be updated and since we used the lock option to place the new 2pick grids they will move right along with the monitored grids. The only coordination you have to do is check the grid names and make sure there are no new grids, coordination review will not currently tell you if new grids have been added.

Now here's the cool part, when you select the grid in NavisWorks you can look at the properties and you instantly know what grid you're looking at. No need to track down the grid bubble.

I also found it useful to group the grids in Revit and then copy the group to each floor, that way it's always easy to find the grid in NW.

I anyone would like my Grid family just leave a comment or shoot me an email and I'll be happy to send it to you.

Autodesk's Negative Effect on NavisWorks

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 15:27:00 +0000

Although Autodesk pledged to not change NavisWorks the effect of Autodesk is hurting the program unfortunately. It's not Autodesk that is doing the damage though, at least not directly.

This was posted on the NavisWorks site today

"PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME THIRD PARTY VENDORS MAY ELECT TO NOT PROVIDE FILE FORMAT SUPPORT FOR NAVISWORKS PRODUCTS AS OUTLINED BELOW FOLLOWING THE SALE OF NAVISWORKS TO AUTODESK. WHILE WE INTEND TO WORK TO PROVIDE CONTINUED DIRECT THIRD PARTY FILE FORMAT SUPPORT WHEN POSSIBLE, IN SOME CASES, SUCH SUPPORT MAY BE DISCONTINUED DESPITE OUR PREFERENCE. WHEN FEASIBLE, A WORKFLOW CHANGE MAY ADDRESS SOME CUSTOMER’S NEEDS (E.G., EXPORT OF FILES FROM AN UNSUPPORTED THIRD PARTY CAD PRODUCTS INTO A FILE FORMAT SUPPORTED BY NAVISWORKS). PLEASE COME BACK TO THIS WEB PAGE FOR FURTHER UPDATES ON FILE FORMAT SUPPORT AVAILABILITY."

It's unfortunate that the 'other' vendors are taking away support for native file format, this coincides with a previous post regarding file exporters, If more vendors pull native support because they would be supporting Autodesk then we have to have the originating program to export from to get quality models. Again this forces us into the position of requiring subcontractors to purchase NavisWorks. A free exporter would alleviate a lot of my concerns.

NavisWorks Class and Lab added to AU schedule

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:23:00 +0000

Update:
2 Classes were added for NavisWorks now!

The first is Thursday at 10:00 called 'The Essential Guide to NavisWorks'

- Combine and manage project and session data using the NWF file format.
- Override speeds and use shortcut keys to increase effectiveness of 3D model navigation.
- Work with viewpoints and identify override techniques to aid communication of design intent.
- Quickly produce animations using viewpoints as key frames.
- Create intelligent groups of objects for repeated use on multiple projects, using the Find Items tool.
- Create punch/snag lists using the Redline Tags tool.
- Produce external renderings quickly and easily using a few essential Presenter tips.

Thursday at 1:00, called 'A Walk-through NavisWorks' is a Lab

- Combine 3D CAD files from various disciplines in order to create a single model environment. - Manoeuvre around a 3D model using the essential navigation modes. - Interrogate property information and utilize this to create intelligent, dynamic groups. - Use viewpoints to communicate your design intent. - Apply materials, lighting and backgrounds to create a near-real rendering with Presenter plug-in. - Check a model for interferences between disciplines using the Clash Detective

From the AU Blog

Autodesk University 2007 Schedule

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:27:00 +0000

We will be sending 15 people to AU this year! There will be a wide variety of users, from Architecture, Structure, MEP, Management and Visualization.

I take back my comments I posted on Steve's blog about there not being enough advanced Revit classes at AU. I've come to the realization that I've pretty much reached the end of Revit technically. I now need to focus my skills on management and further implementation into the rest of the company.

I'm pretty happy with my schedule, a nice variety of advanced Revit classes, BIM and business/management.

Tuesday

8:00 AM-9:30 AM
General Session - Designing the Future

10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Effective Collaboration with the Autodesk® Revit® Platform

1:30 PM-3:00 PM
Autodesk's Revit® SDK Sample Smörgåsbord

3:30 PM-5:00 PM
The Fusion of Technology Innovations

Wednesday

8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Building the Future - AEC Industry Presentation

10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Expanding BIM with the Autodesk's Revit® API

1:30 PM-3:00 PM
Methodology for Implementing BIM: Educational Processes vs. Professional Practices

3:00 PM-4:30 PM
Technology Underpinnings of Integrated Practice in Building Design and Construction

5:00 PM-6:30 PM
Effective Techniques for Large Projects in Revit® Architecture

Thursday

8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Running Revit® Architecture in Virtual Machines

10:30 AM-12:00 PM
The Essential Guide to NavisWorks

1:00 PM-2:30 PM
A Walk-through NavisWorks

3:00 PM-4:30 PM
From Concept to Construction: Real-World Construction Management Techniques and Best Practices with Revit® Architecture

5:00 PM-6:30 PM
Advanced Massing Studies in Revit® Architecture

Friday

8:00 AM-9:30 AM
The Successful Implementation of Building Information Modeling in a Construction Project for the 2008 Beijing Olympics

10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Sharing 3D Geometry Among AutoCAD® MEP, Revit® Architecture, and Revit® Structure

Learning how to write again....

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:01:00 +0000

I've caught on to the phenomenon of "Getting things done" or "GTD". I've ordered a Moleskine so I can effectively jot down my thoughts when a computer is not available.

I've run into a problem though. This wonderful digital age has made me forget how to write. I'm not even going to post an example, let's just say it's awful.

I saw RobiNZ's post this morning about this very subject. Great, I'm not the only one. My question is how do we get help?? I think going back to elementary is probably not an option (a freaky looking long hair in an elementary school might raise some eyebrows)

A quick google search brings up a million results, I'm looking for some real advice for a dummy that doesn't even know how to write anymore :(

Collision Detection in NavisWorks

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 22:38:00 +0000

Here's a few images of some collisions I found on a small project we're working on.
It was extremely easy to convert and import the files into NavisWorks, took about 10 minutes and this was my first go at it!
This was simply checking Mechanical against Structural, the collision detection runs so fast it's ridiculous. In Revit this would have taken an hour.
Next step is to learn TimeLiner

Should Autodesk make a free file exporter for NavisWorks files?

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:41:00 +0000

I've been using NavisWorks for a couple weeks now and it is the greatest program I have found since I came across Revit. I will post some examples a little later...

The biggest problem I see with it is that the exporter is not free, with subscription costs it is over $1400 just to be able to export to NavisWorks! This is because you have to purchase Roamer to use the exporters.

Granted most of the time NavisWorks will import the native file format without having the original program installed. On the other hand there is a rather large list of file formats that cannot be imported, it has to be exported from the original program.

So what are we to do? Require the subcontractors purchase NavisWorks....that will go over well (note the sarcasm) Do we buy it for them? Or maybe it's just a matter of having them export to dxf, dwg, dwf or ifc first.

If they have to export to a different format first there will most likely be data loss, even in the NavisWorks help file it states you will get the best quality and limit the amount of data loss if you export from the original program with Publisher.

Comments?

Edit: After talking with NavisWorks they have no plans of making the exporter free, although if enough users request it they may consider it. Their suggestion for now is to export to dxf, ifc, etc. then you can bring it in natively, but they did confirm there is possibility of data loss.

del.icio.us Tags: NavisWorks, autodesk, bim

Autodesk acquires NavisWorks

david.kingham@gmail.com (David Kingham) — Thu, 31 May 2007 15:27:00 +0000

Apparently Autodesk realized that their idea of one integrated Revit model was not going to work in reality. They were trying to push this idea of linking all the Revit models together, which seems like a great idea until you realize in a real world size project that Revit struggles enough with one discipline, the computers are just not up for the task yet.

Now Autodesk can scrap that idea and push everyone to get NavisWorks (I'm sure the Archicad users are cringing at this acquisition)

BTW this is my first post using Windows Live Writer, so far I really like it, very simple and intuitive.

del.icio.us Tags: NavisWorks, BIM, Autodesk, Revit

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