Scan to BIM - Scanner data in Revit

Avatech Solutions recently released a new Scan to BIM plugin for Revit 2011.


Below is some info from their website.

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.
Eliminate time spent working with point clouds outside of Revit - eliminate the ordeal of scanning to BIM. Work faster and more accurately, gain new revenue streams, and stay on top of client demands. The Scan to BIM software add-on for Revit actually makes scanning directly to BIM a reality.
Try it yourself for free. Request a 30-day trial.
Scan to BIM Key Features Include:

• Manage multiple projects
• Import industry-standard formats (PTS and PTX)
• View the point cloud inside Revit based on color, intensity or elevation
• Visualize faster slices of the point cloud based on your current Revit view or other options
• Assist with creation of Revit elements:
• Automated creation of Walls, Windows, Pipe, and Round Duct
• Construction geometry to assist with other element types
• Workflow-based tools to help set up and work on your model with the point cloud
• Measure points within your scan to quickly find true dimensions
• Visualize accuracy by comparing the Revit model against the point cloud
• Provide accurate as-built BIM documentation on renovation and retrofit projects

Visit their website for more info.
http://www.avatech.com/solutions/building-design/product-details.aspx?product=90 

Branching Out - V-Ray Sun

I know that a lot of people who are working with Revit also work with other programs. 3D Max and Vray may be some of those programs. I wanted to share a video that I created a little while back showing how to get a very realistic sun and sun studies out of 3d max and vray.

(This is a high res video, so please take advantage of it, and ask any questions, I will be happy to answer them)

Filters...why not?

Why do the filters only filter by category type? Pretty bad user design if you ask me. I'm sure people would love to filter their selections by the objects properties. Well....you can.

A simple technique to create your own filters is using a schedule. Create a schedule that filters out the properties you would like to select.

In the example below, I wanted to select every framing member that is on the fifth floor of my project, and is -6" below the reference level. (I needed to move everything up 1.25")

Now that you have a schedule, just select all the objects in your schedule (Click a sqaure, and drag to make a selection). Now if you Ctrl+Tab or Ctrl+Shift+Tab you can cycle through the open windows with your objects selected. You can also have the 2 windows open tiled if needed. Now that you have your objects selected and inside of a "model" type view, you can use the element properties button to edit your objects. In my case, i will move my start and end offsets to -4 3/4".

A simple method that probably should get included into revit some how. (Revit devs, please talk with the ACAD and ACA people)

Custom Phasing Graphics

So, you want to make a phasing plan that looks different than your typical Existing/Demo/New work plans. You try using Revits phases, and realize they are not able to accomplish what you need. 1-The phase graphic overrides are global, you cant tell the view to have differnt phase overrides. 2-You cannot use the Phase property as a phase filter. (WHAT@!?#@)

So, in order to create your new plans on the fly without having to override every object, you can create your own phase parameters that are able to be filtered and overridden.

1. Go to Settings>Project Parameters.
2. Hit Add.
3. Create a new parameter that will contain the phasing graphic information (I.E. - New, existing, Demo, Demo 1, demo 2, etc). Instance parameter, Select ALL catagories (including other disiplines, the more you use this, the better you can narrow down what you need), Make it a Text Type. (If you need to schedule a phase parameter somehow(doors? walls? windowss?), you could use shared parameter too). Once finished, hit ok, and go back to your project. I would also set the Group to Phases (i know my image shows graphics).

4. Next thing you want to do is start using your plans to define your objects.
If you already have your views set up to display phasing. You can then just go to each view, select all the objects, and go to element properties. In there you should see your new parameter. Type in the appropriate indentification information..Demo, new, etc. Continue this for all your objects. (or only the property you need to change, maybe demo? or new work?)

5. Once you have all your objects defined, you can then use the Filters to create different plans.

In this example, I have created filters for my walls only. I want to show graphically which walls are Existing, Demo phase 1, Demo Phase 2, and new.

You can set up as many filters that you need to accomplish your goal. Dont be afaid to try things out.

Once you created the filter, you can then tell the view how to show those objects.

Revit Modeling Tips (What to use to make objects)

One thing I noticed a lot of people having a hard time with is how to model things that are not specifically defined by Revit. Below are a few examples, and some differnt ways to approach the creation of these objects.

Parapet caps
A lot of people try to model the parapet as a wall sweep. I find this to be quick, but not very controllable. Instead of using wall sweeps, I prefer an in-place family for all my parapets. I will make 1 in-place family and place all my parapet caps inside of that family. I do the same for wall base.

Exterior Metal Panels (or any material with a grid construction).
I like the use of curtian walls for these types of sytems. The ability to model a family for your panel is extremly flexible.

Louvers
Again, the curtian wall is a wonderful tool for this type of object. Download the sample here : Louver Sample

Advanced Revit Parameter Formula Tips

There is not a lot of documentation on the use of parameters and formulas within Revit. I will try to share some of what I learned to help people easily find the information they need.

First a key:
Parameters will always be typed with the color blue
Functions will always be Red and bold

General Information:
Formulas use the Order of Operations. Parenthesis usage is important.

Parameter types:

Functions:
Addition: +
6"+ Width
Subtraction: -
6"-Width
Multiplication:*
Width*2
Division:/
Exponentiation: ^: x^y, x raised to the power of y
Logarithm:log
Square root: sqrt: sqrt(16)
Sine:sin
Cosine:cos
Tangent:tan
Arcsine:asin
Arccosine:acos
Arctangent:atan
e raised to an x power:exp
Absolute Value:abs

Examples:
If explained
IF (condition, result-if-true, result-if-false)

Yes/No Parameter inside of an If function

condition can be replaced with a Parameter for a yes/no type. Since the parameter itself knows if its true or false already, you do not need to use any of the comparison functions = < >

Verbose statement: If StartMitered Parameter is Checked, value =0', else value =6"
Offset= if(StartMitered, 0', 0' 6")

to be continued, or updated....