IMAGINiT Building Solutions Blog

Clarity 2014 - My Favorite Unexpected Feature

You might have seen some press releases about it already, but IMAGINiT just announced Clarity 2014 today. There are plenty of ways to get into the details of what Clarity does or what's new in this release - take a look at our product page, sign up for one of the webcasts held on Friday, May 17, watch a recorded presentation, or contact your local IMAGINiT office for some personalized attention - but I wanted to take a moment to point out one of the features that I put in my top ten of what's new.

Hyperlinks in Data Sheets

What really brought this to the forefront in my mind is that this was a feature that I didn't know existed until I was showing a colleague of mine (Kaylee Krom) the new Clarity 2014 beta site on an iPad. She started navigating around a Room Data Sheet for a sample project and then tapped on an area of the project's keyplan. That tap brought us to a new Room Data Sheet for the building. I had no idea that feature existed until she was just poking around and brought it to my attention. Sonofa...

Well, we started looking further and wouldn't you know it, the development team put all sorts of new hyperlink capabilities into the program and web portal.

If you are in a Room Data Sheet, click on a different room in the available Key Plan:

 

... to jump to a different room's Data Sheet.

Or, if you are looking at a table in the Room Data Sheet, click on the Type Name of a piece of equipment or furniture in the Room Data Sheet:

... to get to a Data Sheet for that object (in this case, called a Specification Sheet).

All of this is done by editing the Data Sheet templates. They are all based on HTML, so everything can be customized to your heart's content. Add or remove information from any Data Sheet. Add or remove any graphics. And when you want a parameter to link over to a different type of Data Sheet, all you need to do is edit the template add "(roomlink)" or "(itemlink)" after the linking parameter and you're there!

In its raw HTML it might look a little scary if you've never coded before, but there are tools in place to make it a fairly painless process.

There's a quick look into one of the items that is new for Clarity 2014 - and a thanks to Kaylee for being the one to point it out to me. :)

have fun!

joe

IMAGINiT Scan to BIM 2014

Well... it's out!

IMAGINiT Scan to BIM 2014

We've placed a few new tools in this release and improved on some other tools - in fact, there is an area on a sample pipe cloud that I use in client presentations that doesn't work for me anymore.

huh?

So now you're re-reading that last statement trying to figure out if I really meant to say that. :) Yes, I did. One of the key things in working with point clouds is an understanding of the conflict between what Revit wants to draw and what your deliverable requirements require. This particular cloud has some pipes that bend through corners that are not quite at angles that Revit wants to draw. I've used this section of the cloud to draw a couple of pipes, prove that they are in alignment with the point cloud, and then move to trim the two pipe segments together (forming an elbow in the process). Previously, the trim would fail with a traditional Revit error message, and that would allow me to talk about this give-and-take between the dirty real world and the pristine Revit modeling environment.

Well, now between Scan to BIM 2014 and Revit 2014, all these connections join just fine. Thanks, Matt.

Aside from improvements like that, we've added in functionality that includes support for new point cloud technology in Revit (including RCP files), easy access to changing the point cloud display settings and the creation of 3D perspective views from the viewpoint of the scanner location.

NOTE: if you are in a perspective view, you won't be able to select the cloud to change its display settings through IMAGINiT Scan to BIM tools. You'll need to use traditional, it-takes-more-clicks-and-time-to-get-it-done processes to change visibility/graphics of the view.

Take a look at the page and the what's new overview video by Beau Turner.

http://www.imaginit.com/scantobim

 

 

Technical Tips That Not Everyone Knows

I'm a fan of Ted. Wonderful, enlightening, funny, fascinating presentations on a wide variety of subjects. I came across this one today and wanted to share - It seemed like a good lightweight thing for a Friday. Things to make all our lives a bit easier (mostly) when we are working with technology. Especially if you like keyboard shortcuts. :)

Enjoy!

 

Navisworks 2014 vs QTO 2013... what's up?

There have been a few questions coming our way about Navisworks 2014 and Autodesk Quantity Takeoff (QTO) 2013. Those questions have provided a nice opportunity to get out a blog post on some general Q&A about the two.

As you might have noticed, there are two different release years listed with the software above. Autodesk has not and is not releasing a 2014 version of QTO. Instead, Autodesk is building 3D quantification features into Navisworks Simulate 2014 and Navisworks Manage2014.

 

If you think about it, when you consider that Navisworks is the software that assembles information from all sorts of places into one evaluation and analysis location – where better to perform quantity takeoffs? In this Navisworks quantification environment, you are able to pull quantities from objects that were generated from a “BIM Platform” that provides object properties (ex. Revit) or non-BIM platforms that don’t provide object properties. The UI for this is something like QTO running in a Timeliner style interface. It needs to be wide and probably best to be docked at the bottom or top of your screen.

 

(Click image above to enlarge)

In slightly more detail, the quantification features in Navisworks that emulate features from QTO include:

Item and resource catalogs

• Import or create item and resource catalogs
• Associate items with resources
• Use formulas in catalogs
• Export catalogs

Model takeoff

• Automated takeoff from object parameters
• Manual takeoff for modeled objects
• Virtual takeoff for non-modeled objects

Change Analysis

Workbook

• Quantification reporting
• Export to Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software

You’ll notice that nothing above reflects a 2D takeoff workflow. This workflow is still supported though Autodesk Quantity Takeoff, and if you have a license of QTO (on its own or through a suite), you still have access to this software and its capabilities. Additionally, while there is a comprehensive API for Navisworks that supports integration with non-Autodesk estimation software, those plugins have not been created… yet. At this point, getting quantification information from Navisworks into other estimation software would be exporting from Navisworks through Microsoft Excel and into the 3rd party software.

I’ll also say that it seems like the quantification process in Navisworks seems to be a fair bit faster than it is in QTO. Probably more complete too since it is able to pull information from multiple modeling sources that might not have been able to be brought into QTO.

So now what?

All of the information above is what is, but the real question we want answered is what does it mean? (Please keep in mind that everything written here is opinion and attempts at prediction. Nothing is based off of knowledge or insider information.)

It would seem to me that QTO is going to remain as-is for the foreseeable future.  Updates will be made as needed to maintain functionality with current Autodesk software releases, and there might be an opportunity to enhance the 2D takeoff features of QTO as time moves on. However, it would appear that the focus of development for 3D or Model takeoff has migrated over to Navisworks.

Anyone who has QTO as a stand-alone product can continue working as they are today, but if you do 3D takeoffs, you will need to keep an eye on the developments of Quantification in Navisworks. At some point, you will probably want to make the transition from one to the other.  If you have QTO through a suite (and have that software on subscription), you will have access to both the Navisworks 2014 quantification workflow and the QTO 2013 workflow.

We can also make a comparison to Ecotect Analysis and Revit / Vasari. Ecotect Analysis still exists today for building analysis and can do a number of wonderful things, but its features haven’t been updated in years. Most of the critical features of Ecotect (and that is a subjective statement) have made their way to Autodesk Vasari, Revit, or both, but not everything. Revit and Vasari are quite obviously the platform for future analysis capabilities, but Ecotect is still out there if and when needed.

Hopefully everything written above helps to clear any confusion or questions that might exist about how QTO and Navisworks overlap and may be developed going forward – if I failed here, or even if I didn’t – reach out to us and we can help with whatever might be on your mind!

and don’t forget to have fun!

Joe

It’s March – That Must Mean New Software!

Yes, it’s that time of year again - time to see what sort of goodies we’ve got waiting for us in our latest release of Autodesk software! Let me set something clear from the onset of this blog post, that this is not intended to be a comprehensive list of “what’s new” in the software. We will have plenty of time through this and other venues to review the technical aspects of the new software releases. Instead, the purpose of this post is to keep a broad view of things. As you pour through all of the various software offerings (especially if you have one of the Suites) and look to see what it means to you, here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you work through the evaluation process:

• Cloud services are growing, but not at the cost of reduced desktop solutions. The foreseeable future of the Autodesk Solution consists of a blend of desktop solutions (especially Suites) AND cloud services. Autodesk 360 is intended to extend the desktop, not replace it.
• There is a stronger push behind interoperability and workflow between individual pieces of software in the Suites. If you have the Building Design Suite, you’ll have better integration between Revit and AutoCAD, between Revit and Inventor… if we have access to all of these tools, why shouldn’t we take better advantage of their capabilities?
• Windows 8 support. ‘Nuff said.
• IMAGINiT had a webcast a few months ago that was all about “Evaluating the Upgrade” It’s available in our webcast archive and is worth a view. If you haven’t been there before, you’ll need to fill out a quick form to get access, but access is free. http://imaginit.com/knowledge-resources/webcast-archive Look for the one a little less than a quarter of the way down in the list called, “[Building] Evaluating the Upgrade”.

At this point, let’s go ahead and violate the statement I made earlier and mention a couple of features that I think stand out in some of the new releases – and even though this list is only a tiny fraction of everything that was put into the software, take a look at them within the context of the statements above – how do they help bridge the gap between individual pieces of software, how do they utilize both desktop and cloud technology, and perhaps most importantly – how do they matter to you and your firm when evaluating the upgrade process?

AutoCAD 2014

• Live map and geolocation in all suites
• Enhanced point cloud tools and features

Revit 2014

• Non-rectangular crop regions View this photo
• Alternate dimensions View this photo
• Building element energy analysis View this photo
• Enhanced point cloud tools and features View this photo

Autodesk ReCap (new software)

• Create 3D models from laser scans and captured photos – built into all 2014 suites

There are a few things for you to chew on – we’ll keep this blog going along with other webcasts to help your investigation and analysis of what is new and what it means to you and your firm.

As always, post any questions below or reach out to your local IMAGINiT office for assistance in this migration process!

Have fun!

joe

Your Problem - Solved!

Joe here... We're holding a free virtual event on March 13 that spans all disciplines and trades - we'll look beyond software to the processes that help make a successful organization run smoothly. Whether it's understanding data management, needing to hear what government agencies are requiring or hearing how other organizations handled their issues, this event covers the top issues our clients brought to us in 2012 and the resolutions we provided.

Who should attend: Managers of all types – project, plant, CAD, BIM, operations, engineering, etc. Designers, engineers, and executive management.

What you'll learn: From data management to best practices and future output concepts, there's something for everyone. You'll also gain valuable insight from industry peers in the networking lounge.

Why you should attend: Watch the short video below as IMAGINiT’s Laurie Elliott explains why everyone from designers and engineers to operations and executive management should attend the Problem Solved Virtual Event.

Beyond the content, you'll have an opportunity to network with those in your industry or others in related industries. Capitalize on one another's experiences and shared knowledge – meet virtually for an hour or stay for the whole day.

http://imaginit.com/ProblemSolvedVE

 

3D Printing a Building... not that far off?

Check this out:

http://www.psfk.com/2013/02/3d-printed-plastic-house.html

It's an interesting concept that has a lot of issues to resolve, but certainly is worth thinking about, discussing, and serving as a catalyst for inspiration!

Happy Monday!

joe

AU 2012 Classes Online!

AU 2012 classes are now available online and on demand for anyone with an AU account. If you don't have an AU account, well... that's something you should take care of right now. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200.

AU Web Site

AU Account Creation Link

When I checked just now, the link above was not quite working - maybe there are a lot of people signing up right now. :)

For class overviews, pop over to the AU BLAUG here.

Enjoy!

joe

New Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Blog

If CFD means anything to you (and it should!) take a moment to pop over to our new CFD Blog, run by IMAGINiT's own CFD team - Ryan Stamm, Jason Pfeiffer, Rob Taylor, and Tommy Mello. Add it to your list of super-awesome-cool blogs to follow!

If you're not sure where and how CFD fits into your business or workflow, give us a call and we can help you get a better understanding of where it might improve your design process and building quality.

http://blogs.rand.com/cfd-analysis-consulting/

have fun!

joe

The 3 Habits of Great Creative Teams

If you're like me and working this week, you might be experiencing a fair amount of down time where you can take care of general administrative work. During this time, I also find myself looking at places like Ted.com for inspiration and things to make me think. Well, this time I've got a video for you that is from a different site - 99u.com. A person I am linked to in LinkedIn shared it (thanks Angelo, if you follow this blog) and after watching it I wanted to share with everyone here. It is about 23 minutes long, but is well worth it. Enjoy and have fun!