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Navisworks 2018 Database Link w/ Excel - Primer

For this demo, I am going to use the Gatehouse sample file that ships with Navisworks 2018. You can find the files C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Navisworks Manage 2018\Samples\Gatehouse\. If you have a newer or older version of Navisworks, the process basically works the same.

The Process

In order to connect an external data source such as an Excel spreadsheet or an Access database to a Navisworks model, we need to configure a DataTools within Navisworks. We will then be configuring the database connection. When working with the DataTools in Navisworks, there are a few very important rules to keep in mind. If you are using a 32-bit workstation, then you need to utilize the 32-bit ODBC drivers. 64-bit workstations need to utilize 64-bit ODBC drivers. It is also important to note, that the link to Navisworks is one way. Data can be linked and viewed inside of Navisworks, but the data can’t be updated within Navisworks.

My workstations are all Windows 10 64-bit workstations. My PC’s are using Microsoft Office 365. My Mac running Windows 10 64-bit on parallels using Office 365. The MS Access 2013 runtime drivers can be downloaded here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=39358 If you are using an older version of office the MS Access 2010 drivers can be downloaded from here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=13255.

Data Source Setup

The Gatehouse project includes a sample Excel spreadsheet which is why I am using it as an example. The first thing I did to the file was add three column headers to identify the “Name”, “Date” and “Notes” columns (Figure 1). We are creating these labels to identify the columns.

Figure 1 - Data Source with column labels

Navisworks Setup

Our next step, you need to have the ODBC drivers installed, otherwise you will not have the data connection option. With that done, open Navisworks and the Navisworks model that you want to connect your external data source to. In this example, I am going to open the gatehouse model as indicated above. In Navisworks, on the Home tab, Project panel, click on the File Options button (Figure 2). This will open the File Options dialog.

Figure 2 – Accessing the File Options

In the File Options dialog, we will start the process of configure our database connection (Figure 3). As shown in Figure 1, click the DataTools tab and then click the New button to create a new DataTools link to open the New Link dialog.

 Figure 3 - File Options dialog for creating a new DataTools link

In the New Link dialog (Figure 4), we first want to name the new link connection we are creating. For this example, I am using the name “Gatehouse Example”. We then need to select the ODBC Driver Connection type. We are going to be working with a Microsoft Excel data source, so select the “Microsoft Excel Driver (*.xls, *.xlsx, )” driver.  Then click the Setup button to open the ODBC Microsoft Excel Setup dialog.

Figure 4 - New Database Connection Link dialog

In the ODBC Microsoft Excel Setup dialog (Figure 5), we will select the version of Excel data file and select the file we will be using. I am using Office 365 so selected  “Excel 12” from the Version: dropdown. Select the version of Excel you are using to edit the spreadsheet. Then click on the Select Workbook button to find and select the Excel data file. This connects the excel data file with Navisworks. If you have the default installation of Navisworks 2018 and are using the Gatehouse example, you can find the file at: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Navisworks Manage 2018\Samples\gatehouse\. Just make sure this file has the headers we added in the section above entitled Data Source Setup.

After you have selected your excel file, click OK to close the ODBC Microsoft Excel Setup dialog.

If you are having issues with your Database Link connecting to Excel, be sure to check the Version of Excel database that you are using.

Figure 5 - ODBC Setup Dialog for Excel

We are now back to the Edit Link dialog box (Figure 6). If we look in the connection section portion of the dialog, under the ODBC Driver selection, you can see that the connection has been updated. We can now complete the SQL String and Fields section of the dialog.

Figure 6 - Edit Link

SQL String

The SQL string is used to specify how the database will be queried. I have found this part of configuring the database connection to be the most difficult. Fortunately, there are a lot of external resources available for creating SQL strings. My personal recommendation is to keep it as simple as possible.

The code that we will be creating for this example is:
SELECT * FROM [Gatehouse_Layerinfo$] WHERE "Name" = %prop("Item","Layer");

We start out our SQL String with SELECT * FROM The “*” is actually a field name, in this particular example, I am using the wildcard to query all the fields.

[Gatehouse_Layerinfo$] This is the Excel sheet tab name (Figure 7) that we want to query in our Excel spreadsheet. The Excel sheet tab name must be spelled just as it is in Excel and should be followed with the “$”.

Figure 7

WHERE "Name" = %prop("Item","Layer"); This is where we are going to define what data we are going to bring from the Excel spreadsheet into Navisworks. For our example, we are going to conditional match the value Layer property data for each element that can be found in the Item tab and match that with a value in the Name column of the Excel spreadsheet.

“Name” refers to column that we will be searching in the Excel file.
%prop is a SQL command that allow you to retrieve model data for conditional matching.
("Item","Layer"); “Item” refers to the Item tab in the Properties Window. “Layer” refers to the internal file property, in this example, the Layer (Figure 8).

Figure 8 – Navisworks Properties Window

In the SQL String section of the Edit Link dialog, enter the following string of text.
SELECT * FROM [Gatehouse_Layerinfo$] WHERE "Name" = %prop("Item","Layer");
The next step in the process is to specify what information we are going to display in the Properties window. In the Field section of the Edit Link dialog (Figure 9), we are going to specify what Field names to list and the display name to use. Using Figure 9 as a reference, add the Field and Display Names.

Note that we are having the Field Name “Name” display as “Layer” in Navisworks. The Name column in our Excel spreadsheet refers to an AutoCAD Layer and rather than changing the column name in Excel, we can have Navisworks use a different Display Name.

Figure 9 - Inserting the Field and Display Names

After you have entering the Field Names, click OK to close the Edit Link dialog box. Make sure that the “Gatehouse Example” DataTools Link that we just created is checked. This will enable it in our current session. Click OK to close the File Options dialog.

Figure 10 - DataTools

When you select an object in Navisworks, note that the Properties Window has a new tab called “Gatehouse”. That is the name of the DataTools link that we created. Figure 11 shows an example where we have selected a wall and in the Gatehouse tab in the Properties window provides us with the Layer, Finish and Note information from the Excel data file.

Figure 11 - Foundation Selected with External Data Displayed

If you have gotten this far and it is not working, a lot can go wrong. The first thing to check is the SQL String text. Then check to make sure that your using the correct version of Excel, which might be different than the selection, I made in Figure 5. Also, make sure that the Excel file you are trying to access in Navisworks is not open. That can cause issues as well.

This Gatehouse example is not the most robust example around, but it is a great starting point. Start with something simple so you can make sure that your database connection is working, before trying it on a more complicated project with a lot of data to query. As many of you are aware, CAD and BIM applications are not great data entry applications, so having this type of data linking capabilities is very beneficial.

Navisworks - Multiple Iterations and Locked Files

While working in Navisworks and you find that you are updating your models frequently, you have probably ran into the issue of having to close your Navisworks model in order to update your appended model. There is a quick way to get around this.

In the Options Editor > Model > Performance, make sure “Close NWC/NWD Files on Load” is checked. This will now allow you to overwrite NWC files without unloading them in your NWF file. So when you have an updated NWC that has overwritten the existing file, you just need to refresh Navisworks for the new model(s) to load.

Revit OpEd: Eccentricity of Wall Footing

Revit OpEd: Eccentricity of Wall Footing: I replied to a thread at AUGI regarding the Eccentricity parameter of a Wall Footing. They observed that Revit seemed to ignore their input ...

BIM/VDC Software Listing

Construction (Coordination)

1. Autodesk Navisworks Manage
2. Solibri Model Checker
3. Tekla BIMSight
4. BIM 360 Collaboration (Glue)
5. 3D Repo

Construction (Other)

1. Autodesk Navisworks Manage / Simulation (4D)
2. Solibri Model Checker
3. Vico Office Suite
4. Bentley ConstrucSim (4D)
5. Tekla BIMSight

Design - Architecture

1. Autodesk Revit Architecture
2. Graphisoft ArchiCAD
3. Nemetschek Allplan Architecture
4. Gehry Technologies - Digital Project Designer
5. Nemetschek Vectorworks Architect
6. Bentley Architecture
7. 4MSA IDEA Architectural Design (IntelliCAD)
8. CADSoft Envisioneer
9. Softtech Spirit
10. RhinoBIM

Design - Structure

1. Autodesk Revit Structure
2. Bentley Structural Modeler
3. Bentley RAM, STAAD and ProSteel
4. Tekla Structures
5. CypeCAD
6. Graytec Advance Design
7. StructureSoft Metal Wood Framer
8. Nemetschek Scia
9. 4MSA Strad and Steel
10. Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis

Design - MEP

1. Autodesk Revit MEP
2. Bentley Hevacomp Mechanical Designer
3. 4MSA FineHVAC + FineLIFT + FineELEC + FineSANI
4. Gehry Technologies - Digital Project MEP Systems Routing
5. CADMEP (CADduct / CADmech)

Sustainability

1. Autodesk Ecotect Analysis
2. Autodesk Green Building Studio
3. Graphisoft EcoDesigner
4. IES Solutions Virtual Environment VE-Pro
5. Bentley Tas Simulator
6. Bentley Hevacomp
7. DesignBuilder

Facility Management

1. Bentley Facilities
2. FM:Systems FM:Interact
3. Vintocon ArchiFM (For ArchiCAD)
4. Onuma System
5. EcoDomus

Navisworks Redline Tools

I don't know if it is just me, but it does not seem like Autodesk is doing much development around Navisworks. One new feature I would really like to see added is a markup stamp. This would help accelerate markup sessions.

Anyone know of a 3rd party app that does this inside Navis?

Schedule Pipe Fitting Angles

I am working on a project that is very complex in nature and has a result, has presented some very interesting opportunities. On the project, we are providing some general BIM/VDC Support Services. We are not modeling. One of the more interesting aspects of the project is the number of custom HVAC and Pipe Fittings in the project. This is probably a good Segway into discussing setting up your Revit MEP template, but today I just wanted to discuss how to report Fitting Angles. It's a two step process.

The first step is to create a shared parameter to capture the fitting angle. The second step is to modify all of your fitting families. In this case, I will work with Pipe Fittings.

Step 1

• With either a Project or a Family open (it doesn't matter which), go to Manage tab » Shared Parameters.
• If you haven't created a Shared Parameter file yet, click 'Create...' and this will start a new file to act as a database for your Shared Parameters.
• Once created (or if already created), click 'New...' under Groups. You can name the Group "Pipe Fittings" or whatever you wish.
• Then click 'New...' under Parameters to create a new Shared Parameter. Name it "Angle (Scheduled)" or whatever you wish.
• Be sure to choose "Angle" from the 'Type of Parameter' drop-down menu. Click 'OK', and 'OK' again.

Your Shared Parameter had now been created.

Step 2

• Open one of your Pipe Fitting Families for editing.
• Go to Family Types (the icon with the four blue squares on the left side of the ribbon) and click 'Add...' under Parameters.
• In the following dialog, set Parameter Type to "Shared parameter" and then click 'Select...' to choose which Shared Parameter to add.
• Select your parameter from the list and click 'OK'.
• Set this Parameter to "Instance" and then click 'OK'.
• Now, if the Formula field for this Shared Parameter, enter "Angle". Be alert, because the exact name of this parameter may vary.
• Click 'OK' and reload the Family back into your Project, overwriting the previous version.

You can now schedule this Family's Angle using your Shared Parameter.

BILT NA 2017 - Abstract Submission Reminder

Hey you! Yes, you! Remember back at school when you’d get caught talking to someone during class, and we’d all have that one teacher who’d say, “Got something to share with the class?” Well, BILT North America (formerly RTC NA) is currently calling for abstracts and this is your time to shine!

Are you implementing new methods in your workplace that others in your industry can benefit from? Maybe you’ve found an alternate method that’s a more efficient way of modeling a project or it’s something else altogether. If you’ve ticked any of these boxes, we encourage you to turn these into abstracts and submit them for consideration in the BILT NA 2017 program.

On the other hand, if you haven’t ticked any of the boxes above, fear not. If you have an idea that you think is worth submitting an abstract for, but you’re not sure if it’s something that can make the cut for our program, feel free to discuss this in confidence with our speaker manager, Robert Bell. We’re always looking for ‘out of the box’ submissions.

The BILT NA Committee looks forward to receiving your abstract submissions before Wednesday January 4, 2017 11:59pm EST.

  

SUBMIT NOW

Kind Regards,

R. Robert Bell

Chairman, BILT North America

Clearing Checking Results In Solibri Model Checker

JD Sherrill posted: "Why this is Important: There will be times when you may want to clear out all the results generated from a previous check and start with a fresh, unchecked model.  Perhaps you have modified a ruleset and you would like to repeat a check using the new v" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on http://solibri.wordpress.com Clearing Checking Results In Solibri Model Checker by JD Sherrill Why this is Important: There will be times when you may want to clear out all the results generated from a previous check and start with a fresh, unchecked model.  Perhaps you have modified a ruleset and you would like to repeat a check using the new version of the ruleset.  Or, maybe you have reached some key milestones and now you want to use the same model, but for a different purpose.  It's also possible that you will want to run a final check, just to verify that all significant issues have been identified and addressed. How: There are two quick ways to clear out the checked ruleset view.  The easiest way is to delete the already checked ruleset from the SMC model, then reload it again. This can be done whenever you like. Deleting the ruleset from the SMC model will erase all the checks/results that were associated with that ruleset.  A warning will appear advising you that your results will be lost. Reloading the ruleset brings the same checking logic back into SMC, but without the previous results that had been identified.   In the example below, the ruleset "BIM Validation – Architectural" has been removed from the model, and then re-added.  You can see that the issue severity icons have been cleared from that ruleset. Another option is to modify a ruleset in the Ruleset Manager.  This will clear all the current checking results.  If you switch to the Ruleset Manager, you will see a ruleset folder titled "Rulesets Open in SMC."  Any rulesets currently loaded in the model will appear here.  If you select a ruleset from this folder, and from the workspace choose the "Open for Editing" icon, the ruleset will then appear in the workspace and is available for you to edit. Any changes to the ruleset in the workspace will result in the results being cleared from the Checked View. In this scenario, once you run the check (again), any slides created during your previous check will remain, as shown below.  This is perhaps the most important distinction between the two methods.  Removing the ruleset and adding it back will NOT retain the slides, while modifying the ruleset in the Ruleset Manager will retain the slides. So, if you want to make sure that you have all of the slides you created, please keep this in mind. JD Sherrill | October 22, 2016 at 8:29 pm | Tags: Views | Categories: Views | URL: http://wp.me/p61zmR-yP Comment    See all comments Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from . Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://solibri.wordpress.com/2016/10/22/clearing-checking-results-in-solibri-model-checker/ Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

RTC Global News

Can't view this email properly? View it online. Global News Introducing BILT Well, we’ve reached the point where we cannot hold it in any longer! We are amidst inescapable change. The event series... read more It’s Open! What a week it has been! We made two big announcements in the span of one week! The first announcement... read more Round up from BrisBIM Community is an important part of BILT (if you haven’t heard yet, RTC has just been renamed, read about it... read more Opening Soon! Are you ready to attend #RTCNA 2017? Of course not! That’s like 10 months away. Plenty of time! However, if you’re... read more Recapping RTC Europe 2016: A Grand Finale and New Beginning All things eventually come to an end, especially good things. RTC Europe 2016 just ended this past Saturday. Some of... read more RTC 2016 Sponsors ARCHICON 2016 Sponsors DTS 2016 Sponsors Data Day 2016 Sponsors BCS 2016 Sponsors secretary@rtcevents.com www.rtcevents.com You have received this email because you are subscribed to the RTC email list as: phd1138@mac.com. To ensure our emails reach your inbox add secretary@rtcevents.com to your address book. UNSUBSCRIBE Copyright © 2016 RTC Events Management

RTC Europe 2016 - Vision 20/20 Competition!

RTC Europe 2016 Vision 20/20 Competition! Can't view this email? View it online.

RTC Europe 2016 Vision 20/20 Competition! Alfandega Centro de Congressos, Porto, Portugal Thursday 20 - Saturday 22 October 2016 Dear Patrick, Less than a month to go for RTC Europe 2016! This also means there's less than a month to get submitting for the Vision 20/20 competition, proudly sponsored by CADLearning. What is the Vision 20/20 competition, you may ask? Last year we ran this competition under the name PechaKucha style compeititon. This competition is where the submitter puts together a PowerPoint presentation consisting of 20 slides that display for 20 seconds each that gives insight into where our industry is heading or where it should go. This year's topic is "Big Data". This is a hot topic, but how can we make the data available to us, useful in the AECO industry? FOCUS OF YOUR SUBMISSION What do you need to think about? If you're keen on submitting an entry, you should think of this as an abstract proposal, or more so a live abstract proposal. The reason being, the winner of this competition gets to present this as a class at RTC Europe 2017 and the prize package includes your registration and 5 nights' accommodation. JUDGING PANEL There are two parts to the judging process for this competition. Once all the submissions are in, the European Committee will review these in order to determine the top three finalists. Look out for a gold star on your badge, this gold star indicates you are one of our top 3 finalists. If you're a finalist, you'll then get your chance to present your submission live to your fellow delegates on the 22nd of October, starting at 4:15pm. After all three finalists have presented, the delegates will vote. The winner will be announced later that evening during the Gala Dinner, each finalist wins a prize 2nd prize is a HTC Vive Virtual Reality Headset and 3rd is €300 visa pre-paid card. FORMAT OF YOUR SUBMISSION If you plan on submitting an entry towards this competition, you need to keep the following format in mind: File format: PowerPoint (PPT or PPTX) Resolution: Landscape 1920x1080 Slides: 20 images Time: 20 seconds (6 minutes and 40 seconds in total) Audio: Please record an audio of your presentation for the first round of submissions. This can either be included in your PowerPoint file or as a separate .wav file. This audio is to assist the RTC Europe committee in reviewing your submission. Once reviewed, the audio file will be removed as you'll have the chance to present your submission, if you're a finalist. Please note: no identifying information within the presentation is allowed. WHO CAN SUBMIT? The Vision 20/20 competition is open to all RTC Europe 2016 delegates excluding sponsors, exhibitors and re-sellers. Whether you've been a speaker in the past or have presented at any of the RTC conferences in recent times, this is a great opportunity for you to get involved and submit a 'live abstract' on Big Data. It's time to step out of your comfort zone and get involved, you never know you might end up being a speaker for RTC Europe 2017.   SUBMIT NOW The RTC Europe committee and I look forward to reviewing your submissions and welcoming you to Porto in just a few weeks' time! Kind Regards, Wesley Benn Event Chairman, RTC Europe Connect with us Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn secretary@rtcevents.com (+31) 158-898-635 rtcevents.com/rtceur Add Event to Calendar RTC Europe Foundation Kromstraat 10 NL - 2611 ER Delft, Netherlands 2016 © RTC Events Management