tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36187758127586642702024-03-26T23:37:34.249-07:00a [BIM] New WorldOh brave new world that has such BIM in it!Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-47391343303544237382012-02-22T18:44:00.000-08:002012-02-23T15:25:05.805-08:00Is it really February already?So...I have been swamped the last few months...End of the year, AU and a house remodel! Did I mention I am doing my own wiring, insulation (UltraTouch is nice!) as well as fun with drywall, mud and tape. I am hoping to be posting more this year on a more regular basis. All of you know that March is fast approaching and March/April means new releases of Revit and Navisworks!<br />
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For those of you looking to get into more presentations this year for marketing purposes and new work you might want to check out Autodesk Showcase. This is a really awesome product that anyone can learn and use with Navisworks models for quick real time presentations, proof of concept studies and presentations.<br />
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You can check it out here:<br />
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<a href="http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=6848305&siteID=123112">http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=6848305&siteID=123112</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yg-aK-UcoJI/T0WnRA1BsrI/AAAAAAAAALU/Z01j6ukeJdI/s1600/ShowCase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yg-aK-UcoJI/T0WnRA1BsrI/AAAAAAAAALU/Z01j6ukeJdI/s320/ShowCase.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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Oh, and by the way, you get it into <b>Showcase from Navisworks via FBX export!</b><br />
See you all soon. I have some posts coming up on IConstruct as well as some other tips and tricks for Navisworks!<br />
See you soon!<br />
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TeresaTeresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-51717538955998479842011-11-17T09:53:00.000-08:002011-11-17T13:39:10.137-08:00IConstruct - Round Tripping your data through Excel!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOue810rsjI/TsV-tiRAVcI/AAAAAAAAALM/avNIbPemaV4/s1600/Iconstruct+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="49" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOue810rsjI/TsV-tiRAVcI/AAAAAAAAALM/avNIbPemaV4/s200/Iconstruct+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned previously, this month I am going to discuss a plugin to Navisworks Manage called IConstruct. This is an add-on tool that will allow users to add additional data to the Navisworks model without having to go back to the native datasets (i.e. Autocad, Revit, Microstation, Inventor, AutoPlant, etc.). Currently, driving data from Navisworks to external databases is problematic at best. For instance under data tools, the user must really be proficient in SQL programming to get this to work in any usable way.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg4ae92PFIY/TsV-WaTUN3I/AAAAAAAAALE/eciA57BRAcE/s1600/SNAG_Program-0015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg4ae92PFIY/TsV-WaTUN3I/AAAAAAAAALE/eciA57BRAcE/s640/SNAG_Program-0015.png" width="540" /></a></div>
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And please, do not even get me started with the whole 64bit ODBC Driver issue! Frankly, I think having to upgrade to MS Office 2010 just to get the functionality is really depressing. You can thank Microsoft for this! Additionally, the Appearance Profiler that I mentioned in a previous post lacks some basic functionality and ease of use issues.<br />
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Below you can see an image of the IConstruct Integrator Configuration dialogue box. This is the fundamental step in the entire process. As you know, in Naviswork, you cannot edit any of the property tabs that come in with external datasets. The only data the property window reports are data that came in with the dataset (Revit Parameters, Autocad attributes, etc.). The Integrator lets you do two things:<br />
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<li>Create a custom data tab</li>
<li>Migrate data from any other tab available</li>
<li>Edit the data on the tab</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmUc4m2890Y/TsVTyT_-46I/AAAAAAAAAJM/6TvusI-IxkU/s1600/IC-Integrator+Configuration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmUc4m2890Y/TsVTyT_-46I/AAAAAAAAAJM/6TvusI-IxkU/s640/IC-Integrator+Configuration.jpg" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IConstruct Integrator Configuration</td></tr>
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Once I have created my custom tab and migrated the properties, you can see in the image below that when I select a wall in the model, my tab appears in the properties window.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTr99Nb-ggs/TsV1VRI19SI/AAAAAAAAAKc/eTKzfzn88gg/s1600/IC-Integrator+Tab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTr99Nb-ggs/TsV1VRI19SI/AAAAAAAAAKc/eTKzfzn88gg/s320/IC-Integrator+Tab.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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Now that I have this custom tab, I can do a number of things, including change the values. For instance, the wall is an Exterior Precast Panel. If I wanted to change this wall or all the exterior walls to Exterior CMU, I can do so here on this tab. Now if your thinking I would now have to do this individually, you would be incorrect! IConstruct provides me with a Find and Replace tool for Data. With the Find and Replace tool, I can search the Navisworks database for that specific piece of data and replace it with one of my own, leveraging search sets in the process. How awesome is that?!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOVUf8t0tbE/TsV0vToBm8I/AAAAAAAAAKU/cx8xj6hrqPU/s1600/IConstruct---Find-and-Replace.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOVUf8t0tbE/TsV0vToBm8I/AAAAAAAAAKU/cx8xj6hrqPU/s640/IConstruct---Find-and-Replace.png" width="540" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">IConstruct Find and Replace Configuration</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SyOYZjsGQ58/TsV1hd-2OoI/AAAAAAAAAKk/mi_3doAs6Gg/s1600/Find+and+Replace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SyOYZjsGQ58/TsV1hd-2OoI/AAAAAAAAAKk/mi_3doAs6Gg/s320/Find+and+Replace2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Customized Properties - Navisworks</span></td></tr>
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Finally, because I have a customized tab, I can:<br />
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<li>Link any/all the fields to Excel</li>
<li>Modify the data in Excel</li>
<li>Add additional data fields and data in Excel</li>
<li>Update the properties in Navisworks.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excel Data Fields</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As you can see in the image above, I have added some fields in Excel. When I refresh the data in Navisworks using the Datalink tool, my properties are updated and populated in Navisworks!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n76_skol7Ow/TsV3Kxh8DkI/AAAAAAAAAK8/RM61eDEAz-M/s1600/Updated+Data.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n76_skol7Ow/TsV3Kxh8DkI/AAAAAAAAAK8/RM61eDEAz-M/s320/Updated+Data.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As an added bonus, if the data has changed in Excel, when you refresh again, it will ask if you want to update the information (overwrite) in Navisworks. You can actually control whether or not it prompts you to overwrite the data or just does it automatically.<br />
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I see this tool solving a number of critical business and workflow issues for design build , construction and contracting firms as well as facilities management clients:<br />
<ol>
<li> Ability to drive data from the Excel/Navisworks side rather then having to wait for third party consultants to update base files in Navisworks (Revit, Microstation, Inventor, CAD Mech, etc.).</li>
<li>Ability to tie Navisworks search sets, which allows for wholesale updates to groups of data in the model for inspection purposes, costing and/or site staging activities</li>
<li>Allows end use clients (Facilities Managers, Building Owners) to link Navisworks to maintenance schedules and work tickets.</li>
<li>Leverages the model geometry for multiple downstream uses while allowing customization of the data.</li>
<li>Properties will be saved and can be viewed in Freedom viewer to the reduce the need to field supervisors to have a full version of Navisworks. </li>
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You can find out more about IConstruct here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.iconstruct.com/">http://www.iconstruct.com/</a><br />
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For those attending Autodesk University, see you there. I am teaching a class on leveraging the tools in Autodesk's Building Design Suite at any stage of the building process. AB4384-P.<br />
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</div>Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-79340027586925400472011-07-31T23:32:00.000-07:002011-07-31T23:38:57.052-07:00IConstruct<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3wsNWndCi4/TjZJt7coA0I/AAAAAAAAAIY/t6r2NTQtqes/s1600/7-31-2011%2B11-35-22%2BPM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3wsNWndCi4/TjZJt7coA0I/AAAAAAAAAIY/t6r2NTQtqes/s320/7-31-2011%2B11-35-22%2BPM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635773037101450050" border="0" /></a><br />This month I will be talking about a new tool that works with Navisworks called "IConstruct".<br /><br />http://www.iconstruct.com/<br /><br />Essentially this tool allows you to roundtrip, aka "drive" your date from Excel or Access or any other database software. It also allows you to quickly add groups and custom property sets to the Navisworks model. For those whom have tried this using just the OOTB tools, you know how painful this can be.<br /><br />I will be discussing some of the various features over the next few weeks.<br /><br />Alas, it is late and I just got back from a K.D. Lang concert, so I am a little tired.<br />I will write more in the next few days.<br />See you soon!Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-73913752118168454052011-06-30T20:06:00.001-07:002011-06-30T20:25:41.527-07:00Appearance Profiler<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30XqvVnrCbs/Tg09AEW5RlI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Rn5p4QmLNwQ/s1600/Title%2BImage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 98px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30XqvVnrCbs/Tg09AEW5RlI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Rn5p4QmLNwQ/s320/Title%2BImage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624218581034681938" border="0" /></a><br />The Appearance Profiler first appeared last year as a subscription tool, available for download from Autodesk Subscription Services. This year, it is incorporated into the main Navisworks 2012 interface.<br /><span xmlns=""><p>The Appearance Profiler allows users to quickly assign trade and dataset colors to incoming datasets via search or selection sets. If you have ever attended any of my classes or you have read my previous blog posts, you will know that I hold Search and Selection Sets in high regard. To access the Appearance Profiler use Tools Panel on the Home Tab or the View Tab on the Workspace Panel>Windows Button.<br /></p><p><span><span xmlns=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFCPDMO9GxU/Tg06FtWFmmI/AAAAAAAAAHo/nsierpp47Iw/s1600/Appearance%2BProfiler.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 108px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFCPDMO9GxU/Tg06FtWFmmI/AAAAAAAAAHo/nsierpp47Iw/s320/Appearance%2BProfiler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624215379401611874" border="0" /></a></span></span> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span xmlns=""> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>To use the Appearance Profiler you will need to have either Selection Sets created or know which Search Sets you would like to use for the purposes of assigning colors.<br /></p><p>As you can see below, I have assigned colors based upon the Search Set CADWorx and property = to _150_MM.<br /></p><p><span><span xmlns=""><span><span xmlns=""><span><span xmlns=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1Oq1oHY0-Q/Tg067LSxDgI/AAAAAAAAAHw/onfHLxLJBJ4/s1600/Appearance%2BProfiler%2BDialog.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 379px; height: 276px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1Oq1oHY0-Q/Tg067LSxDgI/AAAAAAAAAHw/onfHLxLJBJ4/s320/Appearance%2BProfiler%2BDialog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624216297973812738" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""> </span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>This will find all the data in the model that contains the CADWorx Category that has a Specification of _150_MM. Next, I have chosen a color and use the Add button to add it to the selector on the right of the image. I set up two other colors based upon Selection Sets: 03 - Steel Supports and 04 - Stairs.</p><p>You can see the original image below.</p><p><span><span xmlns=""><span><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""><span><span><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FbDGsT8Low/Tg07ZLgneUI/AAAAAAAAAH4/ucBXSxpRsgU/s1600/Original%2BModel.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FbDGsT8Low/Tg07ZLgneUI/AAAAAAAAAH4/ucBXSxpRsgU/s320/Original%2BModel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624216813427980610" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></span><p><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""> </span></span></span></p><p>After I run the Appearance Profiler, you can see that the color of the pipes, stair and supports have changed.</p><p><span><span xmlns=""><span><span><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""><span><span xmlns=""><span><span xmlns=""><span><span xmlns=""><span><span xmlns=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-blDCaoUhvhI/Tg072D6PsCI/AAAAAAAAAIA/dyUGoWZODzQ/s1600/After%2BImage.jpg"><span xmlns=""><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-blDCaoUhvhI/Tg072D6PsCI/AAAAAAAAAIA/dyUGoWZODzQ/s320/After%2BImage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624217309604196386" border="0" /></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p><p>Once run, the Appearance Profiler state can be saved as a viewpoint and the color changes will be preserved.</p><p><span><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""> </span></span></span></p><span xmlns=""><p> </p></span><p>The question is, how does this tool help with your day to day workflow? Well, one of the tasks that is time consuming for VDC'ers (Virtual Construction Coordinators) is the importing of data and setting up Selection Sets by trade and then using the Override Transform>Color tool to change the colors of the datasets. If you are using Search Sets that are ubiquitous across many projects (i.e. Revit Walls, Floors, Columns, Ducts, etc.) you can re-use your color schemes simply be exporting them to an Color.DAT file and then loading this same *DAT file into the new project. All you need to do is hit 'Run' and the colors are done! Quick, easy, and scalable! We like it!<br /></p><p>As an aside, you can Reset All Appearances on the Home Tab. The Reset Appearances is also available from the Right Click menu.<br /></p><p><span><span><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""><span><span xmlns=""><span><span xmlns=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m-vA_no_sBU/Tg08fpjQOkI/AAAAAAAAAII/L84Qbi03vMg/s1600/Reset%2Ball.jpg"><span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 188px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m-vA_no_sBU/Tg08fpjQOkI/AAAAAAAAAII/L84Qbi03vMg/s320/Reset%2Ball.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624218024082946626" border="0" /></span></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p>Give the Appearance </p> <p>Profiler a try and see if it saves you</p> <p> some time in your workflow process.<br /></p><p>See you all next month!<br /></p>Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-44349628525449944002011-05-31T20:42:00.000-07:002011-05-31T21:50:17.013-07:00Collapse on Convert - All Objects!I know last month I mentioned I would be talking about the appearance profiler this month. However, I have been running a little behind schedule as of late, so I am going to do a quick entry on a super secret setting that may change your world if you are dealing in the currency of MEP clashes!<br /><br />Most of you know, that you can use rules to filter out unwanted clashes inside of Navisworks. However, the rules are limited in use and frequently you still have a number of "false positives" when running your clashes.<br /><br />For instance, the image below is from a standard out of the box light family in Revit (Troffer Light 2x4 Parabolic). This family is composed of a multitude of pieces and parts (11). If I run a clash in Navisworks using lights and say steel columns, I will get 4-9 hits per light, because the column is hitting the lens, the grill and the light source object.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqD_55x5KeI/TeW8ynvB9GI/AAAAAAAAAGs/C5jFCGWfB0c/s1600/light.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqD_55x5KeI/TeW8ynvB9GI/AAAAAAAAAGs/C5jFCGWfB0c/s320/light.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613100088432915554" border="0" /></a>Below, I ran a clash against columns and lights after exporting the file from Revit using the "Collapse on Convert" Composite Objects option located under Model>Performance. These settings are accessed from within Revit (not Navisworks!) under the Navisworks Settings when exporting from Revit to Navisworks.<br /><br />Notice that I get 8 clashes. I purposely set up the Revit file with two columns interfering with two lights. What I want is just two clashes in Navisworks (one for each instance). However, as shown below I get 8 clashes. This occurs even if I set some of the out of the box rules in Navisworks. If you multiply this by how many lights, appliances, and equipment you may have in a file, clearly the number of clashes is expanding geometrically.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUtk1I59V98/TeW-jlsYjgI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Sqs6xvJ60JI/s1600/Collapse%2Bon%2BConvert.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUtk1I59V98/TeW-jlsYjgI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Sqs6xvJ60JI/s320/Collapse%2Bon%2BConvert.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613102029210160642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0WIDL1OCHo/TeXB9Tl3fqI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Wx7dAr7SR6g/s1600/rules.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 169px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0WIDL1OCHo/TeXB9Tl3fqI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Wx7dAr7SR6g/s320/rules.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613105769562472098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQpnWSUKAVA/TeW-v12ns9I/AAAAAAAAAG8/3w3EW47Kilw/s1600/Clash%2B1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 148px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQpnWSUKAVA/TeW-v12ns9I/AAAAAAAAAG8/3w3EW47Kilw/s320/Clash%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613102239706493906" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now for the second example, I set my Revit export settings to Collapse on Convert All Objects. I also checked off the following same rules as shown above. Now, as you can see below, right I have only two clashes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ocByZOK8_s4/TeW_8VPhNUI/AAAAAAAAAHE/bnLIRyou4ts/s1600/All%2BObjects.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ocByZOK8_s4/TeW_8VPhNUI/AAAAAAAAAHE/bnLIRyou4ts/s320/All%2BObjects.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613103553802483010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MywXBT-P6RA/TeXEfnAk6kI/AAAAAAAAAHc/up1VJvInREc/s1600/Clash2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 117px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MywXBT-P6RA/TeXEfnAk6kI/AAAAAAAAAHc/up1VJvInREc/s320/Clash2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613108557913582146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />So, the moral of this tale is to use Collapse on Convert-All Objects when exporting from Revit to reduce the number false positives in your clashes! You might want to test this setting with various Revit data sets and check your results. As with anything, you might need to have different export settings and rules for different types of data sets!<br /><br />Happy Clashing!<br /><br />PS. In June, I will do a lengthy segment on the Appearance Profiler! I promise!Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-24824701980128211412011-04-14T12:25:00.000-07:002011-04-14T14:38:56.484-07:00Search and Selection Sets Part II<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6bSC5X3u-E/TadcpGXwG9I/AAAAAAAAAGU/lzbZIGFM5yE/s1600/Wall%2BTypes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6bSC5X3u-E/TadcpGXwG9I/AAAAAAAAAGU/lzbZIGFM5yE/s400/Wall%2BTypes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595542923185757138" border="0" /></a><br />Alas! It has been a month or two since Part I. Here is part II, of the long awaited sequel!<br /><br />As I mentioned in <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Search and Selection Sets Part I</span> (<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Post Dated 1-31-2011</span>), <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Search Sets</span> are the gold in Navisworks. This is where you get to drive. This is where you have all the control.<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Search Sets</span>, as mentioned are based upon common data properties such as size, name, type, file, units, etc. This is why they are so powerful! If you know the common property to search for, you work here is done! And most importantly, you can re-use searches in different projects if they search for similar properties.<br /><br />As an example, imagine a file imported from Revit (via *NWC Export). Revit, being the wonderful property based BIM format that it is, contains loads of property data (both instance and type). Now, envision some of the common properties in every Revit file, such as walls, ducts, beams or windows. You can set up a search in Navisworks to find all the walls or windows in the file (see image below).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CLJn2H8Ans/Tadajo_VBkI/AAAAAAAAAGE/7tbSw9ZostQ/s1600/Walls%2BIn%2BSelection.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 497px; height: 219px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CLJn2H8Ans/Tadajo_VBkI/AAAAAAAAAGE/7tbSw9ZostQ/s400/Walls%2BIn%2BSelection.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595540630376089154" border="0" /></a><br />In the data set shown above, I created a Search Set based upon the<span style="font-style: italic;"> Revit Type Property: Wall.</span> When I change this data set in Revit by adding a few additional interior walls, you can see that the Search Set automatically updates. Notice how there are now 9 walls, as opposed to 7 in the previous search.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSGglRwasAQ/Tadb10YnHyI/AAAAAAAAAGM/uXqJel-dJHo/s1600/Updated%2BSelection.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 10pt 10px 10px 10pt; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 187px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSGglRwasAQ/Tadb10YnHyI/AAAAAAAAAGM/uXqJel-dJHo/s400/Updated%2BSelection.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595542042184195874" border="0" /></a>Thinking outside the box, once you have these searches saved, they can be <span style="font-style: italic;">exported</span> and<span style="font-style: italic;"> imported</span> into any other project. To export the Search Sets from a project, simply go to the application menu and choose Export>Search Sets The file will export your searches as an *XML file. You can then import the searches into another project using the import option from the application menu.<br /><br /><br />From a project perspective, Search Sets can be taken a step farther if you consider file and folder conventions as well. For instance, I can load data from a folder on my desktop named "Demo Files".<br /><br />As I add additional data sets to this folder <span style="font-style: italic;">and append </span>the *NWF file, the Search Set updates. For those of you seeing the big picture here, your job of updating the project from week to week just became a whole lot simpler if you took the time at the beginning of the project to create a tidy file and folder structure. If your current filing system looks anything like the storage system in my basement, you might need to do a little spring cleaning here to smite your errant file/folder conventions to alleviate the issue.<br /><br />The image below shows how I set up my search to find a particular folder on my desktop. Of course for your office, you will want to path this to a server location and not your desktop for company wide use.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJyF3vPs_ns/TadjjrkWQPI/AAAAAAAAAGk/9QQq4QQ0ZQs/s1600/File%2BPath.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 509px; height: 287px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJyF3vPs_ns/TadjjrkWQPI/AAAAAAAAAGk/9QQq4QQ0ZQs/s320/File%2BPath.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595550526672879858" border="0" /></a>As a final thought, for those using Revit, you could put some custom shared parameters in the file to easily track in Navisworks, such as a FM parameter for items that need to be tracked for Facilities Management, etc.<br /><br />Next month, I will be discussing the Appearance Profiler. Stay tuned!Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-43504079252911891752011-03-22T08:56:00.000-07:002011-03-25T09:37:31.582-07:00Navisworks 2012 is coming!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVUwZ1yXRx4/TYjN_q9toiI/AAAAAAAAAFk/qnjliaaftXU/s1600/Navis%2Bbox%2Bshot.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 255px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVUwZ1yXRx4/TYjN_q9toiI/AAAAAAAAAFk/qnjliaaftXU/s320/Navis%2Bbox%2Bshot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586941831501685282" border="0" /></a><br />I am sure a number of you have heard the buzz for weeks now. Navisworks 2012 is on its way and now I can talk about it! So, what features does this new version bring? How about <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">switchback to Revit!</span> Yes, you heard me correctly. The switchback feature that works oh so well for Autocad based files (and Microstation) now works with Revit 2012! Wahoo!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ6wFWbNwu8/TYjJHDQcRaI/AAAAAAAAAFM/ezLq41-5TTU/s1600/Switchback%2BTo%2BNavis.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 15px 15px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ6wFWbNwu8/TYjJHDQcRaI/AAAAAAAAAFM/ezLq41-5TTU/s320/Switchback%2BTo%2BNavis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586936460723635618" border="0" /></a><br />As you can see to the right, like Autocad, you will need to launch Revit 2012 and have an empty project open so ou can launch the switchback feature. In Autocad based products, as you are well aware, yo u need to launch Autocad (or Autocad MEP, Architecture, etc.) and then type NWLOAD at the command line to get it talking with Navisworks.<br /><br />After loading the model, if you select an element in Navisworks and right click, you will see the switchback option on the menu as shown below.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_frFuNKE6Dg/TYjJ45AJ5iI/AAAAAAAAAFU/U1xALJsLzjk/s1600/Switchback%2BTo%2BNavis2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 276px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_frFuNKE6Dg/TYjJ45AJ5iI/AAAAAAAAAFU/U1xALJsLzjk/s320/Switchback%2BTo%2BNavis2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586937316964427298" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Another huge improvement is also Revit related. You can now <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">export linked files from Revit</span> to Navisworks. Again, this is a setting inside of Revit, but linked files now read through which means you will not have to open up every link in Revit to get it to export to Navisworks. This will solve quite a number of long standing issues, especially in regards to project work points, dataset alignment and project hours spent opening and re-exporting files. You will also note that construction parts ( a new feature in Revit 2012) is also supported.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nErlkYZgujk/TYjP_lalSsI/AAAAAAAAAFs/ONBC1gewy2c/s1600/Exporting%2BLinked%2BFiles.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nErlkYZgujk/TYjP_lalSsI/AAAAAAAAAFs/ONBC1gewy2c/s320/Exporting%2BLinked%2BFiles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586944029035416258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Other features you may want to investigate: </span><br /><ul><li>Timeliner Improvements (Gantt view is now editable and more integrated into the tool)</li><li>Clash Detection Improvements (you can now assign clashes, export to a tabular html format and have a wire frame option in the Clash Detection viewer when looking at clashes)</li><li>Improvements in 2D file support (including Archicad, Sketchup, Pro/Engineer).</li><li>Project Browser (more on this in another blog posting).</li><li>Appearance Profiler (last year a subscription tool, this year it is integrated in the software)</li><li>Additional Avatars other then T-Shirt Guy and Hard Hat Guy (last year through subscription, this year it is integrated into the software).</li><li>Vault support</li><li>Timeline Options (formally known as Global Options)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">You can download a free 30 day trial for Navisworks and Revit 2012 here when they becomes available:</span><br /><br />http://usa.autodesk.com/navisworks/trial/<br />http://usa.autodesk.com/revit-architecture/trial/<br /><br />Note: You will need Revit 2012 to test the switchback feature.<br /><br />Happy trails...er...Trials!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/TERESA%7E1.MAR/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com81tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-26962549494442585662011-02-15T09:11:00.000-08:002011-02-15T15:20:24.061-08:00BIMSIGHT Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeoknqPUQA8/TVsFAviLNDI/AAAAAAAAAE8/sl7R_iZTX5E/s1600/tekla.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 49px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeoknqPUQA8/TVsFAviLNDI/AAAAAAAAAE8/sl7R_iZTX5E/s200/tekla.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574054474119066674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />BIMsight beta 1.1</span> has just been released by the Tekla Corporation. This is a free tool for the construction industry providing building coordination, communication and management across a few standard data types:<br /><ul><li> (IFC (.ifc)</li><li> IFC XML (.ifcxml)</li><li> IFC ZIP (.ifczip)</li><li> DWG (.dwg)</li><li> DGN (.dgn)</li><li> XML (.xml from Tekla Viewer)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">First Take:</span> Initially, it appears as a free replacement for Naviswork's Clash Detective, but before you jump in, a little review is in order. I tested the tool against the same dataset in Navisworks (two 3D DWG files). Both Naviswork's Clash Detection and BIMsight found the same number of clashes when the tolerances were identically set. Each software could zoom to the particular clash (though Navisworks will do this with more ease then BIMsight) and allow the user to redline, make comments or change the clash status. So far, so good you say?<br /><br />Unfortunately, the similarities stopped there, as BIMsight does not provide tools for reporting or seamless tracking of changes over time. For some, this may be a non issue, as they are using Navisworks as a per incident on the fly tool, rather then a project life cycle tool. For others, this is a deal breaker.<br /><br />So here is my short list of a very limited side by side, kick the tires review:<br /><br />What I liked:<br /><ul><li>Its free!</li><li>The install was quick</li><li>Moderately easy to use</li><li>Minimal interface</li><li>Ability to load more then one file at a time</li><li>Easy to create clash types</li><li>Easy to assign clashes to various trades</li><li>Different view shade modes (Transparent, X-Ray, Solid)</li><li>Ease of adding notes</li></ul>What I did not like<ul><li>Slow loading multiple files</li><li>Slow click responsiveness</li><li>Graphics in Conflict mode hard to differentiate</li><li>Cannot assign color per trade<br /></li><li>Cannot move individual elements only entire data sets</li><li>Cannot organize views<br /></li><li>Small list of file types that it supports</li><li>Clash Report/Update History</li><li>Measure tool weirdness</li><li>Instability (crashed frequently on Windows 7 64 bit) </li><li>Lack of walk/fly tool</li><li>Difficult to move entire data sets unless you know exactly how far you need to move it in the xy & Z</li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqCR0gnmZNk/TVr7XuWmbBI/AAAAAAAAAE0/WlIKwv_dxjU/s1600/Tekla%2BBimsight%2Bimage.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqCR0gnmZNk/TVr7XuWmbBI/AAAAAAAAAE0/WlIKwv_dxjU/s400/Tekla%2BBimsight%2Bimage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574043873822796818" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Evaluation:</span> As a replacement for firms using Navisworks Manage Clash Detective on small data sets that are *dwg or *dgn based it can be a useful tool in one's arsenal. For instance, a firm with Navisworks licenses, could deploy this tool for project managers whom want to just review very specific data sets. This would free up a Navisworks license for other staff dealing with larger and more diverse data sets and needing the extra reporting and Timeliner scheduling features. In this regard, BIMsights place in your toolbox falls somewhere between the Navisworks Freedom Viewer and the old flavor of Navisworks (Navisworks Review).<br /><br />The lack of BIMsight's support for other file types (this is in part planned) other then IFC, DGN or DWG is a huge issue, especially with firms using Revit, Solidworks, or SketchUp. Moreover, point cloud support is lacking as is the ability to publish to Google Earth.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusion:</span> I realize that this is a beta release, and more features, etc. will probably be available in the final release. All in all, I think it is a useful tool in one's toolbox, but it no more a replacement for Navisworks Clash Detective then my hammer is for my framing nailer. Each has a specific use and function and should be viewed as such.<br /><br />In regards to BIMsight (via Tekla Corporation) pushing the IFC issue (open source format for BIM) back into the limelight, only time will tell. IFC seems to come and go and occasionally shows promise, but there is a huge gap between the dream and day to day reality (i.e. production and getting projects out the door).<br /><br />To find out more about BIMsight you can click here:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">http://www.teklabimsight.com/</span><br /><br />You can also read<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Revit </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Uberman</span> Steve Stafford's review here:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">http://revitoped.blogspot.com/2011/02/tekla-bimsight-free-divided-by-free-is.html</span>Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-65598596536001151682011-01-31T11:50:00.000-08:002011-01-31T13:02:09.814-08:00Search and Selection Sets - Part ISearch and Selection Sets are the most important feature inside of Navisworks, bar none. This is the only place in the entire program where you have full control of naming conventions, organization and selection. In light of this, it still amazes me how many people are using the software and <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> using this feature.<br /><br />This will be the first post in a series that demonstrates how we can utilize this feature to quickly find all the ducts and steel in a model and use what we find for coordination purposes.<br /><br />Let us dive right in and explore this feature. First, you need to turn the feature on in the interface. In Navisworks 2010, you can go to <span style="font-style: italic;">View>Control Bars>Selection Sets</span> (shown below)or you may use <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Shift + F2</span></span> to turn the window on in the view. In Navisworks 2011 you can turn the window on by going to <span style="font-style: italic;">View>Window</span> and checking the <span style="font-style: italic;">Selection Sets</span> option from the list or you can use the short cut listed above.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TUcWT6xbIgI/AAAAAAAAADo/r5qnNF9GgbI/s1600/SS%2B-%2BNavis%2B2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 343px; height: 272px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TUcWT6xbIgI/AAAAAAAAADo/r5qnNF9GgbI/s400/SS%2B-%2BNavis%2B2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568443995716788738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Once you have the window open and docked ( I usually have it on the upper right side of my screen) you can utilize the feature as necessary. As you can see in the image below, I have created two Selection Sets and two Search Sets. Searches are shown as a small blue square with a pair of binoculars, sets are shown as a large blue square circumscribed by a circle.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TUcXkyTVjPI/AAAAAAAAADw/cssGzRpLnUs/s1600/Search%2Band%2BSelection%2BSets%2BWindow.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 115px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TUcXkyTVjPI/AAAAAAAAADw/cssGzRpLnUs/s200/Search%2Band%2BSelection%2BSets%2BWindow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568445385012514034" border="0" /></a><br />How do you create Search and Selection Sets you ask? They are created in different ways within the program. Let's look at Selection Sets first. A Selection Set can be created by one of the following methods:<br /><ol><li>Select some items in the view window by either picking on them and holding shown your <span style="font-style: italic;">Shift</span> key to add items to the selection or you can use <span style="font-style: italic;">Select Box</span> (in Revit this would be <span style="font-style: italic;">Select Region</span> and in Autocad this would be known as a <span style="font-style: italic;">Window Selection</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Crossing/Fence Selection</span>). After selecting your items, simply put your mouse in the Selection Sets window, right click and choose <span style="font-style: italic;">Add Current Selection</span> from the right click menu options.</li><li>Select items from the Selection Tree and then place your mouse in Selection Sets window and choose <span style="font-style: italic;">Add Current Selection</span> from the right click menu options (see image below, left).</li></ol><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TUcaBz4uuLI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Eetr7GlM-SQ/s1600/Creating%2Ba%2BSelection%2BSet.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 141px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TUcaBz4uuLI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Eetr7GlM-SQ/s200/Creating%2Ba%2BSelection%2BSet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568448082677250226" border="0" /></a></div>Notice in the image on the left, that you can also add folders to the Selection Set window. We will discuss this in a later post, but be aware that organizing your data within Navisworks is 50% of your success in using the software. The other 50% is Selection and Search Sets as well as Viewpoints.<br /><br /><br /><br />To update a Selection Set you will need to select additional items by one of the two methods mentioned above, and then right click on the Selection Set in the Selection Set window and choose update from the menu options as shown in the image below.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TUcbmdWRAZI/AAAAAAAAAEI/9lw-SPpn1Dc/s1600/SS%2B-%2BUpdate.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TUcbmdWRAZI/AAAAAAAAAEI/9lw-SPpn1Dc/s320/SS%2B-%2BUpdate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568449811793904018" border="0" /></a><br />This is an important distinction between Search Sets and Selection Sets. Selection Sets are a snap shot of a point in time (when you created them). The do not update on their own. If you add more data to the Navisworks project, such as more steel or ducts, the Selection Set will not update to reflect these changes. You will need to manually update the set.<br /><br />Search Sets on the other hand, do automatically update because they are not based upon a manual selection, but rather search the dataset for a specific property such as a word in a layer name (i.e. steel, duct, conduit, valve, etc.) or a material name (ASTM - A572 - Grade 50), or even a specific cost!<br /><br />To create Search Sets, you need to utilize the <span style="font-style: italic;">Find Items</span> tool to first search for the specific property and then save the search in the Selection Sets window. I have provided an example in the image shown below. As you can see I searched all the data sets in the file for a property that has a material assigned to it that contains the word "<span style="font-style: italic;">steel</span>". The <span style="font-style: italic;">Find Items</span> tool (<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Shift + F3</span>) quickly found 9601 items. Imagine how long it would take you to select all the steel in the dataset manually! You can see that this feature alone will increase your ROI within a week's time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TUcgPpUi3MI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/7cHynmPv3DY/s1600/search%2Bsets.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TUcgpcDzI3I/AAAAAAAAAEY/Hs7dX4kiT4A/s1600/search%2Bsets.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 487px; height: 178px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TUcgpcDzI3I/AAAAAAAAAEY/Hs7dX4kiT4A/s400/search%2Bsets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568455360545760114" border="0" /></a><br />The great thing about this search is that because it is based upon a property, the next time I open this project with an updated structural model, it will update to reflect all the steel in the model. I will not have to update it manually. Looking forward, you will see how this will impact your clash events in Clash Detective.<br /><br /><br />In my next post, I will provide some tips and tricks on how to create search sets that can be utilized project to project as well as some tricks about folder structure within the project.<br /><br />Regards,<br />TeresaTeresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-83845490121002067792010-12-15T21:09:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:14:33.785-08:00Don't be a one trick PonyAs we wind down the year and start thinking about the next 6-12 months, it is important that we leverage our current skills with new and up and coming technology. I heard over the wire recently the some architects think that Navisworks is of no use to their current work flow. One architect in particular commented "I would never use or teach Navisworks to my team". In general, these are the same people whom said CAD was a fad and that BIM would never fly.<br /><br />I have found that there are two types of people whom do not embrace new tools: those with a singular lack of vision and those whom suffer from an unwillingness to step out of their comfort zone. In other words, these people do not want to try something different for fear of failure or just looking silly. These are the people who believe that focusing on just one thing will get them through the day. They want to be "experts" at just one thing. And in general they will “flaunt” their expertness, until they realize that they have become irrelevant.<br /><br />Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but strictly speaking, architecture is a generalist type of profession. As is construction. You cannot be good at just one thing and keep yourself relevant in today's global market place. It is not that type of world.<br /><br />Take bees for intance. There are specialist bees and generalist bees. Specialist bees have developed a relationship with just a few or one type of flower. Generalist bees have developed a wide variety of tastes when it comes to flowers. Guess which ones are more abundant and fair better in urban environments?<br /><br />Architecture is much the same way. Firms that survive the lean times have more then one trick up their collective sleeves. These are firms with good business plans that focus on a range of project types and offer an assortment of services. These are the firms that will still be in business when the economy returns to normal.<br /><br />So here is a is a great video about some of the uses of Navisworks for Architects:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aec-area.co.uk/NW/Videos/NW2011_ForArchitects_controller.swf">http://www.aec-area.co.uk/NW/Videos/NW2011_ForArchitects_controller.swf</a><br /><br /><br />As for my personal perspective, I know that if I had had Navisworks when I was working on large resort and multifamily projects, I would have not lost out on years of sleep as well managed to make it home at a decent hour.<br /><br />My top five uses/reasons for Architect's to introduce Navisworks into their workflow include:<br /><ol><li><strong>Better coordination:</strong> <em>Even within your own Revit model!</em> Navisworks has a much, much better clash and interferance checker then Revit's interferance checker. For instance, you can choose a variety to different types of objects such as columns and railings and compare them to doors and stairs. Revit only lets you compare catagories of objects such as walls to columns. It does not let you drill down and just check all of your steel to all of your ducts, stairs and openings. Naviswork's ability to let you filter out unnecesary items and select just the relevant data is a huge work flow advantage. </li><li><strong>Quick and seemless navigation.</strong> Because of Naviswork's distinct compression algorithem, huge datasets are compressed down to a managable format. In short, any user can easily navigate in real time without having some super tricked out computer. And the navigation is easy! You can walk, you can crouch...You can fly!</li><li><strong>Aggregation of diverse datasets.</strong> I call Navisworks "Kitchen Sink" software. In other words, it can read any file type you are likely to run into in the AEC profession, including the kitchen sink. This is particularly useful for architects whom are dealing with trades that are working in Microstation, Archicad, Civil3D and CADMech/Duct. Because Navisworks allows you to coordinate across multiple file types, architects can always be on the same page with their subs.</li><li><strong>Validation:</strong> Because you can aggregate diverse datasets, you can validate your design early and effectively. You can create virtual walkthroughs and punch lists for big room meetings and discussions. Navisworks also lets you share the animations and model easily by way of the Navisworks Freedom viewer. </li><li><strong>A seat at the table:</strong> Time and again, I hear from my architectural collegues that they are being marginalized during coordination meetings. In order to have a seat at the table and join in the conversation, you have to understand and be able to use the current technology. Navisworks lets you put skin in the game, instead of sitting on the sidelines.</li></ol><p><br />See you all in the new year!</p><p><br />And, as for my new years resolution, I am going to post at least once a month! My first post of the new year will be regarding <em>search and selection sets.</em></p><p><br />Until then, adieu.</p>Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-49988280490010174272010-06-25T13:15:00.000-07:002010-08-12T12:37:41.356-07:00Turning off those light sources!An outstanding issue with datasets exported from Revit in the *NWC format is the light source object. Even when you turn it off in Revit before exporting, it stills shows up in Navisworks. This will cause problems if you are running Clash Detective with tight tolerances and keep getting 'hits' or false positives because of the light source object. So how do you turn it off without having to scroll through the selection tree?<br /><br />Use a Search Set! Search Sets and Selection Sets are by far the most valuable tool in Navisworks. Anyone who has taken one of my classes knows that I tend to harp on this subject ad nauseum.<br /><br />The question is, how do we set up the search set? The answer is through a material filter called Default Light Source.<br /><br />Example: In the image below, you see how the light appears in a Revit project before export. Remember, even if I turn this off before exporting using Visiblity Graphics (VG), it will still show up in the Navisworks NWC file upon appending the project file.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486811174399552514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCURsVe6rAI/AAAAAAAAACM/LmVk82PG0oU/s400/Light-Sources.png" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>When I open the NWC file in Navisworks, the light fixtures will look like this:</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486811723823778818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUSMUP3DAI/AAAAAAAAACU/TE31qF_Uk70/s400/Light+Source+In+Navisworks.png" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>How can we quickly turn off all of the lights sources without having to drill down in the Selection Tree and pick each one individually? (A very low value, mind numbing task!).</p><p>If you drill down the selection tree until you get to the nested light source object you will see a nested object called "Solid". If you look at the objects properities in the properties window, you will see that it shows up on the Material Tab and has a Property Name value of <em>Default Light Source.</em></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUUucETyQI/AAAAAAAAACk/jnf98eMIkVc/s1600/Nested+Light+Source+Object.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486814509061622018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 98px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUUucETyQI/AAAAAAAAACk/jnf98eMIkVc/s400/Nested+Light+Source+Object.png" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486814644351149298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 366px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUU2UD2JPI/AAAAAAAAACs/lX1-wv5Mnk8/s400/Nested+Light+Source+Object+Properties.png" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>Using the Find Items Tool we can set the search field as follows and then save this as a Search Set. This will enable us to quickly turn off the light sources or set up rules in Detective to ignore items in a specific Selection Set.<br /><br />Happy Hunting...!<br /></p><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUVPZciVpI/AAAAAAAAAC0/F3pSb_1VLeY/s1600/Find+Items+Search+Set.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486815075293615762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 67px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUVPZciVpI/AAAAAAAAAC0/F3pSb_1VLeY/s400/Find+Items+Search+Set.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUWk5Q1h7I/AAAAAAAAADE/tKi9TCt4Gk8/s1600/Light-Source-Selection-Set.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486816544123357106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 325px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUWk5Q1h7I/AAAAAAAAADE/tKi9TCt4Gk8/s400/Light-Source-Selection-Set.png" border="0" /></a></p>Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-36226739331127578672010-06-25T11:54:00.000-07:002010-07-28T09:30:44.086-07:00Locking your Global OptionsThis is one of those smart little tricks that is buried in the help menu in Navisworks. You can lock your global options on local machines to prevent accidental changes to settings such as units, viewpoint defaults and file reader settings.<br /><br />Here is the trick:<br />Go to Start and then Run.<br />Enter CMD.exe to launch the DOS Window<br /><br />The directory will look something like this:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCT-d7QYApI/AAAAAAAAABU/SN5CS3sq0Ms/s1600/Navisworks+Lock.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486790036120142482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCT-d7QYApI/AAAAAAAAABU/SN5CS3sq0Ms/s400/Navisworks+Lock.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You will need to change the directory by typing CD C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Navisworks Manage 2011 as shown above.<br /><br /><em>(Note, mine is installed on my D: drive partition, but in most cases this will probably be the user's C: drive)</em><br /><br />Hit 'Enter' and then type "optionseditor.exe" -l (That is a space after the quotes and a minus sign in front of the letter "L"). It will take a second of two for the Options Editor to launch. You will then see the following:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCT_gkS7w-I/AAAAAAAAABc/S4ColMXwDxg/s1600/Navisworks+Locked+Options.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486791181008094178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 406px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCT_gkS7w-I/AAAAAAAAABc/S4ColMXwDxg/s400/Navisworks+Locked+Options.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Notice the locks! You can lock any settings that you do not want your users to change, thus causing errouneous results in Clash Detective as well as mis-scaled datasets.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUCwCMVSGI/AAAAAAAAABk/2IjLjQFeiEk/s1600/Navisworks+Export+Options.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486794745266391138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 151px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUCwCMVSGI/AAAAAAAAABk/2IjLjQFeiEk/s400/Navisworks+Export+Options.png" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUD010fxpI/AAAAAAAAABs/4zdzlUeLUKE/s1600/Navisworks+2011+Project+Directory.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486795927356163730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUD010fxpI/AAAAAAAAABs/4zdzlUeLUKE/s400/Navisworks+2011+Project+Directory.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUD010fxpI/AAAAAAAAABs/4zdzlUeLUKE/s1600/Navisworks+2011+Project+Directory.png"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUD010fxpI/AAAAAAAAABs/4zdzlUeLUKE/s1600/Navisworks+2011+Project+Directory.png"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The next step is to export these options by selecting the export option on the lower left. Check all the options in the dialog box as shown to the left. You will need to set a project directory location that has a <strong>global_options</strong> folder in it with the exported options file (*XML) placed in that folder.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUEZH8oM7I/AAAAAAAAAB0/-tgcp1tCVI0/s1600/Navisworks+Project+Directory+Folders.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486796550697399218" style="WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 83px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUEZH8oM7I/AAAAAAAAAB0/-tgcp1tCVI0/s400/Navisworks+Project+Directory+Folders.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now when you relaunch Navisworks, the options will be locked! This will make the life of VDC and BIM Managers a lot easier!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUFDCws4BI/AAAAAAAAAB8/XHpk5JQ2YR0/s1600/Navisworks+Locked+Options+Final.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486797270859702290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/TCUFDCws4BI/AAAAAAAAAB8/XHpk5JQ2YR0/s400/Navisworks+Locked+Options+Final.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As a final note, you can find this information , sans screen captures in the help menu by going to this topic: <em>How do I share the Autodesk Navisworks settings on a site and project basis</em>Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-13407855279077725102010-06-24T17:56:00.000-07:002010-06-24T17:58:23.604-07:00A little slow on the get goSorry there have been no new postings lately. Business has been, well crazy!<br />I will be posting soon with some tips and tricks for Navisworks 2011!Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3618775812758664270.post-7085354173875307862010-03-30T16:45:00.000-07:002010-03-30T18:14:46.345-07:00Navisworks 2011 - Sneak PeekNavisworks Manage 2011 provides additional tools and tweaks for day to day users. Having spent the last few months beta testing the software the following features are my personal favorites:<ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>A section tool that have a gizmo for on screen manipulation. For previous users, as you are well aware, using the section tools proved to be hit or miss type of workflow. This was especially true if you were using the section box tool. Now Navisworks provides a gizmo you can see and manually manipulate on screen. You can use the gizmo to resize the section box or section plane. There is also an additional Section Plane Settings control bar to allow users to link section planes in the view.</li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/S7KQ_zitIKI/AAAAAAAAAAk/ioDoh9nklnQ/s1600/linked+section+planes.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 80px 20px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 247px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/S7KQ_zitIKI/AAAAAAAAAAk/ioDoh9nklnQ/s320/linked+section+planes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454581524541022370" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/S7KQdYy3PwI/AAAAAAAAAAc/2_JvWXzi7BA/s1600/section+plane.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/S7KQdYy3PwI/AAAAAAAAAAc/2_JvWXzi7BA/s320/section+plane.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454580933245484802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><ul><li>The addition of a Gantt View tab in the Timeliner tool is another welcome feature. Users can now view the linked project schedule (MS Project, Primavera and CSV currently supported) in the industry recognized Gantt chart format. Users have multiple options for display dates (Actual, Planned or Actual vs. Planned) and a zoom feature.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/S7KXsBoc_jI/AAAAAAAAABE/jINUOglb868/s1600/Gantt.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 123px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/S7KXsBoc_jI/AAAAAAAAABE/jINUOglb868/s400/Gantt.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454588881307237938" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Other features to explore in this release are:<br /><ul><li>Batch Utility Export</li><li>Support for Revit Room objects and properties (via the plugin)<br /></li><li>Import and Export support for the FBX format</li><li>Consolidated navigation</li><li>Selection Tree Copy/Paste enhancement</li><li>Plugins Tab (if you have them!)</li><li>Additional support for Microstation</li><li>Enhanced *.SAT support</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">And</span> tooltips for those of you whom need a little extra help on occasion!</li></ul></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/S7KZ6Mfbz2I/AAAAAAAAABM/YxcocgQandE/s1600/tool+tips.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/S7KZ6Mfbz2I/AAAAAAAAABM/YxcocgQandE/s400/tool+tips.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454591323763625826" border="0" /></a></div><ol style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></ol><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/S7KZ6Mfbz2I/AAAAAAAAABM/YxcocgQandE/s1600/tool+tips.gif"></a><ol style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /></ol><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aIuGhXq1tjA/S7KQdYy3PwI/AAAAAAAAAAc/2_JvWXzi7BA/s1600/section+plane.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: right;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For additional sneak peeks and information you can check here:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://ideateinc.com/2011/index.html#experts"></a><a href="http://ideateinc.com/2011/index.html#experts"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ideate Inc Sneak Peeks</span></a><br /></div></div><br /></div>Teresa Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16866775885058308362noreply@blogger.com1