BIMX DOCS

Graphisoft have created a very useful tool  - BIMX, a 3D model viewer - and then added the ability to include 2D documentation with the model in one file.

• When included, 2D documents (plans, sections etc) retain 3D orientations and so can be overlaid over the model
• Very large 2D documents that may be unusable in PDF format (except on a powerful desktop PC) are usable on a mobile device!

Important notes:

• All published items are packaged into one file, so an update of one file requires republishing of the whole set.
• 'Hyperlinks' are set up with elevation, section and detail markers, however this requires they are properly set up in ArchiCAD.
• Viewing 3D content is free. Accessing the 2D documents is charged at the 'player end' - i.e. on the mobile device. A variety of pricing points is available, and access can be gifted to clients along with the file if desired. (3 steps: one off/per project/ unlimited). GBA iPads have an 'unlimited' license.
• No editing after publishing is currently available, and so files cannot be combined or other content/ links added.

Procedure:

• Create a publisher set for all desired outputs, including the reference 3D model (define as a view). All 2D documents are best to be layouts, not views. 
• Name the publisher set BIMX, and path set to ...Record Issued/BIMX for that project.
• In the publisher set do not include the revision letter in the 2D layout name.
• Every time a 2D document is updated, publish the set, so that it contains all the latest information.
• When syncing with a mobile device, ensure all files from the  ...Record Issued/BIMX folder are copied.

Notes:

• Some layouts may be 'work in progress' toward a future release. Given the whole set must be published, these will be included. There is no easy way to avoid this, therefore it is essential the office procedure for updating drawings, where NYI (not yet issued) is included in the revision description, along with clouds are added as changes are made.
• If a 2D view is published, ensure no 'rubbish' is included in the periphery of the view, as it will be included too!