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!

BIMx

http://www.archicadwiki.com/BIMx

BIMx is now available for office use.
The steps for saving out a model for adding on to a iPad are contained in the following link:
http://www.archicadwiki.com/BIMx/Workflow

Communicating your design using iOS and Android

Recently two interesting products have been launched - what do you think?

BIMx

• Add on to ArchiCAD, exports a 3D model to a suitable format (care must be exercised in model size etc)
• App on mobile device allows for navigating 3D model in real time
• Navigation controls even allow for stairs etc to give a lifelike experience
• The whole model can be accessed 
• http://www.graphisoft.com/products/bim-explorer/

iVisit3D

• Contained within Artlantis 4.0, exports rendered views and plans to a suitable format
• App on mobile device allows for navigating linked 3D panoramas, including rendered floor plans showing locations
• As all rendering has already been done to the quality of a typical Artlantis rendering, there is less work for the device to do.
• Only nominated panoramas can be accessed. There is no need to work on parts of the model that will remain unseen from the selected locations.
• http://artlantis.com/1224_abvent-announces-artlantis-featuring-ivisit-3d.html
• http://itunes.apple.com/en/app/ivisit-3d-lite/id465950816?mt=8
• http://www.ivisit3d.com/

iPad apps

Click on the link for a list of architecture, engineering and construction project management software apps for contractors, project managers and architects. 


http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/construction/the-best-construction-management-apps-for-the-iphone-and-ipad-1082510/