Autodesk ImageModeler - Build 3D models from photographs

Autodesk® ImageModeler™ image-based modeling and photogrammetry software generates 3D models from 2D digital images, giving architects, designers, and entertainment content creators a new approach to 3D modeling.

Bridging the 2D and 3D worlds, Autodesk ImageModeler enables you to capture the reality as-built, take measurements of buildings, and easily create photorealistic 3D models. Editing, modeling, and texturing tools allow you to further edit, refine, and texture your rendered objects. Your 3D objects can then be exported into different formats.

FAQ (pdf - 114Kb)

Demonstration

View these easy-to-follow video demonstrations to learn about the features of Autodesk® ImageModeler™ image-based modeling software.

Images and video: Livio de Luca

Facade Measuring and Redrawing This video demonstrates how architects can use Autodesk ImageModeler to measure and redraw a building’s facade starting from photographs. Starting from a camera calibration step, ImageModeler allows users to extract 3D coordinates, take measurements, and produce an orthographic projection of the facade. These elements can then be imported to AutoCAD® software for the redrawing step.

Images and video: Livio de Luca

3D Model of an As-Built Building This video demonstrates the integration of panoramic images (automatically assembled with Autodesk® Stitcher™ Unlimited software) with simple photographs taken around the building. The 3D model is created by adjusting geometrical primitives, extruding faces, and deforming polygons directly on photos and panoramas.

Images and video : Livio de Luca

Photorealistic 3D Reconstruction of Interiors
This video shows how to use Autodesk ImageModeler to create a photorealistic 3D model of an interior. Starting from the integration of a panoramic image (automatically assembled with Autodesk® Stitcher™ Unlimited software) with other photos of the interior, this case study concentrates on advanced modeling techniques along with texture extraction.

Features & Specifications

Autodesk® ImageModeler™ 2009 software offers architects, designers, and entertainment content creators a new approach to 3D modeling—generating 3D models from 2D digital images. The software’s easy-to-learn, three-step workflow—calibration, modeling, and texturing—lets users achieve, stunning, photorealistic 3D models with real-world accuracy.

Feature Highlights of Autodesk ImageModeler 2009

• New calibration engine—A powerful, new calibration engine and toolset makes it easy to generate a 3D model or scene using calibration points based on one or more panoramas or photos.
• 3D measurement—The ImageModeler 2009 ruler toolset enables architects and others to calculate real-world distances and angles between points, eliminating the need for complex laser measurements on-site.
• High-performance photo texturing—One of the great strengths of ImageModeler 2009 is the quality of its texture extraction. Texture mapping is a one-click, automatic process and photorealism is built-in.
• Friendly user interface (UI)—With ImageModeler 2009 the source images can be viewed as thumbnails.
• Improved interoperability with Autodesk software—ImageModeler 2009 offers improved interoperability with Autodesk® Maya®, Autodesk® 3ds Max®, Autodesk® MotionBuilder®, and the AutoCAD® software family of products.

ImageModeler Trial
Download a free* trial version of Autodesk ImageModeler 2009 image-based modeling software.

Customer Showcase
See how ImageModeler is being used for entertainment and architectural visualization projects, including virtual tours of indoor and outdoor spaces.

ImageModeler for AutoCAD Users
Add the power of image-based modeling to your AutoCAD workflow and design your project in an as-built environment.

ImageModeler for AutoCAD Users
Add the power of image-based modeling to your AutoCAD workflow and design your project in an as-built environment.

Learning Resources

Autodesk offers a variety of learning resources for users of Autodesk® ImageModeler™ image-based modeling software.

User Guide
The Autodesk ImageModeler 2009 User Guide walks you through every step of the ImageModeler process. Whether you have little or no understanding of polygonal modeling, or are an experienced 3D modeler, you will be able to find the information you need to quickly become proficient at generating 3D models from 2D digital images or panoramas.

Autodesk ImageModeler User Guide (pdf - 8912Kb)

Installation Guide

The Autodesk ImageModeler Installation Guide provides information on system requirements for running ImageModeler, the ImageModeler installation procedure, and licensing. In this quick guide, you will also find instructions on how to activate ImageModeler and how to get product support.

Autodesk ImageModeler Installation Guide (pdf - 600Kb)

Getting Started Tutorial
This ImageModeler tutorial illustrates two usages of the software: photogrammetry and photo modeling. It will take you step by step through the process of creating and photo-texturing a 3D model, starting from 3 digital pictures.

	Autodesk ImageModeler Getting Started Tutorial (pdf - 4263Kb)
	Autodesk ImageModeler Getting Started Sample Files (zip - 7284Kb)

Creating a 3D Model from a Single Image Tutorial
This ImageModeler tutorial illustrates the process of creating a 3D model from a single image. Particular attention is given to the calibration process, and you will also find important shooting advice.

	Autodesk ImageModeler 2009 Advanced Tutorial (pdf - 1535Kb)
	Autodesk ImageModeler 2009 Advanced Sample Files (zip - 15647Kb) By the way...it's $995 and you can buy it online from Autodesk How to Buy Buy Autodesk ImageModeler Online Licenses and upgrades for Autodesk® ImageModeler™ image-based modeling software are currently sold exclusively through the online ImageModeler eStore.

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AutoCAD MEP & Revit MEP Webcast Series | Autodesk

A client of mine missed today's Revit MEP webcast and asked me to show him where it was hidden on the Autodesk site. Took me a while to find it, so I thought I'd share it with all of you. Yes, I know most of my readers are architects, but it doesn't hurt for you to learn the workflow so you can collaborate with others on BIM projects.

Today's webcast will be posted shortly at
http://www.adskmedia.com/mepwebcasts/archive.php
In the meantime, you can sign up for future webcasts and see what you've missed so far. Nothing like a good recession to have time to watch lots of webcasts right?

FEATURED: Register Now for the Next Live Webcast

Revit MEP: From Pilot to Production

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time

In this webcast, William Spier will show you how to quickly get a pilot project started in Revit MEP and then easily take it to production? Join us and learn how new Revit MEP allows you to accurately create MEP systems for today’s complex architectural designs. All changes are automatically coordinated everywhere in your project. Design and documentation stay coordinated, consistent, and complete.

Upcoming AutoCAD MEP & Revit MEP Webcasts

AutoCAD MEP Tips & Tricks | Description
Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Revit MEP Tips & Tricks | Description
Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Archived AutoCAD MEP & Revit MEP Webcasts

AutoCAD MEP: From Pilot to Production

Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Content Creation with Revit MEP: Tips & Tricks

Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

AutoCAD MEP: Design to Fabrication

Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Autodesk MEP Solutions: Interference Detection and Resolution

Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

AutoCAD MEP and AutoCAD LT: Which tool is right for you?

Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Sustainable Design with Revit MEP 2009

Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Getting Started with Revit MEP 2009

Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Getting Started with AutoCAD MEP 2009

Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Revit MEP 2009: What's New

Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

AutoCAD MEP 2009: What's New

Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Revit MEP 2009: A First Look

Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

AutoCAD MEP 2009: A First Look

Wednesday, April 30, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

There's Got to be a Better Way...with AutoCAD MEP

Wednesday, February 27, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Faster Piping, Plumbing, & Fire Protection Systems Development

Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Accelerate the Documentation Process with AutoCAD MEP

Wednesday, December 19, 2007, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Optimized Electrical Distribution System Design and Layout

Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Enhanced Mechanical System Layout & Analysis

Wednesday, September 26, 2007, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Increase Your Productivity with AutoCAD MEP

Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

A First Look at Revit MEP 2008

Wednesday, July 25, 2007, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Leverage AutoCAD Data with AutoCAD MEP 2008

Wednesday, June 27, 2007, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

A First Look at AutoCAD MEP 2008

Wednesday, May 31, 2007, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

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Where is my command in Revit Architecture 2010 for RAC 2009 users

Here's a really cool web page.
It's a screenshot of Revit Architecture 2009. You can click on any icon and it will show you where it's located in the 2010 version.

http://www.nichitecture.com/downloads/Where%20is%20my%20command%20in%20Revit%20Architecture%202010.html

So, it's been 12 days. Are you used to the Ribbon yet? If you meander over to AUGI, you'll find lots of opinions. Some people are refusing to install Revit 2010. So, let's imagine that you think it's going to really slow you down and you're going to wait until 2011 release. What have you really gained by that? Business is slow. It might actually be a good idea to learn the Ribbon and new (all two of them) features. If you boycott 2010 now, won't you just have to start using it at some point in the future? It just sounds so familiar. Now I remember. Sounds like AutoCAD users who are delaying switching to Revit.

Yes, I know you either love or hate the ribbon. Either way, it's not going away. For an extra added bonus, here's a screenshot and link about Microsoft Office 2010. I guess that means that Revit Architecture 2013 will be updated then. Hmmm... lucky number 13. AutoCAD Release 13? Let's not even go there.

http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/04/27/office-2010-screenshots-emerge


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Never Throw These 5 Items in the Trash : Planet Green

Not really directly Revit related, but I wanted to make this public service blog post.

Never Throw These 5 Items in the Trash

Read these tips for items that must be recycled.

By Sara Novak Columbia, SC, USA | Fri Apr 24 10:30:00 EDT 2009

Unless you've been sleeping under a rock for the past 20 years you know the importance of recycling. Now more than ever our landfills are filling to the brim and running out of room when nearly 70 percent of what we would consider trash can be recycled. But there are some items that because of their toxic nature should never be thrown in the trash according to Eco Village Green. Read this list of items that for the good of our ecosystem must by properly recycled.

1. CFL light bulbs. Yes the rumors are true. CFL bulbs do have some mercury and while I think it's important to use them versus regular bulbs, when it comes to disposing of them, you should recycle. Home Depot has a CFL recycling program so you can just bring your old CFL bulbs to your local store. Of course, since they last so long, you won't have to do this very often.


2. Lithium-ion batteries. These are not your traditional batteries but rather the rechargeable variety. The chemicals in them can leech into the soil and the water supply polluting the ecosystem. Take these to Best Buy, which collects and recycles them.


3. Electronics equipment. These guys are often filled to the brim with poisonous substances. These include TV’s, stereos, speakers, and mobile phones. Check Earth 911 to find out where they can be recycled. Mobile phones can often be taken back by your cell phone dealer.


4. Car-related fluids. Things like antifreeze, wiper fluid, engine oil, or anything that comes from your car is usually terribly toxic as you might imagine. You can recycle these normally at your local government hazardous waste collection point.


5. Paints. This includes varnishes, stains, and paints. All of these should go to your local government's designated hazardous materials collection point. Today, though you don't have chunks of glass floating in your can of semi-gloss Rustic Red, there are some things you should be aware of before you toss it to the curb. In fact, it is against the law in most places to put free-flowing liquids (such as paint) in the trash.

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Revit 2010 Interface Opinion and some info

I don't know about you, but I love the new Revit and the Ribbon. Makes me feel like a kid again. I know it's scary, but my 14 month old son loves playing on the computer. Anyone want to place a bet on when he makes his first Revit model?

On a side note, I've been reading a lot of comments on AUGI about the new interface. A lot of people are complaining about why did Autodesk spend all this time on the ribbon when the could have been adding tools, making stairs and rails easier and any number of other enhancements.

Well, I think I've found the answer, and I'm not sure why it wasn't made clearer to the Revit users. Apparently, Autodesk has been saying for the past 3 years that they're doing a total rewrite of the software. Everyone thought that every year Autodesk rewrote the entire Revit programming code. Well, they actually did it this year and added the ribbon as part of it. Actually wrote a 64 bit version. Added stability. Increased speed in rendering time. Better graphics.

I've now asked and confirmed this with 3 Autodesk employees. Part of the reason they did it is for future improvements, enhancements and better functionality. I hope that's an acceptable answer. Whether you like the ribbon or not, Autodesk wanted a consistent looking interface for all of their products. Maybe they're hoping you'll buy one of each so having the consistent interface will matter.

So now you know. They didn't spend all their time creating the ribbon. They rewrote Revit so you could have a faster, better and more stable product. Feel better now? I know JR sleeps better at night knowing the truth.
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IES Previews New Sustainable Design Analysis Product

Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), a provider of integrated performance analysis software for sustainable building design, will preview its new architectural product VE-Gaia at AIA Expo 2009 in San Francisco, April 30 to May 2. VE-Gaia offers “step-by-step” smart navigation that defines different sustainable design analysis processes by weaving a workflow through IES’ Virtual Environment software. It allows users to undertake complex environmental performance analysis without the need for expert knowledge.

VE-Gaia will be released in June 2009, but visitors to IES’ booth at AIA (#1241) can witness a sneak preview of the product as well as regular demonstrations throughout the show. A step up from the IES VE-Toolkits, VE-Gaia offers the same ease of use and quick feedback capabilities, but also provides users the ability to input exact building data and manipulate models.

Dr. Don Mclean, founder and CEO of IES, commented, “I see VE-Gaia revolutionising the way that building simulation is performed. Design firms will be able to open up sustainable design analysis to a wider range of users as you need significantly less familiarity with the VE software. Users can easily mark progress, control quality and iterate workflows. Environmental analysis feedback is a key driver for sustainable design.”

Key navigator capabilities within VE-Gaia will include; climate, building and material metrics; availability of natural resources; water usage; renewable/low carbon technologies, as well as a range of LEED credit options.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

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Autodesk Presents BIM Experience Award to HNTB Federal

Firm Honored for Use of Building Information Modeling Process on Large-Scale, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Projects at Fort Knox and Fort Lee

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. , a leader in 2D and 3D design and engineering software, has announced that HNTB Federal, a business unit of HNTB Corporation, has been selected to receive an Autodesk BIM Experience Award. The employee-owned engineering, architectural, planning and construction management firm is being recognized for its use of Autodesk building information modeling (BIM) software for the design and documentation of large-scale government projects, such as the 883,000-square-foot Fort Knox and 773,000-square-foot Fort Lee projects for the U.S. Army. This award is the first in the new Autodesk BIM Experience Award program, formerly called the "Revit BIM Experience Award," which has been expanded beyond the Autodesk Revit platform.

"Autodesk BIM software has been at the center of our close collaboration with builders for many of our large-scale government design-build projects," said Bradley Schulz, AIA, architecture market vice president at HNTB Federal. "A BIM process leveraging the Revit platform, Navisworks and 3ds Max Design software allows us and our construction partners to collaborate early in the process, share schedule and cost information, and make more informed design decisions. For the Fort Lee project, the BIM process and Revit models helped make it possible for us to move from project-award to start-of-construction phase in just six months."

HNTB Federal uses many parts of the Autodesk software portfolio in its BIM process, including Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk Revit MEP , Autodesk Revit Structure , Autodesk Navisworks and Autodesk 3ds Max Design software.

"Presenting HNTB Federal with the first BIM Experience award of 2009 demonstrates the growing adoption of Autodesk BIM software solutions within the community of engineering, architectural, planning and construction management firms that serve government clients," said Bill Goodson, vice president of government sales for Autodesk. "HNTB Federal's Fort Knox project was 100 percent based on the Revit platform, making it one of the largest Revit platform projects in the world. By employing a shared BIM design platform, HNTB Federal was also able to realize efficiency gains throughout the design cycle, helping them to develop a design for the Fort Knox project in just 60 days."

BIM Process Applied to Fort Knox and Fort Lee Projects

The U.S. Army Human Resources Center of Excellence at Fort Knox, Kentucky is an 883,000-square-foot, $183-million design-build project. For this project, which consists of six buildings that will house more than 4,300 people, Turner Universal contracted HNTB as a partner for its engineering, architectural, planning and construction management expertise. Using Autodesk Revit Architecture and Autodesk Revit Structure software, the HNTB Federal staff collaborated with the project's mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers working with Autodesk Revit MEP software. Through the use of Autodesk Navisworks software, HNTB engineers routinely combined the various Revit models for early-phase clash detection and to support multidisciplinary coordination, which helped reduce the need for costly, time-delaying on-site change orders. The Revit models were also used with sustainable design analysis tools to help the project achieve an Army classification equivalent to a Silver USGBC LEED certification.

For the U.S. Army's new 773,000-square-foot phase I Wheeled and Tracked Vehicle Maintenance Training School at Fort Lee, Virginia, HNTB Federal used Autodesk building information modeling software to collaborate with Balfour Beatty Construction and Hankins and Anderson Engineers on this $197-million design-build project. HNTB Federal's role on the project (currently in construction) includes planning, architectural design, interior design and project management services. HNTB Federal used Autodesk Revit Architecture to devise a plan that expanded instructional space while decreasing the number of floors originally anticipated. The Autodesk Revit Architecture models, in combination with Autodesk 3ds Max Design, were used with an Xbox game controller to stage virtual 3D walkthrough reviews. The project team used Autodesk Navisworks to help detect clashes early and accelerated the schedule by visualizing the construction project and sequencing it over time to foster multidisciplinary team coordination. As with the Fort Knox project, the Revit models for the Fort Lee project were also used to help achieve an Army classification equivalent to a Silver USGBC LEED certification.

The Autodesk BIM Experience Award celebrates professionals and educators around the world who are helping to drive industry transformation through building information modeling. Autodesk honors organizations for their innovation, leadership and excellence in implementing BIM with the help of core BIM products, including one or more of the Autodesk Revit platform products and other Autodesk products that complement the BIM process.

BIM is an integrated process that allows architects, engineers and builders to explore a project digitally before it's built. Coordinated, reliable information is used throughout the process to design innovative projects, accurately visualize appearance for better communication, and simulate real-world performance for better understanding of important characteristics such as cost, scheduling and environmental impact.

About HNTB Corporation

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving federal, state, municipal, military and private clients. With nearly a century of service, HNTB has the insight to understand the lifecycle of infrastructure and the perspective to solve the most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide provide award-winning planning, design, program management and construction management services. For more information on HNTB Federal, visit www.hntb.com/federal.

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You're invited to the Autodesk Imagine Virtual Event 5/19/09 Webcast

You're invited to the Autodesk Imagine Virtual Event
In continuing support of sustainable practices, and to help address tighter travel budgets at many companies, we are excited to announce that the Autodesk® Imagine Virtual Event is coming to your desktop on May 19! Without ever having to leave the office, you'll discover how Autodesk 2010 software for civil, MEP, and structural engineering can help engineers, drafters, and designers boost productivity and deliver more sustainably-built environments.

Our virtual event features webcasts designed to show you what is new in our latest release of software solutions for the engineering industry. We will have an Architecture, Engineering and Construction booth where you can chat with Autodesk representatives and download product information. Plus, this year we will feature scheduled chat sessions with Autodesk product experts which will give you the chance to weigh in on relevant industry topics and network with other virtual event attendees.

Join us and see how the latest building information modeling (BIM) software for engineering, including AutoCAD^® Civil 3D, Autodesk^® Revit^® MEP, and Autodesk^® Revit^® Structure can help you visualize, simulate, and analyze – earlier in the process – to deliver boundary-pushing designs, produce accurate and consistent construction documentation, and better manage change throughout your project lifecycle. You'll also learn how AutoCAD 2010 delivers groundbreaking new capabilities to tackle the most challenging design problems with ease.



Sign up now for the Autodesk Imagine Virtual Event and put the power of 2010 Autodesk software to work for you. Registration is free, but you'll need to register to gain access to the event.

The Autodesk Imagine Virtual Event Team
Be prepared for an informative and inspirational day, we hope to see you there!

AGENDA

10:00am–5:00pm EDT / 7:00am–2:00pm PDT Exhibit Hall Open

11:30–12:00pm EDT / 8:30–9:00am PDT What's New in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010 What's New in Autodesk Revit MEP 2010

12:00–12:30pm EDT / 9:00–9:30am PDT Take Design Further: Lynn Allen's AutoCAD 2010 Tips & Techniques

12:30–1:00pm EDT / 9:30–10:00am PDT Autodesk Solutions for the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act

1:00–1:30pm EDT / 10:00–10:30am PDT Scheduled Chat Sessions: AutoCAD LT 2010: PDF output and underlays Autodesk Solutions for the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act

1:30–2:00pm EDT / 10:30–11:00am PDT 3D Conceptual Design inside AutoCAD 2010

2:30–3:00pm EDT / 11:30–12:00pm PDT What's New in Autodesk Revit Structure 2010 What's New in Autodesk Navisworks Manage 2010

3:00–3:30pm EDT / 12:00–12:30pm PDT Scheduled Chat Session: Rock & Road: Dig into AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010

4:00–4:30pm EDT / 1:00–1:30pm PDT Scheduled Chat Session: Straight Talk about AutoCAD 2010 Benefits

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Revit blog posts links of the day

• http://cadshack.blogspot.com/2009/04/halftoned-revit-families.html
  CAD Shack: Halftoned Revit Families

• http://therevitkid.blogspot.com/2009/04/revit-2010-vs-revit-2009-rendering.html
  Revit 2010 vs. Revit 2009 - Rendering

• http://unleashrevit.blogspot.com/2009/04/importing-revit-files-to-3dsmax.html
  Importing Revit files to 3dsMax

• http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/
  AutoCAD on the Mac Survey

• http://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/blog/2009/04/access-to-linked-file-geometry.html
  Access to Linked File Geometry

• Lastly, below is an exerpt from Revitfix.blogspot.com
  http://revitfix.blogspot.com/2009/04/revit-2010-is-here.html
  Revit 2010 is here.

I’m sure many of you, like me, were downloading the new release of Revit 2010. I know there as been a lot of people very put off by the new interface. As an old item user, it’s going to take be a little while to get to know by way around it. However, from a tutor I am very happy that Autodesk have cleared up the names of items. Ie model lines are now called model lines. Architectural columns are call “Architectural Columns”. It’s amazing how some common sense makes me happy.

Anyway, I thought I would go down through my bug list to see what has been fixed.

Area boundary lines & the Align tool.
Not fixed

Entering numeric data into the options bar.
Fixed

Basic Walls as Curtain Wall Panels
Fixed

Right click window on Curtain Walls
Option removed and thus fixed

Curtain System Panels. Part 1:
Not Fixed

Model Hatch Upgrade Bug
Not Fixed

So half of the above list are fixed.
Getting there. I’m sure this release will be talked about for a while.

Posted by Brian Renehan at 10:13 PM

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Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Structure 2010 - Actually an architect's dream come true

Revit Architects: Wouldn't it be nice if your structural engineers could build rebar cages right in the Revit model for penetration coordination?
Wouldn't it be great if they could quickly run structural analyis on your model? How about if they could quickly generate structural detailing drawings?

Still haven't asked your structural engineers to move to Revit Structure? Why not exactly? If you've already made the decision to move to Revit, getting them to move to Revit Structure means you'll have fewer coordination issues to deal with later. That will let you focus on the design phase, not the RFI stage.

Release Date: 2009-04-16

Revit® Extensions are a series of easy-to-use applications that extend the capabilities of the Autodesk® Revit® Structure 2010 software in key areas, including structural analysis, modeling, concrete reinforcement, interoperability, and construction documentation. Specifically, the extensions provided in this executable file are:

• AutoCAD Structural Detailing
  Integration with AutoCAD Structural Detailing - Formwork Drawings (NEW), Integration with AutoCAD Structural Detailing - Steel (NEW), Reinforcement Drawings
• Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis
  Integration with Concrete Structures, Integration with Robot Structural Analysis, Reinforcement Design
• Import/Export
  CIS/2 Export, CIS/2 Import
• Miscellaneous
  Compare Models, Content Generator (NEW), Elements Positioning, Freeze Drawings, Text Generator
• Modeling
  Bridge Modeling, Excel-based Model Generation, Grids Generator
• Reinforcement
  Automatic Reinforcement Generation, Reinforcement of Beams, Reinforcement of Columns, Reinforcement of Continuous Footings, Reinforcement of Parapets, Reinforcement of Piles, Reinforcement of Pile Caps, Reinforcement of Retaining Walls, Reinforcement of Slab Corners, Reinforcement of Slab Openings, Reinforcement of Spread Footings, Reinforcement of Walls, Reinforcement of Wall Corners
• Simulation
  Conceptual Form Simulation (NEW), Static Analysis of Beams, Static Analysis of Frames, Static Analysis of Slabs, Static Analysis of Trusses
• Steel Connections
  Steel Connection Modeler: Beam to Column - End-Plated (NEW), Steel Connection Modeler: Column Base (NEW)

The file installs the Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Structure 2010. It also includes the Extensions Engine, a platform that hosts each extension within Revit Structure 2010.

Please note that the multi-language executable file contains content in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, and Simplified Chinese.

Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Structure 2010 are compatible with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Revit Structure 2010 software.

For more information, please visit www.extensions4revit.com.

Visit the Subscription Center link: Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Structure 2010

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Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010

Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 Release Date: 2009-04-16

Revit® Extensions are a series of easy-to-use applications that extend the capabilities of Autodesk® Revit® Architecture 2010 software in key areas, including modeling, coordination, and documentation. Specifically, the extensions provided in this executable file are: Grid Generator, Freeze Drawings, Compare Models, Text Generator, Elements Positioning, and Microsoft Excel®-based Model Generation.

The file installs the Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010. It also includes the Extensions Engine, a platform that hosts each Extension within Revit Architecture 2010.

Please note that the multi-language executable file contains content in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, and Simplified Chinese. Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 are compatible with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Revit Architecture 2010 software.

Visit the subscription center download page: Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010:

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AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010: A Few of My Favorite Things - April 2009 - AUGI (and Revit Connectivity)

Posted from: Autodesk User Group International
http://www.augi.com/publications/hotnews.asp?id=1934

Yes, I know, what the heck is Greg doing posting Civil 3D stuff on a Revit blog. Because there's now more of a reason to make sure your Civil Engineers are using Civil 3D instead of AutoCAD or Land Desktop (Architectural Desktop's evil cousin). As we migrate away from 2D drafting and move into 3D modeling and its associated coordination, this is just another little something that makes your life easier.

Here's a blurb from the AUGI Civil 3D article:

Collaborate
Building information modeling (BIM) is an integrated process built on coordinated, consistent information. AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010 includes functionality that will enable engineering teams to collaborate even more effectively from design through construction and into operations. Through enhanced interoperability with Revit-based products, you can now import a building shell into Civil 3D from Autodesk Revit Architecture to bring in your roofline and building connection points. Civil 3D can now export alignment, profile and surface data that can then be imported into Autodesk Revit Structure for bridge modeling. You can now coordinate with every member of the project team.

While these are only a few of the many new features and enhancements in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010, the above information is among the most beneficial enhancements of the new product. Please stay tuned for 2010 "How-to" guides for the new features.

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Know any students who may want free Autodesk software including Revit?

Did you know that Autodesk gives away free software to students with a valid school email address? What a great opportunity to get students started early (on the Koolaid) learning these great products. Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks, Ecotect and more. Autodesk even just started giving away AutoCAD, although I can't imagine why when Revit is free. Make sure you tell this to your student interns. Make them learn Revit and then they can teach you.

Now, before you try to get your 12 year old's school email address and try to use these as your commercial products, remember that's illegal and prints a large student banner on each and every sheet. There's also the fact that bringing in work created on student versions into a commercial version of Autodesk products add the student mark to every file. Also, don't forget when you register the product, Autodesk gets your computer's DNA and IP address.

Important Note: The Autodesk Student Version software incorporates all the functionality of our professional licenses, but includes a print banner making the software inappropriate for professional, commercial, or for-profit purposes. Autodesk Student Version software may not be used in the classroom or lab for instructional purposes, or for commercial or for-profit purposes. Annual licenses of Autodesk student software are not eligible for product upgrade or transfer to a commercial license. View print banner sample. View print banner sample.

Here's the full list available from http://students.autodesk.com.
Also, more information is available at revit3d.com/students

1. 3ds Max - 30-day Free Trial Version Only
2. Alias Automotive
3. AutoCAD 2010
4. AutoCAD Architecture 2010
5. AutoCAD Electrical
6. AutoCAD Inventor Professional
   AutoCAD Inventor AliasStudio Translator
7. AutoCAD Map 3D
8. AutoCAD Mechanical
9. AutoCAD MEP
10. AutoCAD Raster Design
11. Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional
12. AutoCAD Civil 3D 2009
    Civil 3D Country Kits and Extensions
    Civil 3D Storm Water Design and Analysis Extensions
    Civil 3D Country Kits
    Civil 3D Survey Link Extensions
13. Ecotect
14. Green Building Studio -?
15. Impression
16. MapGuide Open Source
17. Maya - 30-day Free Trial Version Only
18. MotionBuilder
19. Mudbox - 30 day Free Trial
20. Navisworks Manage
21. Revit Architecture 2010
22. Revit MEP 2009
23. Revit Structure 2009
    Revit Structure Extensions
24. Showcase Professional
25. SketchBook Pro
26. Viz

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Revit Tutorial - Specifying the Background for a 3D View

After creating a 3D view, you can specify a gradient background for it, with different colors for the sky, horizon, and ground.

In an orthographic view, the gradient is a blend between the horizon color and the sky or ground color. In an orthographic view that is oriented to an elevation view or in a perspective view in which the horizon is visible, the sky meets the ground at the ground plane and blends with the horizon color. The horizon is set to the ground plane for the view (Level 1, by default).

NoteWhen you render a 3D view, you can specify clouds and haze for the background of the rendered image. See Specifying the Background for a Rendered Image in the help file

When you export the view to an image or to a 2D DWF file, the gradient background is included. When you export the view to a 3D DWF file, the gradient background is not included.

When you print a 3D view with a gradient background, you can print only using raster processing. To print the view using vector processing, you must first turn off the gradient background.

If you create a view template for a 3D view, the gradient background settings are stored as part of the template under Graphic Display Options.

To specify the background for a 3D view

1. Open the 3D view.
2. Click View tab, Graphics panel, , (Graphic Display Options).
3. Under Background, select Gradient background.
4. Select the desired colors for the sky, horizon, and ground.
5. (Optional) If the horizon will be visible in the view, specify the ground level:
   1. In the Graphic Display Options dialog, for Sun Position, click (Browse).
   2. In the Sun and Shadow Settings dialog, select Ground Plane at Level, and specify the level to use for the ground plane.
   3. Click OK.
6. In the Graphic Display Options dialog, click OK.

The view displays the gradient background, and the horizon and ground, if visible.

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Revit 2010 API - Autodesk - Developer Center - Autodesk® Revit® Architecture, Autodesk® Revit® Structure and Autodesk® Revit® MEP

Autodesk® Revit® Architecture, Autodesk® Revit® Structure and Autodesk® Revit® MEP

What's New in Autodesk Revit® Architecture/Structure/MEP
We have significantly extended the customization capabilities of Revit® Architecture/Structure /MEP from previous releases.
The API focus of the new releases is continuing to expand the ability to create, modify and query elements in the Revit Building Information Model.
The most significant API improvements are:

• Conversion of the API to use .NET Framework 3.5.
• Programmatic creation of Revit Family components. You can also use external command in the context of Family editor
• Form creation API that allows you to create and modify flexible forms for conceptual designs, including the ability to divide surfaces in various patterns.
• Expansion of application and document level event API that allows you to catch more events including pre/post-events activities. Events API are completely re-written in new releases.
• More access to HVAC and piping data, including the ability to traverse duct, pipes and connectors in a system.

Programming Tools
Focused on integrating analysis and visualization applications with the Revit Building Information Model, the Revit .NET API allows you to program with any .NET compliant language including VB.NET, C#, and managed C++. The Software Development Toolkit (SDK) provides extensive .NET code samples and documentation to help you get started developing with the Revit API for Autodesk Revit Architecture/MEP/Structure.
The Revit API is built into every copy of Revit and enables you to:

• Access all elements in the building information model
• Query element properties
• Change element properties
• Perform additions of elements – with the number of elements that can be programmatically added increasing with each new Revit release

RevitAPI.dll is present in every Revit installation, under \Program.
Learn more about Revit's .NET API through Revit's API documents and samples found in Revit API SDK, which will help you get started developing applications using the Revit Architecture/MEP/Structure API. SDK are included in every Revit products. There are two ways to install SDK from to your computer:

• From the main page of Revit installer, click “Install Tools and Utilities” and choose “Revit Software Development Kit”.
• Alternatively, you can also find the SDK in the extraction folder, under:
  
  \support\SDK\RevitSDK.exe

Note: the location of SDK has been changed to under “\support\SDK” in Revit 2010. (In previous versions, it is under “\Utilities\Common\Software Development Kit\”)
*Revit 2010 SDK (zip – 79002Kb) ** available in mid April

	*Revit 2009 SDK (Update 2) (zip - 61330Kb)
	*Revit 2008 SDK (zip - 15138Kb)

*These Revit SDKs are subject to the license agreement that's displayed for acceptance during their installation process.

The following resource will help you get started with programming Revit. It assumes familiarity with revit and general programming concepts.

• DevTV: Introduction to Revit Programming
  A self-paced video tutorial demonstrating how to get started developing with Revit.
  View online | Download

Revit is also ODBC-compliant, so you can export building information to other database systems. Potential applications for this data include cost estimating, quantity surveying, construction management, and facility management and maintenance.
If you are not familiar with Autodesk Revit or Building Information Modeling (BIM) , you can learn more in the Revit product center.

Support
Public discussion groups provide an open forum for sharing knowledge and receiving support. Join the Autodesk Revit API Discussion Group.
If you need more professional customization support, consider joining the Autodesk Developer Network.

Revit Customization Blog

• The Building Coder

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