Recently, the author of BIM Architecture Network has received numerous questions from young professionals new to the BIM industry, asking, “What exactly is Revit? Is it software or something else?” Listening to these queries with a puzzled expression, I decided to provide a brief introduction for beginners. I hope this article helps clarify things!
Revit is a widely used BIM software in the architecture and construction engineering industry. Developed by Autodesk and first released in 2002, Revit aims to offer BIM tools that cover the entire building lifecycle. The software series has been continuously updated, with the latest version available as of 2019. One of its key advantages is an intuitive user interface that makes the learning process straightforward.
Revit operates on the concept of a single, unified model, allowing users to generate views and graphical data from all directions. It offers automatic project coordination, managing changes and drawing references seamlessly. Multiple users can simultaneously collaborate on the same project, thanks to its object database that supports concurrent model editing.
The latest updates to Revit software have enhanced its capabilities for handling large-scale projects. When integrated with other Autodesk tools, users can perform advanced analysis and simulations. The software includes GBXML interfaces for energy and load analysis, as well as integration with structural analysis programs like ROBOT and RISA. However, Revit falls short in detailed object design, lacking comprehensive detail design databases. Users need to customize and define objects themselves to achieve detailed design functionality.
Revit supports exporting system data in multiple common file formats such as DXF, DGN, DWG, DWFTM, DXFTM, IFC, SAT, SKP, AVI, ODBC, gbXML, BMP, JPG, TGA, and TIF, making it versatile for data exchange.
Additionally, Revit directly supports common point cloud formats, including fls, fws, las, ptg, pts, ptx, xyb, xyz, and pcg. It can handle large volumes of point cloud data, which is invaluable for converting point clouds into BIM models. However, while Revit can import point cloud data, it does not offer specialized editing tools for this data.
This means that after completing a point cloud scan, it’s essential to process and clean unnecessary data using dedicated point cloud software (such as Scene) before importing into Revit. Importing unfiltered point cloud data can introduce large amounts of irrelevant information into the project, slowing down system performance and hindering modeling efficiency.
To ensure only relevant point cloud data is present in Revit, Autodesk Recap is used to integrate and clean the data. The processed point cloud is then converted into the PCG format supported by Revit before import.
Once imported, Revit’s features allow users to trim point cloud data to define the boundaries of completed building surfaces. From there, users can manually interpret and model structural elements such as columns, beams, walls, slabs, doors, windows, and roofs. By accurately positioning the point cloud data, it’s possible to roughly reconstruct the BIM model.
So, to answer the question “What is Revit? Is it software or something else?”—Revit is a powerful BIM software tool designed to support architecture and construction projects throughout their lifecycle. Hopefully, this introduction provides beginners with a solid understanding of its purpose, capabilities, and workflow. With this knowledge, newcomers can confidently enter the BIM field without confusion!
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up