In this article, you can read about BIM data files and how to use them in Dalux.
With BIM data files you can add properties and property values to BIM models in Dalux without the need for external software. This allows different parties in the project to add information on model objects, e.g. fire ratings/specs directly inside of Dalux.
How to create a BIM data file
User rights
BIM data files can be created by project administrators and project planning managers. They are only available in Dalux Box Pro. BIM data files do not need to be activated.
To add property values to a BIM data file, you need to have 'Write' permissions in the folder, where the file is saved.
To create a BIM data file, go to:Box
All files or a specific folder
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BIM data file.
Technical information
You can only create a BIM data file if:
- Your building is published to Locations
- Your building has 3D model(s)
If you are using required file naming templates, the BIM data file name must match the file naming template requirements.
Give the file a name, and select which folder to save the file in. If you create a BIM data file from a specific folder, the BIM data file will automatically be saved to this folder.
A new window will show, in which you select for which building you are creating the BIM data file. Once a building has been selected, your 3D models are shown.
Adding filters and properties to a BIM data file
You can use filters to narrow down which elements in the model you want to add a property to. The filter is saved in the BIM data file.
If you want to learn more about using filters in Locations, you can read this article: Filters and visualization in Locations.
Click Add propertyin the list to start adding a new property.
When adding a property, you must first give it a name, and then select the type the property should have. You can select between:
- Text: A text field for unspecified custom text.
- Number: Only for numbers. You write either integers or decimals. When using the number type, you can also add a unit.
- List: A preset list of values to choose from. Only one value can be chosen from the list for each object.
After adding at least one property, the BIM data file is now ready to be filled out. Click on 'Save' to save your changes.
Technical information
Once properties have been added to the BIM data file and you click 'Save' you cannot add, edit, or remove properties from the file - only change the property values. If you need more properties, you will have to create a separate file.
When you save the BIM data file, the file needs to be processed before the data is visible in Locations.
How to add property values to a BIM data file
User rights
To add property values to a BIM data file, you need to have 'Write' permissions in the folder, where the file is saved. Project administrators and project planning managers can also add property values to the BIM data file.
To start adding property values to a BIM data file, first locate the file in Box.
Select the file and double-click or click Show to open it.
When you click on an object in the BIM viewer, the corresponding object in the list view will be highlighted. If you click on a line in the list view, the BIM viewer will automatically highlight and zoom to the corresponding object.
You can fill in the property values by typing in your values (for text and numbers) or by selecting the value from the predefined list.
Once you have added the property values remember to click 'Save'.
Note
When you save a BIM data file it needs to be processed before the data is available in Locations. It might take a short while before these changes are available. If you do not see your changes, please wait a while and try again later.
Once the file has been processed, the properties and values can be seen in Locations. You can search and use filters for the BIM data file properties, just like other properties in your model.
Read more
If you want to learn more about using filters in Locations, read this article: Filters and visualization in Locations.