Mastering Revit Architecture 2011: Teresa Martin on Shared Coordinates

We really like the newly released Autodesk Official Training Guide Mastering Revit Architecture 2011 by Eddy Krygiel, Phil Read and James Vandezande.

And, we're especially pleased to see that our own Ideate Tech Expert Teresa Martin is quoted in the Shared Positioning description:

In the collaborative process of sharing information via linked models, the coordinated positioning of each model is of paramount importance. Agreement on a common coordinate system and origin must be included in every project's BIM execution plan to ensure accuracy. This section will help you develop a fundamental understanding of the coordinate systems within Revit so you can configure and manage them in your projects. For a more complete history of coordinate systems and various examples of using them within Revit, we recommend the following class material from Autodesk University 2009, available at http://au.autodesk.com/:

• AB118-3 Finding Your Way Around Shared Coordinates, By Teresa Martin, Ideate Inc.

• AB9114-1 Autodesk Revit Collaboration: Shared Coordinates for Projects Big and Small, By Steve Stafford, AEC Advantage, Inc.There are two coordinate systems in a Revit project:project internal and shared. Each system has essential features and limitations.

Project Internal Every Revit project has an internal coordinate system referred to in several places as Project. You can find this reference in the type properties of datum measuring objects such as levels and spot coordinates as well as in the settings for exporting CAD files. The project coordinate system cannot be changed and your model should be constructed within a one mile radius of the project origin. The true origin in Revit is referred to as the Project Start Up Point and the Project Base Point can be reset to this point by setting it to unclipped, rightclicking on the icon and selecting Move To Start Up Location.

A complementary component of the project internal coordinate system is the view orientation of Project North. This setting is the default and can be found in the View Properties of any plan. We strongly recommend that your model is created in an orthogonal relationship to project north or as you expect the plans to be oriented on a typical sheet. Your project's actual relation to True North will be established via shared coordinates.

Shared Coordinates According to Ideate's Teresa Martin, "shared coordinates are simply a way for the project team to utilize the same definitive work point." In other words, the shared coordinate system consists of a single origin and true north orientation which can be synchronized between models and even AutoCAD drawings.

- Excerpted with kind permission from author James Vandezande

For the ultimate real-world reference for Revit Architecture, pick up your copy of Mastering Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011.

To learn more about Revit from the Ideate Tech Experts, join Ideate Training.

Get It. Know It. Use It.

AU 2009 Presentations by Ideate Available at AU Online

Did you miss AU 2009? Or attend, but miss the technical presentations by the Ideate pros? Don't worry, our team's AU 2009 presentations are now available at AU Online:

• CV318-4 Connecting the Dots: Creating AutoCAD® Civil 3D® Surfaces with LIDAR Data by Matt Miyamoto
  
  
• AB118-3 Finding Your Way Around Shared Coordinates by Teresa Martin
  
  
• AU218-3 Creating a Good Impression by Ron Palma
  
  
• AU318-2 Signature Styles and Entourage for Autodesk Impression by Ron Palma
  
  
• AB204-4 Better Decisions, Better Buildings, Early Energy Analysis by David Haynes
  
  
• AB322-6 There Is No "I" in Team by Ron Palma and Paul Hristov
  
  
• CR222-1L Quantity Takeoffs Made Easy by David Haynes and Glynnis Patterson. The session was not recorded as a screencast, but the slides and hand-outs are available at AU Online, with more than a dozen videos from the QTO lab available on our YouTube page.

Interested in learning about these topics and more? Contact education@ideateinc.com for information on upcoming classes at Ideate, an Autodesk Authorized Training Center.

AU Online – Autodesk Impression by Ron Palma

Visit AU Online for the screencasts from Ron’s two well-received AU 2009 presentations on Autodesk Impressions.

AU218-3 Creating a Good Impression
Your design documents provide the fuel for creating great-looking presentation drawings with Autodesk Impression. Getting superb output in the Impression rendering pipeline starts with understanding the options available to get the best input into the system. In this class, Ron demonstrates the best ways to work with Impression andAutodesk design applications. He explores topics such as document preparation, output options, and best practices for streamlining the flow from design to illustration. He also covers the utilities within Impression, such as Style Mapping, Block Substitution, and CAD Refresh that permit automated, iterative rendering of CAD works in progress.

Primary software: Autodesk Impression

AU318-2 Signature Styles and Entourage for Autodesk Impression
The illustrations you use to communicate your ideas to your client will carry the signature of your firm in every brush and pencil stroke. In this class, Ron shows you how to achieve a dynamic and personal look to your presentation illustrations. The creation of unique Autodesk Impression appearance styles and how to create libraries of these signature styles is covered. Entourage elements such as furniture, trees, cars, and people add life to your illustrations. Methods for bringing your current image-based entourage libraries into Impression blocks, and techniques for creating a signature look for custom Impression blocks and block libraries are also reviewed.

Primary software: Autodesk Impression

Presented by Ron Palma, Ideate AEC Solutions Application Specialist

Ron has over 20 years of experience in the architectural industry as a drafter, designer, lead project designer, and most recently a CAD manager implementing Autodesk Architectural Desktop for a residential design firm. His instructional background includes being an Autodesk Certified Instructor, trainer, support technician, educator at two community colleges, and a U.S. Army certified instructor. Ron is a published writer and continues to author professional technical training manuals for AutoCAD and AutoCAD Architecture. Ron provides Revit Architecture training and support for AEC firms.

Check our Training calendar for current course offerings by Ron and all the pros at Ideate.

AU Online - Shared Coordinates by Teresa Martin

Visit AU Online for the screencast and hand-outs from Teresa Martin's AU 2009 presentation on shared coordinates in Revit Architecture.

AB118-3 Finding Your Way Around Shared Coordinates
Shared coordinates have been an elusive, sometimes confusing idea of the use of coordinates within an Autodesk Revit project. This class is designed to walk you through the steps of utilizing shared coordinates within a Revit building project. Orienting a building project to true north and reviewing the new Project Base point and Survey point subcategories are reviewed. Techniques for linking files into Revit and defining their locations utilizing Shared Coordinates are covered.

Primary software: Revit Architecture

Presented by Teresa Martin, Ideate AEC Solutions Application Specialist

Teresa is a graduate of Cornell University with over 20 years experience in the architectural and construction industry. She has spent her career pursuing her interest in 3D modeling and computer-aided-design having worked alternately as a designer, project manager, CAD manager, 3D modeler and educator. Teresa currently develops curriculum and customized content as an Autodesk Architectural Desktop Certified Expert and Revit Implementation Expert.

For current training courses led by Teresa and the other pros at Ideate, check our Training calendar.

AU Online - Creating AutoCAD Civil 3D Surfaces with LIDAR Data by Matt Miyamoto

Ideate is so proud of the positive feedback that our own Matt Miyamoto garnered for his AutoCAD Civil 3D and LIDAR presentation at AU 2009:

• speaker’s knowledge = 9.3 out of 10
  
• overall presentation = 8.7 out of 10
  
• recommend the speaker = 95%
  
• comments = “Outstanding job!” and “Well prepared presentation. This class was the best for content and presentation of material.”

To see what the excitement was about, visit AU Online for the screencast from Matt Miyamoto's AU 2009 presentation.

CV318-4 Connecting the Dots: Creating AutoCAD® Civil 3D® Surfaces with LIDAR Data
Technological improvements continue to increase the availability of LIDAR data. However, we have not always had access to the tools necessary for taking advantage of these large data sets. With potentially millions of points, Civil 3D now provides us with a tool that we can use to take advantage of LIDAR data for our designs. In this class, Matt reviews some of the issues associated with LIDAR data, and goes over the tools available in Civil 3D that allow you to manage your data more efficiently and reduce drawing file size. See how Civil 3D allows us to connect the dots, creating surface models that we can use to develop layouts for master plans, flood boundaries for mapping and drainage analysis, and preliminary site design for permitting and earthwork estimations.

Primary software: AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Presented by Matt Miyamoto, P.E., Infrastructure Solutions Application Specialist

Miyamoto is a licensed Civil Engineer in the state of Hawaii. He received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and has 7 years of private sector design experience which he applies in his role as an application specialist with Ideate, Inc. Miyamoto’s project experience includes residential and commercial site development, private and public sewer, water and drainage systems, harbors improvements, and roadway improvements. While in Hawaii, Matt was involved in multidisciplinary projects for City and County agencies, State Departments, the Army COE and private developers.

For current training courses led by Matt and the other pros at Ideate, check our Training calendar.

AU Tip - AU Extension Benefits & Subscription Customer Access

We would like to send a big thank you to all our customers who registered for Autodesk University Extension events! Thank you for helping pioneer this new offering, as Autodesk and Ideate delivered content to our customers in new ways.

Don't forget that as a registered attendee to AU Extension, you can access AU Online content for 90 days. The AU Team sent an email directly to all registered attendees on December 15th. The email contained a link with instructions on how you can gain access to the content for a 90-day promotional period, as a benefit of attending an AU Extension event.

If you registered for AU Extension, you also receive:

20 percent discount off books
20% off 2010 Autodesk Official Training Guides on the Autodesk eStore. To order, please go to www.autodesk.com/estore ; use promo code: AU2009.
expires: December 31, 2009 (valid worldwide)

50 percent off Autodesk Certification
Enhance your credibility with Autodesk Certification at 50% off. To learn more go to www.autodesk.com/certification and purchase an exam online now; use promo code: AUEXT2009.
expires: December 31, 2009(offer valid only in the US and Canada)

(Did you attend the event, but not register in advance? Don't worry, you can still access the AU Online material. Just sign up here before 5:00 pm PST on Thursday, December 16.)

AU Online Available to Subscription Customers
Autodesk Subscription customers - did you know that you are able to view the AU Online content? Log-in at http://subscription.autodesk.com/. From there, either visit the "Training" section which will link you to AU Online, or click on the AU Online Icon from the home page. If you access AU Online through this path, the screencasts will be available. Everyone in your company can have access - they simply need to create an AU Online subscription profile and then follow the same steps above.

AU 2009 "Quantity Takeoffs Made Easy" with Autodesk QTO 2010

At AU 2009, David Haynes, AIA, LEED AP/Director of AEC Services and Glynnis Patterson, N.C.A.R.B./Director of Services presented "Quantity Takeoffs Made Easy", a 90-minute lab for architects, builders, and other construction professionals of all expertise levels who were interested in the estimating takeoff abilities of Autodesk Quantity Takeoff (QTO) 2010. Autodesk QTO is used to move from a static Excel-based estimating system to a digital based system.

David and Glynnis got great feedback from the AU 2009 event:

"GREAT LAB! Easy to follow for a newbie on QTO. Thanks!"

"Well prepared labs are wonderful."

If you missed it at AU 2009, you can find datasets and powerpoint slides from the presentation at Autodesk University Online, with more than a dozen useful videos posted on Ideate's YouTube channel. The videos will take you through everything from setting up your work environment to reporting on materials.

Still yearning to learn more about Autodesk QTO 2010? Watch Ideate’s training calendar for the launch of our online QTO training – the convenient way to build your skills.

Autodesk University Extension at Ideate

From Las Vegas to Your Home Town: Autodesk University Extension

Autodesk University (AU) is the world’s largest learning and networking event for Autodesk product users. Each year, thousands of working professionals and industry experts meet at the annual conference in Las Vegas to learn new skills and make valuable business connections. But not everyone can travel to Las Vegas. So this year, Autodesk is extending the benefits of AU by sharing classes and content from the event with Authorized Training Centers (ATC®). The result is a new worldwide initiative called Autodesk University Extension – and Ideate is participating.

NEW: Autodesk University Extension
Autodesk University Extension is a one-day event at Ideate that combines expert-led class content from AU 2009 with face-to-face interaction with local instructors and other users. It’s a great new way to upgrade your skills and connect with peers and experts – without the cost of traveling to Las Vegas.

FREE Training and Benefits
In this economy, you need to keep your skills up to date whether you are employed or not. Training, certification, and contacts can help you gain a competitive edge – or sharpen the one you have. Best of all, Autodesk University Extension is FREE. Here’s what you get:

• FREE training, including four classes recorded at AU 2009 in Las Vegas.


• 90 days of FREE access to 350 classes recorded at AU, archived on AU Online, and available to you on-demand.

Plus, you may purchase additional training and certification at significant discounts:

• Twenty percent (20%) discount on Autodesk Official Training Guides - Autodesk publishes dozens of titles every year designed to help users at all levels of expertise improve their productivity with Autodesk software.


• Fifty percent(50%) discount on Autodesk Certification Exams – The competition for the best jobs and projects is fierce. And the ability to demonstrate your expertise is crucial to your success. Validate your Autodesk skills with Autodesk Certification.

Autodesk University Extension Agenda – You Are Invited!

Date: December 9, 2009

Time: 9:00 am to 3:30 pm PT

Ideate has a productive program planned for Autodesk University Extension – and we want you to join us.

Agenda: Here’s a list of representative classes. Click through the registration links below to see which Autodesk University Extension courses will be offered in your city.

• Autodesk® Revit® Collaboration: Shared Coordinates for Projects Big and Small



• Leveraging AutoCAD® Civil 3D® and Autodesk® Navisworks® to Bid and Build a More Efficient Project



• BIM Means Business! Using Autodesk® Revit® and Navisworks® in the Project Construction Management Process



• Do Not Get Floored In Your Facility: Autodesk® Revit® Architecture as an Effective Facilities Management Tool

Seats Are Limited – Register Now!
Registration is now open for our Autodesk University Extension event. The event is free but seats are limited. Register now and be sure to reserve your place for this convenient new way to obtain practical skills, industry knowledge and professional contacts.

AU Extension – Find a Location Near You:

San Francisco
Ideate, Inc.
44 Montgomery Street, Suite 1000
San Francisco, CA 94104

Register for San Francisco


San Jose
Ideate, Inc.
25 Metro Drive, Suite 220
San Jose, CA 95110

Register for San Jose


Portland
Ideate, Inc.
805 SW Broadway, Suite 2280
Portland, OR 97205

Register for Portland


Seattle
Ideate, Inc.
701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5040
Seattle, WA 98104

Register for Seattle

AU: AutoCAD Discussion Forum

From our friends on the AutoCAD Product Design Team:

The AutoCAD Product Design Team would like to invite you to a series of special events during Autodesk University this year!

On Tuesday, December 1st and Wednesday, December 2nd, the AutoCAD Product Design Team will be hosting special customer Discussion Forum sessions, as well as traditional annual “What is New in AutoCAD?- AutoCAD Sneak Peek & Test Drive” event. Please see below for more information and the sign up link. We hope you will be able to join us for one of them if you are planning to attend AU this year!

Discussion Forum: “Synergies and Advancements in Drafting and Modeling for AutoCAD"
Description:
- In this focus group, participants will get a chance to talk about their needs for existing and new 2D drafting features and 3D modeling tools.

- Designers will show some potential directions and share their ideas on new and advanced tools (e.g. Join/Fillets/ blend enhancements), new 2D geometry object types (e.g. “uber” unified 2D curve objects - Spline/Line/Pline/Arc - all in one), as well as 3D modeling tools (e.g. Space deformation tools/Bend/Twist etc).

- Participants will get a chance to preview and provide feedback on 2D drafting and modeling tools including direct manipulation and modeling techniques.

Who Should Participate?
AutoCAD users who currently work in 2D and are interested in advanced drafting; designers who are looking into moving to 3D modeling, and users of 3D features in AutoCAD and other applications – including surface modeling in Rhino, 3DS Max, and Maya.

Event: “What is New in AutoCAD? - AutoCAD Sneak Peek & Test Drive”
Description:
In this session, participants will work individually on computers to "test drive" the new and exciting features in the upcoming AutoCAD release. This is an opportunity to learn about and provide feedback on the newest features, components, and user interface enhancements.
Product designers and usability specialists will be available to answer your questions and discuss the features.

Who Should Participate?
Intermediate or advanced AutoCAD users who use AutoCAD at least 20 hours a week for drafting, design, or modeling work.


When Are the Forums and Test Drives?

All events will take place in the conference area in the Mandalay Bay hotel. Participants will receive a gift for their time.


How Do I Sign Up?
To sign up, fill out this brief survey:

Please indicate which sessions you are available to attend. You will be confirmed for at most one discussion forum and one test drive. The confirmation will include specific location, and an NDA will be required for all who attend.

In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, email to:
melissa.dawe@autodesk.com or elena.fadeeva@autodesk.com

Space is limited so sign up today! Please fill out the survey by Monday, November 16.

We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!

Submitted by:
The AutoCAD Product Design Team
Autodesk