Cadalyst - February 2008 - (Page 41)

aecinsight software offerings for this type of integration are ADSymphony from Architectural Data Systems and e-Specs from Interspec LLC (figure 2, p. 42). Consultant Heller says, “tools such as e-Specs and so on make a start at automating the process, but the issue of how to populate models with data requires process change. Semantic technology may be the answer.” Semantic technology refers to software that captures meaning in human language and makes it usable by computers. Heller explains that semantic technology can provide “the connections and inferences to produce machinereadable product information in BIM models.” An early entrant in this arena is CADalytic Media with two programs: SpecifiCAD is a plug-in for several leading BIM model-authoring tools that allows users to select building product manufacturer (BPM) content directly within the BIM environment, and SemantiCAD is a Web-based product that maps a firm’s in-house definitions to those used by SpecifiCAD. By either route, CADalytic populates BIM models with BPM content downloaded from McGraw-Hill Construction Sweets Network (figure 3, p. 42) and/ or the Google 3D Warehouse (with optional links to relevant BPM catalog pages). At Autodesk University 2007, Autodesk Labs showed development projects for catalog search and visual search that will be able to tap into the same resources of BPM data. world, FormFonts, and ObjectsOnline (although the latter also includes some model content that lacks data and is more properly classified as entourage). Notably, these players and Google 3D Warehouse each rely to varying degrees on a Web 2.0 model of userprovided and/or shared content development and exchange. Not all PDF and DWF Files are Created Equal Specs for Builders Future specifications will be fully integrated with models that contain or are linked to component and assembly models of actual products, with spec language directly derived from model data. Although that future state will solve the architecture and engineering portion of the specification problem, builders still will need quantity takeoffs derived from the integrated model and specs, along with pricing data for specified products. In other words, integrated specifications data must be diffused throughout the construction supply chain. Heller, the specifications and technology consultant, sees this issue as an extension of the semantic technology problem. “Whoever solves the problem first will gain a huge advantage,” she says. “The solution could come from a specifications company, an estimating company, a code company, and so on. Or, it could come,” she hints, “from a technology consulting company,” such as her own. Even before the semantic issues have been resolved, approaches to extending the procurement supply chain are emerging. Recently, 1stPricing announced patent approval status for its eponymous automated pricing technology application. Currently limited to residential construction, 1stPricing “pulls comparison pricing of multiple brands to fill out a detailed bill of materials with all related content . . . for specified building materials originating from the architect’s desktop,” according to the company’s press release. Other approaches to builders’ use of specifications data are coming soon or are already available from Autodesk, higher quality and smaller size PDF files. Jockeying for Position Traditional aggregators of BPM data — such as Arcat, Hanley-Wood eBuild, Reed FirstSource, and Sweets — are adding or expanding their model-data capabilities. Sweets has partnered with Google 3D Warehouse, and Reed recently acquired Tectonic Partners. Tectonic helped BPMs create BIMready content, a capability that will complement Reed FirstSource’s catalog offerings nicely. Other Web-based entrants in this race to supply BPM content for BIM include the BIMlibrary from BIM- AutoCAD 2000 - 2008 Compatible Batch Creation of PDF, DWF, or Images Automatic Bookmark Creation Custom File Naming Options Create a PDF from any Windows Application Try it free for 30 days. http://www.cadzation.com http://www.cadzation.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cadalyst - February 2008

Cadalyst - February 2008 Contents Editor's Window CAD Central Tech Trends More than Meets the Eye — A Look at Today's CAD Viewers IronCAD v10 — 3D Modeling Software AcceliArch with AcceliCAD — Add-In Architectural Drawing and Modeling Software CAD Manager MCAD Modeling AEC Insight CAD Cartoon Issue Indexes Hot Tip Harry

Cadalyst - February 2008

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