Engipedia 3d Room Tags, Revit® Add-in
The Problem: No Native 3D Spatial Information in Revit
Revit is a powerful tool for architectural, engineering, and construction design, but when it comes to visualizing spatial information in 3D views, users often face a significant challenge. While 2D room and space tags work well for plan views, Revit lacks a simple, built-in way to show spatial data directly within 3D views. This limitation can make model reviews and coordination tasks cumbersome, especially when working with complex spaces or large projects that need clear spatial identification.
The Solution: A Revit Add-In for 3D Room & Space Tags
This Revit add-in solves that problem by allowing users to create 3D tags for Rooms and Spaces directly within their models. The add-in extracts spatial information from both Rooms and Spaces in the current model, as well as any linked models, and generates 3D tags displaying the Room or Space name and number. These tags provide essential spatial details in 3D views, enhancing the clarity and functionality of the model during reviews or when collaborating in platforms like Navisworks®.
Why Use 3D Room & Space Tags?
When reviewing models in 3D, particularly for design validation or coordination, having room and space information readily available is highly practical. For example, users navigating large projects can quickly identify specific rooms without switching to 2D views or using cumbersome workarounds. Additionally, when models are exported to coordination platforms like Navisworks®, having this spatial data integrated into the 3D environment makes the process of design and clash detection far more efficient.
Key Features of the Add-In
- Spatial Information Across Phases and Models:
The add-in pulls spatial data (Rooms and Spaces) not only from the current model but also from all linked models. It organizes these elements by phase, allowing users to pick which specific elements they want to generate 3D tags for. - Automatic Family Loading:
If the model does not contain the necessary 3D Generic Model tag family, the add-in will automatically load the default one, saving users the trouble of manual family management. Users also have the freedom to create new family or to modify or create multiple variants of the existing family. The only requirement for custom families is that they include two instance text parameters: “Name” and “Number.” - Control Over Worksets and Phases:
Tags can be created in the Revit workset and phase of the user’s choosing, giving them full control over visibility and collaboration workflows. - Customizable Tag Deletion:
Users can delete existing 3D tags by selecting specific families or tag types. Alternatively, all tags can be removed at once, making it easy to manage and update the tags as the model evolves.
Pro Tip: Fine-Tuning Visibility Control
While Revit’s API currently doesn’t support automatic manipulation of Design Options, users can manually place 3D tag instances into non-primary Design Options to control visibility. This allows for flexible visibility management without cluttering primary views. Alternatively, the default 3D tag family includes a subcategory, which can be toggled off as needed, providing further control over how these tags are displayed within the model.
Conclusion
This Revit add-in significantly enhances spatial data visualization by allowing users to create 3D tags for Rooms and Spaces across multiple models and phases. Whether you’re working in Revit or exporting your models to Navisworks for coordination, the ability to clearly identify and label spaces in 3D streamlines workflows and improves project clarity. With easy customization, automatic family loading, and smart deletion features, this tool is a must-have for any Revit user looking to enhance the way they visualize space in their 3D models.
