Autodesk InfraWorks: New File Type Support

When speaking to our customers at Ideate, Inc. we often receive requests for easier ways to create visualizations and renderings using different types of combined model data. This year, Autodesk InfraWorks includes two added file types that allow users to directly import Revit .RVT and Point Cloud files into their InfraWorks models. From there, the Presentation tools in InfraWorks can be used for quick and easy renderings and visualizations.
 
Included with Autodesk’s Building Design Suite Ultimate, and Infrastructure Design Suite Premium and Ultimate editions, Autodesk InfraWorks adds a great tool and tremendous value to the 2014 design suites.
 
When installed through the Infrastructure Design Suites packages, Autodesk InfraWorks loads two new files types into the list of available data sources.* In the previous releases of InfraWorks, known as Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler (AIM) and AIM R2, the .FBX option was the only way to import a Revit model into InfraWorks and required an extra step to create the .FBX file.
 
The new Revit .RVT file option allows users to directly import Revit files and place them in the InfraWorks model. This option is compatible with Revit 2014 files, and requires users to have Revit 2014 installed on the same system (it does not work without Revit installed, or if you have a pre-2014 version installed).  
 

Point Cloud support has also been added to the list of Data Sources and supports the new Autodesk ReCap .RCS and .RCP files.

As with all other data sources, once a Point Cloud or Revit file has been added, they must be configured and placed into the InfraWorks model. However, with the shared material libraries for Autodesk products, materials and textures from Revit files are now transferred over to InfraWorks automatically (it does take a few minutes to process and load the Revit model).  

With the added benefit of Proposals and Scenarios in Autodesk InfraWorks, we now have a quicker and easier way to create realistic visualizations and renderings while incorporating Revit models into a real world environment built from GIS, CAD, 3D Model, Raster, Point Cloud and other data sources.
 
Visit our website at www.ideateinc.com/2014 for videos and information on the 2014 Autodesk product line.
 
*Currently, the Revit .RVT import option is not available with Building Design Suite installations. 

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Matt Miyamoto, P.E.
Ideate AEC Application Specialist
Matt is a licensed Civil Engineer in the state of Hawaii. Matt obtained 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. His 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. @MattM_PE

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eLearning – Upcoming Classes

Join the Ideate Tech Experts for eLearning – live online classes that provide your entire organization with easy access to premium education. 

Upcoming classes include:

7.2.13::Revit 201:
Scheduling 201

7.9.13::Revit 201:
Design Options

7.16.13::Ideate 101:
Getting Started with Vasari

Each class is designed to give you specific, improved results in a particular topic. You can interact with the instructor right from your own office, while eliminating travel time. Because the class schedule rotates, you can easily select your topics of interest and choose the day which best meets your schedule.

Click here for class descriptions, times and registration link. Questions? Contact education@ideateinc.com

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New in 2014: Introduction to Autodesk InfraWorks 2014

Here at Ideate, we have been working hard to review all of the new products and features of the 2014 Autodesk design suites.  This year, Autodesk has re-branded and enhanced their Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler (AIM) program as Autodesk InfraWorks.
 
Autodesk InfraWorks is an easy to use, high-level collaboration, communication and visualization tool for planners, designers, and anyone else involved in the planning and pre-design phase of a project’s lifecycle.
 
All capabilities that existed in the last release of AIM (version R2 via Subscription Center) have been carried over and enhanced in Autodesk InfraWorks.  New create and edit feature options allow users to create riverways, pipes & structures, and tree alleys while enhanced road styles provide new profile viewing and editing capabilities.

The Autodesk Material libraries are shared in the 2014 product line, making interoperability even easier, and providing a high level of consistency across renderings and visualizations from product to product.  The added ability to directly import Autodesk Revit models allows a seamless incorporation of proposed designs into existing condition models built from GIS, Civil 3D, DWG, and other 3D model data.
 
Point Cloud data compatibility has also been added to Autodesk InfraWorks, and with the release of Autodesk ReCap, processing, editing and using point clouds is easier than ever.
 
Autodesk InfraWorks also includes brand new functionality in the form of Proposals and Scenarios that can be created within the InfraWorks model to highlight different design alternatives. Users can easily switch between Proposals to quickly show changes to the design. Scenarios can be published and shared online with an Autodesk 360 account.
 
For non-design suite owners, Autodesk has also created a way to access shared models via InfraWorks for the Web and the InfraWorks 360 mobile app for iPad.  Both are free products that either work directly in a web browser, or can be downloaded and installed on an iPad.
 
Included with Autodesk’s Building Design Suite Ultimate, and Infrastructure Design Suite Premium and Ultimate editions, Autodesk InfraWorks adds a great tool and tremendous value to the 2014 design suites.
 
Don’t forget to look through the great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2014 releases for Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Revit Structure, Civil 3D, AutoCAD and more: ideateinc.com/2014

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Matt Miyamoto, P.E.
Ideate AEC Application Specialist
Matt is a licensed Civil Engineer in the state of Hawaii. Matt obtained 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. His 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. @MattM_PE

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Join Ideate, Inc. and Support Revit Forum

RevitForum deserves the support of the entire Autodesk® Revit® using community.

At Ideate, we are convinced Revit Forum is far more than informative reading. It’s where some of the most talented Revit users around the world give their valuable time and extensive knowledge generously. It’s free to any and all Revit-using professionals who simply ask for help. It’s an indispensable contribution to the AEC community.

Revit Forum is also highly relevant. It helps us get the most out of Revit, saves us time and money, and adds to our individual and collective knowledge.

Your give, we match
Ideate is committed to supporting this important knowledge base. We know Revit Forum is self-funded. The org needs to raise $3000 every year just to keep the site up and running. They still need funding to reach their 2013 goal. So here is what Ideate is committed to do.

Matching gift deadline: July 11, 2013
Ideate will match up to a total of $1000 of all donations from June 26, 2013 until the Revit Technology Conference North America on July 11, 2013. Every dollar you contribute becomes two with this matching program.

So please join Ideate in this fundraising effort and donate today.  Send a copy of your donation receipt to Glynnis.patterson@ideateinc.com and we’ll ensure that your contribution counts towards this matching program.

RevitForum is an independent and non-profit discussion group, for everyone passionate about Autodesk Revit software. RevitForum is independent of Autodesk, Inc., and is not authorized by, endorsed by, sponsored by, affiliated with, or otherwise approved by Autodesk, Inc.

Autodesk® and Revit® are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and other countries.

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Newly Published Autodesk Developer Network Partner Success Story Features Ideate, Inc.

SAN FRANCISCO, California – 6/26/2013 - Ideate, Inc., a leading Autodesk Authorized Developer and Autodesk solutions provider offering quality software, training, support and custom consulting services to the AEC industry, today announced the publication by Autodesk, Inc. of its latest Autodesk Developer Network Partner Success Story, “Exceling at problem solving: Ideate leverages decades of experience to help customers solve problems and reap the rewards of BIM.”

The Autodesk Developer Network Partner Success Story reveals how Ideate-developed Autodesk Revit product-based applications—Ideate Explorer for Revit and Ideate BIMLink—have become highly successful solutions that stem from customer pain points. Marketed worldwide directly, through partners and via Autodesk Exchange Apps, these tools address the ever-growing need to access and manage BIM data with ease, speed and precision.

Glynnis Patterson, Ideate Director of Software Development says, “We are helping customers identify and understand the hidden costs and loss of revenue due to process inefficiencies, while our solutions help customers eliminate bottlenecks, overcome workflow gaps and dramatically improve efficiencies. Tasks that once took days and hours take seconds. Costs drop substantially. Productivity climbs. The outcomes are gratifying.”

According to Jim Quanci, director of the Autodesk Developer Network, “The dedication to interoperability with Autodesk Revit makes Ideate a valued and trusted Autodesk Developer Network partner. Ideate consistently delivers comprehensive, easy-to-use applications to our AEC customers so they can maximize productivity and efficiency, and extend the power of their Autodesk software.”

Bob Palioca, President, Ideate Inc., says of the Autodesk Developer Network partnership, “We were BIM and Autodesk Developer Network pioneers. Being a member of ADN is a robust and strategic relationship. We find it’s important to be informed about upcoming functionality and to get the tools and technical assistance for early application development. It is one important way we enhance our customers’ workflows and contribute to their success.”

Ideate has published “Exceling at problem solving: Ideate leverages decades of experience to help customers solve problems and reap the rewards of BIM” online. Download the Study in Success at http://www.ideateinc.com/ideas/case.html

About Ideate, Inc.
Ideate, Inc. is a leading Autodesk Authorized Developer with 25+ years’ experience in software development and specific focus on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and is an Autodesk solutions provider offering quality software, training, support and custom consulting services to the AEC industry since 1992. Headquartered in San Francisco, California and operating five Autodesk Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) in the northwestern U.S., Ideate is recognizedas an Autodesk Gold Partner for Architecture, Engineering and Construction, one of Autodesk’s highest levels of authorization.

Ideate BIMLink lets users pull data from an Autodesk Revit file into user-friendly Microsoft Excel and push Excel data into Revit with equal ease. www.ideatebimlink.com

Ideate Explorer for Revit is a simple, powerful Autodesk Revit add-on to explore, quantify and manage the 100,000+ building elements in a Revit model. www.ideateexplorer.com

Autodesk, ATC, and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. 

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Classroom Training – Open Classes

Know It. Ideate Training.

Position yourself to land dream projects. Tap the full potential of your software solutions. Increase your facility, fluidity and capability to maximize the value of your precision software tools.

Here are a few of the training opportunities Ideate has to offer in the coming weeks:

7.10-11::San Francisco
Navisworks Fundamentals

7.10-12::Portland
Revit Architecture Fundamentals

7.10-12::Sacramento
Revit MEP Electrical Fundamentals

7.15-17::San Jose
AutoCAD Fundamentals

7.16-17::Portland
Revit Architecture Beyond the Basics

7.16-17::Seattle
3ds Max Design for Architects

 Know your software. Sign up now!

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eLearning – Upcoming Classes

Join the Ideate Tech Experts for eLearning – live online classes that provide your entire organization with easy access to premium education. 

Upcoming classes include:

6.25.13::Revit 201:
Converting Blocks to Families

6.27.13::Ideate Software 101:
Revit Project Management with Ideate BIMLink

7.2.13::Revit 201:
Scheduling 201

7.9.13::Revit 201:
Design Options

Each class is designed to give you specific, improved results in a particular topic. You can interact with the instructor right from your own office, while eliminating travel time. Because the class schedule rotates, you can easily select your topics of interest and choose the day which best meets your schedule.

Click here for class descriptions, times and registration link. Questions? Contact education@ideateinc.com

Get It. Know It. Use It.

Read More

Classroom Training – Open Classes

Know It. Ideate Training.

Position yourself to land dream projects. Tap the full potential of your software solutions. Increase your facility, fluidity and capability to maximize the value of your precision software tools.

Here are a few of the training opportunities Ideate has to offer in the coming weeks:

6.24-26::Sacramento
Civil 3D Fundamentals

6.24-26::San Francisco
Revit Architecture Fundamentals

7.10-11::San Francisco
Navisworks Fundamentals

7.10-12::Portland
Revit Architecture Fundamentals

7.10-12::Sacramento
Revit MEP Electrical Fundamentals

 Know your software. Sign up now!

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eLearning – Upcoming Classes

Join the Ideate Tech Experts for eLearning – live online classes that provide your entire organization with easy access to premium education. 

Upcoming classes include:

6.20.13::Navisworks 201:
Clash Detection

6.25.13::Revit 201:
Converting Blocks to Families

6.27.13::Ideate Software 101:
Revit Project Management with Ideate BIMLink

Each class is designed to give you specific, improved results in a particular topic. You can interact with the instructor right from your own office, while eliminating travel time. Because the class schedule rotates, you can easily select your topics of interest and choose the day which best meets your schedule.

Click here for class descriptions, times and registration link. Questions? Contact education@ideateinc.com

Get It. Know It. Use It.

Read More

Classroom Training – Open Classes

Know It. Ideate Training.

Position yourself to land dream projects. Tap the full potential of your software solutions. Increase your facility, fluidity and capability to maximize the value of your precision software tools.

Here are a few of the training opportunities Ideate has to offer in the coming weeks:

6.18-20::Seattle
Revit Mechanical and Plumbing Fundamentals

6.24-26::Sacramento
Civil 3D Fundamentals

6.24-26::San Francisco
Revit Architecture Fundamentals

 Know your software. Sign up now!

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Ideate, Inc. Expands Tech Expert Team with Four Hires

San Francisco, CA, 6/11/2013–Ideate, Inc., an Autodesk Gold Value Added Reseller, today announced the Ideate Tech Expert Team has been expanded with the hiring of four technical experts. Ideate is also currently seeking qualified candidates for additional positions.

“We are delighted to help our architectural, engineering, and construction customers achieve their greatest possible success through application of advanced design solutions and expert training,” says Bob Palioca, President. “These four Ideate Tech Experts bring essential skills in especially fast-advancing solutions.”

To support the Ideate mission, the Ideate team of technical experts is a unique blend of architects, designers, and civil engineers; professionals with years of experience in their respective industries.

AEC Application Specialist Sash Kazeminejad, LEED AP, Ideate, Portland, Oregon, is proficient in several Autodesk solutions including AutoCAD and Revit Architecture, has worked in project management, IT, and as architectural design staff, and leads Revit workshops. Kazeminejad has taught Building Information Modeling (BIM) at Montana State University (MSU) Gallatin College.

Kate Ming, AEC Application Specialist, San Francisco Bay Area, provides training and support for Civil 3D, AutoCAD, and Navisworks. Her previous work at a multinational company engaged her in general civil design on large infrastructure projects. She is versed in roadway, rail, and utility design. She also has experience with utility demand analysis and Low Impact Development plans.

Bradley Cooley, Ideate Technical Support Dispatcher in the Portland, Oregon office, has a design build services for residential construction and environmental graphics focus in his professional experience. Bradley provides Ideate customer service by phone and online assistance for software installation and functionality.

The Ideate San Francisco office welcomes Jim Cowan, AEC Application Specialist. An Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), Cowan is a university curriculum developer, instructor and presenter. His expertise includes solutions interoperability, overcoming barriers to BIM adoption and sustainability issues.

Ideate is growing and looking for talented qualified candidates to join the Ideate Tech Expert Team. Complete details on job descriptions and application process can be found on the Ideate, Inc. Careers page.

About Ideate, Inc.
Ideate, Inc. is a leading Autodesk Authorized Developer with 25+ years’ experience in software development and specific focus on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and is a leading Autodesk solutions provider offering quality software, training, support and custom consulting services to the AEC industry since 1992. Headquartered in San Francisco, California and operating five Autodesk Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) in the northwestern U.S., Ideate is recognized as an Autodesk Gold Partner for Architecture, Engineering and Construction, one of Autodesk’s highest levels of authorization.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, ATC, Civil 3D, Navisworks and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

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eLearning – Upcoming Classes

Join the Ideate Tech Experts for eLearning – live online classes that provide your entire organization with easy access to premium education. 

Upcoming classes include:

6.20.13::Navisworks 201:
Clash Detection

6.25.13::Revit 201:
Converting Blocks to Families

6.27.13::Ideate Software 101:
Revit Project Management with Ideate BIMLink

Each class is designed to give you specific, improved results in a particular topic. You can interact with the instructor right from your own office, while eliminating travel time. Because the class schedule rotates, you can easily select your topics of interest and choose the day which best meets your schedule.

Click here for class descriptions, times and registration link. Questions? Contact education@ideateinc.com

Get It. Know It. Use It.

Read More

Classroom Training – Open Revit Classes

Know It. Ideate Training.

Position yourself to land dream projects. Tap the full potential of your software solutions. Increase your facility, fluidity and capability to maximize the value of your precision software tools.

Here are a few of the training opportunities Ideate has to offer in the coming weeks:

6.10-12::San Jose
Revit Architecture Fundamentals

6.17-19::San Francisco
Revit Architecture Fundamentals

6.18-20::Seattle
Revit Mechanical and Plumbing Fundamentals

 Know your software. Sign up now!

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Ideate, Inc. Earns Autodesk Civil Infrastructure Specialization

San Francisco, CA, 6/3/2013–Ideate, Inc., (ideateinc.com), an Autodesk Gold Value Added Reseller, today announced that it has earned the new Civil Infrastructure Specialization designation for value added resellers from Autodesk, Inc., a world leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software.

As an Autodesk Specialized Partner, Ideate has shown that it provides a high level of expertise, experience and support to customers, has made a significant investment in its people, has a solid business plan specific to its specialization areas, and has customer references. Ideate offices including San Francisco and Sacramento, CA, Portland, OR and Seattle, WA have achieved the Civil Infrastructure Specialization.

The AEC industry as a whole, and Infrastructure within it, are adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools.  The transportation landscape, for example, is changing to the extent that agencies are insisting on using Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D for new road and highway design projects. Ideate in cooperation with Autodesk Consulting is helping the State of California Department of Transportation, Caltrans, get its engineers trained on Autodesk Civil 3D.

Ideate has been at the forefront of AEC design technology innovation for decades. As a pioneer in BIM and an expert in Autodesk BIM solutions, Ideate has a long-standing history of providing solutions, training, support and custom consulting services to the industry. Civil Infrastructure Specialized is a new designation. Earning it is confirmation that Ideate has been and continues to be ready for the current transformation underway in Infrastructure.

This Civil Infrastructure Specialization is only one of many Autodesk Partner Specializations Ideate has earned. Such Autodesk Partner Specializations enable Autodesk value added resellers to highlight and brand their expertise in delivering services in key industry areas. By completing the required curriculum and training, as well as meeting required levels of service and standards set by Autodesk, Ideate demonstrates through its strong customer service and support in sales what it means to be a trusted adviser to Autodesk customers.

As Bob Palioca, president of Ideate, Inc. says, “The Autodesk Civil Infrastructure Specialization affirms the value of our commitment to customers. We have dedicated ourselves to staying abreast of advancing technology, and to providing top training and technical support. This specialization says as nothing else can that we are prepared to help the industry in BIM Infrastructure processes.”

About Ideate, Inc.
Ideate, Inc. is a leading Autodesk Authorized Developer with 25+ years’ experience in software development and specific focus on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and is a leading Autodesk solutions provider offering quality software, training, support and custom consulting services to the AEC industry since 1992. Headquartered in San Francisco, California and operating five Autodesk Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) in the northwestern U.S., Ideate is recognized as an Autodesk Gold Partner for Architecture, Engineering and Construction, one of Autodesk’s highest levels of authorization.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, ATC and Civil 3D are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.
 

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