Tagging Project Parameters

[revitus]

Hello all,

I'm just curious if there is any possibility that Autodesk is working on allowing Project Parameters to be Tagged, as this would clearly open up many new possibilities for expanding Revit's competencies.

Sorry if this is well discussed elsewhere and I've missed it - if so, please point me in the right direction.

API question - can you utilize the API to allow Project Parameters to be Tagged?

Scott

[LisaDrago]

I guess we should start with what specific parameters are you looking to show up in tags?

LD

[revitus]

I guess I would start with wanting to be able to Tag a Calculated Value (Project Parameter)... This would allow the development of Life Safety drawings and processes to move forward and take shape in a much more intuitive manner, which would be a massive improvement.

Scott

[Lance.Coffey]

The following AUGI thread has some information on this topic:

http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?140802-Project-Parameter-vs-Shared-Parameter

Have you looked at using Shared Parameters?

[revitus]

I can't use a Shared Parameter as a Calculated Value.  If we could do that, solutions would be at our fingertips.

I also can't Tag a Calculated Value (because it is a Project Parameter and not a Shared Parameter).  Again, if we could do that, solutions would be at our fingertips.

It would be great if we could do either (or both); (1) Allow the use of Shared Parameters as a Calculated Value, and/or (2) Allow Project Parameters to appear in Tags.

Thank you,

Scott

[CoreyDaun]

Hello,

Calculated Values are not the same as Project Parameters (though neither can be Tagged).

When a Project Parameter is added to a Project, it is added to all Model Elements of the selected Categories. One cannot apply any kind of formula to these, nor can their value be linked to another parameter or value in the project. Additionally, Shared Parameters can be added to a Project as a Project Parameter.

Calculated Values, however, exist ONLY within the particular Schedule they were created in. Revit's Schedules are just reports that are derived from the Project database, and Calculated Values are entirely based off this summarized data and are not at all attributed to the actual model elements.

[revitus]

Corey - You are correct.  The way in which you explain that is clear and concise.  However, the issue at hand is still present with no apparent solution as of yet.

[CoreyDaun]

Yes, I know it was not a solution, and I don't believe there is one here even through the use of API (since there is no value to pull the data from in the tagged element for the Calculated Value). You could try asking this question in the Revit API forum to get a more absolute answer, though.

[Lance.Coffey]

I have found an open wishlist item requesting the ability to pull calculated schedule data into a shared parameter label. This sounds similar to what you are looking for, and I have added your name to the people interested in this feature.

If you would like to provide feedback on how this feature would benefit your workflow, directly to our developers, you can use the following link:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=1109794

[revitus]

Thank you very much!  I greatly appreciate this pro-active step.  I will go and submit that form right now.

Can you send me the link to the official Autodesk Revit wish list so I can verify how my list stacks up?

I'd like to submit this similar form for my other items as well if possible...

Thanks again,

Scott Ludwig

[revitus]

I found the Wish List over at AUGI.  I intend to get more involved with that.

Regards.

[Alex.kruger]

**Solution:

Go to Manage tab then Project Parameters. Select the Project Parameter you would like to tag and click modify. Then in the modify window, click export. this adds the parameter into a exported shared parameter group. Then create new annotation symbol under a multi category tag template. Add a Label to the blank view. The edit label window will pop up, then hit the new parameter properties tab on the bottom. Then click select and it will open up your parameter groups which should show your exported parameters. Click the parameter you want to tag. then save and load the tag into your project. Now if you multi tag is set for this annotation symbol, the exported parameter should show up.

Happy tagging!

[hwashburn]

I don't think you can export a project parameter. When I "modify" a project parameter, the "export" button is grayed out.

Tagging project parameters and/or scheduled values in a life safety drawing should be essential. Come on Revit!

[ToanDN]

There is no linking mechanism between a label in an external family with a Project Parameter in a project environment. If it is essential, use Shared Parameters or System Parameters in the first place.

[hwashburn]

Read what the OP said. Shared parameters don't cut it. Shared parameters cannot be manipulated with schedules and therefore their functionality is limited.

[Sahay_R]

Some tags can be set up with calculated parameters. For instance, in our Life Safety plans I have designed tags to record travel distances, allowable egress through doors and egress windows. Things are different now from what they were in 2013 you know......

[hwashburn]

I've done that too, for travel distance. But, more specifically, it's not possible for bounded areas and area tags. Right?! (If it is, I've been mad about nothing.)

[Sahay_R]

What I've done is to set up calculated parameters that calculate the allowable egress through an egress door opening. We are also in the process of developing something similar for windows. You most certainly can use them to calculate opening area....

[hwashburn]

Is your door egress capacity calculated by a fixed egress factor? Or, can the user input an egress factor (.15 or .20) based on occupancy type and sprinklered/non-sprinklered? It's my understanding that a shared parameter (tag) can't reference and calculate based on any user input. When I say user input, I mean a variable like egress factor (occupants per inch) or occupancy factor (occupants per sq ft). If so, that's a huge flaw in my opinion.

[Sahay_R]

Our mutual buddy @ToanDN helped me out with this formula to calculate allowable egress through doors - 

if(Width > 4', (Width - (0'  0 1/2" + 2 * Thickness)) / 0.2 * 12 / 1', (Width - (0'  0 1/4" + Thickness)) / 0.2 * 12 / 1')

Translate: if door > 4' then calculate with 2 panels, else calculate with 1 panel.  I assume 4' is the max width for single doors.