topic Convert a element DirectShape into Element in Revit API Forum

Convert a element DirectShape into Element

sizy458 — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 08:34:27 GMT

Hello,

I am about importing a RevitLinkInstance IFC to the current Revit document,
and I would like in programming to convert a 'DirectShape' element to a
element (Wall, FamilyInstance, Floor).

How can it be done in programming?

Thank you.

Re: Convert a element DirectShape into Element

jeremytammik — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 09:26:57 GMT

That is a challenging task.

Given an arbitrary direct shape, you will have to figure out what kind of element you wish to create from it, and then determine all the BIM constraints and parameters required to define the equivalent BIM element.

For instance, a wall requires a location line with a start and end point, a wall type with a thickness and layers, top and bottom level constraints, offsets from the top and bottom level, etc.

If you can guess those from your direct shape, you probably have a very illuminated BIM mind.

Please let us know how you end up solving this!

Thank you.

Good luck!

Cheers,

Jeremy

Re: Convert a element DirectShape into Element

pavel_hanitschXYU7D — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:41:45 GMT

Hello Jeremy!

I'm facing the same problem and I'm wondering if any solutions have emerged.

I am trying to import a model from archicad using IFC and their import extension.

Best regards,

PAvel

Re: Convert a element DirectShape into Element

jeremy_tammik — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:54:30 GMT

What same problem? You want ti import ArchiCAD files, or you want to convert a direct shape to some other type of element, or what? By the way, the title of this thread is nonsense right from the start, because a direct shape is an element, so the question as formulated is moot.

Re: Convert a element DirectShape into Element

pavel_hanitschXYU7D — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 11:07:25 GMT

I should share a little bit more about what I want to accomplish and what my starting point is.

I get the model from architects from ArchiCAD in native format and in ifc. I imported this ifc file into Revit, but instead of standard families, I got DirectShapes.

For the sake of example, I'll limit the story to walls. For my workflow, I need "real" Revit families, which I will replace with my own type and fill with information

My question is, do you know of any tools/tips/any info on how to transform DirectShape Elements into Revit families

Re: Convert a element DirectShape into Element

jeremy_tammik — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 11:48:11 GMT

In that case, this may be more of an IFC question than a Revit API one.

I believe that linking an IFC file into your BIM launches a different conversion process than the import, which may generate more standard Revit elements and less direct shape placeholder ones.

However, as explained above, converting a generic direct shape to a non-direct-shape element may be very challenging.

On the other hand, if all you are talking about are vertical straight walls, it may well be doable. At least following Pareto, and just addressing 80% of them. Getting 100% is probably super difficult.

I would suggest studying more about how to import ArchiCAD into Revit:

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=archicad+revit+import&ia=web

I believe that solving that properly represents large and challenging task indeed. I am afraid you will hardly be able to solve that and maintain your current job at the same time.

Re: Convert a element DirectShape into Element

pavel_hanitschXYU7D — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:29:14 GMT

Many thanks for your reply! Your opinion has been very helpful to me

Re: Convert a element DirectShape into Element

TripleM-Dev.net — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 19:35:43 GMT

Hi,

If you link a IFC the elements inside the generated RVT will have the lightweight Directshapes.

If you open the IFC, revit convert (as much as possible) to revit elements. (File > Open > IFC)