Revit Link through desktop connector is not visible in browser

[nic.maes]

Hi,

We investigate workflows regarding the use of the desktop connector (7.0.0.694) and Revit 2019.1

When linking an Structural model in a Architectural model (both reside on BIM360 Docs)

via the desktop connector

In Revit everything is ok . The link in the Manage links dialog shows the Saved Path as "BIM 360://...."

But when viewing the architectural model in the browser, the linked structural model elements are not shown in 3D or in 2D plans.

So 2D plans that are ok in Revit are missing large parts in BIM360 Docs.

So what is the forseen workflow for using the Revit link (or IFC for that matter) with Desktop Connector?

When we link 2D DWG files in the same manner, they do show up in BIM 360 model and plan view.

Best regards,

Nic Maes

[s.odwyer]

Have you tried uploading the linked files and not just the single models?

Sean

[nic.maes]

Hi Sean,

Yes, when uploading files and select the parent file, BIM 360 shows correct the elements of different models.

But again, what is the workflow when using Desktop connector.

Best regards

Nic Maes

[jayson.sterba]

Hi @nic.maes,

I have been running some tests on this myself. I can reproduce the same behavior when using desktop connector. 

See steps: 

1. Upload Architectural Model
2. Upload Structural Model
3. Open Revit > Architectural Model (Via desktop connector)
4. Link Structural Model to Architectural model (Via desktop connector)
5. Save
6. BIM 360 docs site updates to show structural model is linked into arch model but when you actually click
   on the model in docs it shows only the Arch. Model 

I can get it to work as intended if I use Revit Cloud worksharing (collaborate the model to BIM 360) and publish. 

1. Collaborate Architectural model
2. Collaborate Structural Model
3. Open Architectural Model via BIM 360
4. Link Structural Model (via external resources)
5. Synch the RVT model
6. Nothing happens on Docs
7. Publish latest
8. Once it finishes publishing Architectural model updates on docs to show structural model is linked

When clicking to preview file in docs it shows as intended

I am going to work with the internal team here and see if there is something I am missing or that can be done to make this work via desktop connector.

Thanks!

[jayson.sterba]

hi @nic.maes,

I can't seem to find a way to get this to work with the following exceptions. 

• Download the source file of the structural model & the architectural model. 
  • In Revit, open the Architectural model and locally link the Structural model
  • In BIM 360 Docs use Upload > Linked Files
  • Select the Architectural model as the Parent model

This then shows everything in Docs as intended. But if you edit these models via desktop connector it breaks the link. So this would have to be done in a separate folder.

Option 2: Use Revit Cloud worksharing:

1. Collaborate Architectural model
2. Collaborate Structural Model
3. Open Architectural Model via BIM 360
4. Link Structural Model (via external resources)
5. Synch the RVT model
6. Nothing happens on Docs
7. Publish latest
8. Once it finishes publishing Architectural model updates on docs to show structural model is linked

Thanks!

[nic.maes]

Hi @jayson.sterba

Thanks for the confirmation.

Any Idea if this functionality is on the roadmap? View linked files (through desktop connector) in the browser?

Added my vote to this

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/bim-360-ideas/autodesk-desktop-connector-and-linked-rvt-files/idi-p/8...

best regards

Nic Maes

[Anonymous]

Are you accessing through the big 'B' in the Revit open dialog?

If you go via windows explorer, you will open the version that was last uploaded (dragged in, or published).

We are using BIM360 for its live environment to shop model for installation. If I link to the browser location, I get geometry from months ago. If I use the big 'B' I get the live model (and don't see non-'cloud-workshared' models).

I have also found that moving files between locations often stop the file from being 'linkable' and if you replace one file with the next version, you often have to 'reload from' int he revit interface to get it to open

The desktop connector is for storing links, not working on files (non-'cloud-workshared'), and has some bugs to iron out. . .

Not sure if this helps.