Create Columns from Imported CAD

[hossam.amer666]

Hello guys, 

I'm trying to make an adding that could automatically create columns from imported cad file so my plan is to filter the elements from imported cad by layer name and I managed to get a list of GeometryObject which I cast to a list of polyLines then I got also the center point of each polyLine. 

Now my question is,

Using doc.Create.NewFamilyInstance(Location, symbol, level, structural type) function, How can I use the list of polylines I have to create FamilySymbols by the dimensions of unique values of polylines and pass it to to the function? 

Another question, Do I need to use foreach loop to send the list of points I have point by point or there is another way ?

[jeremy_tammik]

For placing family instances, please look at the PlaceInstances add-in:

• https://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/blog/2013/10/text-file-driven-automatic-placement-of-family-ins...
• https://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/blog/2017/11/migrating-placeinstances-to-revit-2018.html

Please note that NewFamilyInstance has many overloads, and you need to use the appropriate one depending on the family you are placing:

• NewFamilyInstance Overloads
• Placing a Line Based Detail Item Instance
• What's New in the Revit 2012 API

Looping over the points one by one is normally fine for placing instances.

Just ensure you use one single transaction, and not a separate transaction for each instance.

[hossam.amer666]

It's a great honour to get a reply from you, sir. I check your blogs but I can't figure out how to use my list of polyLines to create family symbols of a rectangle column with the dimensions of polylines. 

[Moustafa_K]

not sure if this saves some steps for you. If you already know it is a rectangle Column, then all you need is only the Width, Height, and Location, and plug these parameters into a predefined Rectangle Family file/instance. (just check if the parameters you will add value to are Type/Instance parameters. 

hope this helps

[hossam.amer666]

Ok now I managed to create column types by extracting the unique values of width and height and put these types in a list of familySymbols and I already have a list of XYZ represents the center points of columns and also I have to lists of doubles one for widths and another one for heights .. How can I use this Information to place columns?

[jeremy_tammik]

Simply by reading the answers already provided above, my friend.

[hossam.amer666]

I managed to place them but as you see I have a problem with the rotation to how can I fix it?

[jeremy_tammik · Accepted solution]

Search this forum for 'rotate family instance'.

Please always search for answers before raising them anew.

That is the purpose of this forum and saves time and effort for you yourself and others.

[hossam.amer666]

Of course, I have searched and tried alot before asking however thank you I will try to figure it out myself. 

[jeremy_tammik]

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-api-forum/rotation-family-instance/m-p/4942368

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-api-forum/can-t-rotate-element-into-this-position-again/m-p/890...