group array versus array of group

[Anonymous]

I noticed there seems to be a differnence between 1) the group that is created when you array a selection of lines, etc and 2) the array that is created when you array a group you have selected.

When I try to change the groupType for #1 I get grouptype is not valid exception and when I change the grouptype for #2 the array is lost (I just get the individual groups with changed type).

Does anyone know how to tell the difference through the API?

[jeremytammik]

Dear Pkhlineworks,

Same answer as every time.

Try it out in the user interface and use RevitLookup, the element lister and other more intimate database exploration tools to analyse the differences:

http://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/blog/2013/11/intimate-revit-database-exploration-with-the-python...

http://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/blog/2015/06/revit-api-task-solving-success-aec-disruption-2016-...

Good luck!

Please let us know what you find out.

Thank you!

Cheers,

Jeremy

[boostyourbim]

Hi Jeremy,

I am in the same situation and trying to use the API to tell the difference between array groups and non-array groups. Revit Lookup does not seem to provide any information to help with this. Could you investigate and file a request with Devleopment if needed?

Thanks

Harry

[jeremytammik]

Hi Harry,

The original question provides one answer:

Try to do what is described. Whether or not an exception is thrown provides the answer to your question.

I'll ask the development team whether there is an easier and more efficient method.

Cheers,

Jeremy

[jeremytammik]

Dear Harry,

I checked with the development team, and they say:

I tried looking at this. (Note that my level of experience is, “This is the first time I have looked at the Group API.”)

As far as I can tell there’s no way to identify an array via the API. From stepping through the code it looks like arrays (of lines and such) can only be set to other similar arrays, and arrays of groups can’t be set to those arrays. But you have no way of knowing which type is which.

If you can make arrays in the API, then I can check that code too. (I would believe it if I couldn’t find the relevant file.)

In order for me to file a request for this, it would help if you could provide:

• An explanation of what you need this for.
• A business case underlining its importance.
• A reproducible case to demonstrate the current behaviour, explain what is missing and show what you would like to achieve:
• http://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/blog/about-the-author.html#1b

Thank you!

Cheers

Jeremy

[jeremytammik]

Dear Pkhlineworks and Harry,

Thank you for your query. I am sorry to say that there is currently no API access to this functionality.

I submitted the wish list item CF-3924 [API wish: determine group array versus array of group] on your behalf for the functionality you suggest, as this issue requires exploration and possibly a modification to our software. Please make a note of this number for future reference.

This issue is important to me. What can I do to help?

This issue needs to be assessed by our engineering team, and prioritised against all of the other outstanding change requests. Any information that you can provide to influence this assessment will help. Please provide the following where possible:

• Impact on your application and/or your development.
• The number of users affected.
• The potential revenue impact to you.
• The potential revenue impact to Autodesk.
• Realistic timescale over which a fix would help you.
• In the case of a request for a new feature or a feature enhancement, please also provide detailed Use cases for the workflows that this change would address.

This information is extremely important. Our engineering team have limited resources, and so must focus their efforts on the highest impact items. We do understand that this will cause you delays and affect your development planning, and we appreciate your cooperation and patience.

Cheers,

Jeremy

[jeanmarc.couffin]

I am gonna do some dirt digging here, but I could not find a better way to separate group of arrays from groups by using the Name of the group (containing "array")
9 years later, did it go up in the wishlist @jeremytammik