How can I schedule (sort) via level when a linked model's data is used

[Anonymous]

I have an issue with sorting via level when a linked model's data is used. See image attached. No matter what I tried, it keeps sorting Alphabetically and not Level_sequentially. I tried adding a hidden project (& shared) parameter against the level (01,02,03 etc.), but it does not work.

We separated the Sheets into its own model, and linking all the 3D element & rooms etc. Now we have this issue...

Thoughts?

[Alfredo_Medina]

Sort by the hidden project parameter, not by the name of the level.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Thanks for replying;

Which 'Hidden Project Parameter' are you refering to? One I create or an existing one?

[L.Maas]

If you use the data from the linked file, you will have to modify/add the data in the linked file.

In the linked file you would have to create a parameter or rename the levels.

What you probably have done is added a (hidden) parameter that is attached to the levels in the host file, not in the linked file.

[chrisplyler]

The one you created.

Take a look at the following Pipe schedule. It was sorted by the Mark parameter. But I added an instance parameter called My_Sort_Order, manually entered integers, and changed the the schedule to sort by My_Sort_Order. This is just a Project parameter (instance) (integer) greated on the fly while I was adding fields in the Schedule Properties dialog box. So it only belongs to this schedule and to Pipe Types. And it's manual entry. But it lets me control the ordering of my schedule any way I want. The column can be hidden when I'm ready to put the schedule on a sheet.

[chrisplyler · Accepted solution]

Or in your specific case, you can practice a naming convention for your levels as follows:

01 Basement Level 1

02 Basement Level 2

03 Basement Level 3

04 Ground Floor

05 First Floor

06 Second Floor

07 Third Floor

08 Fourth Floor

09 Roof

...or maybe...

LVL1 - Basement 1

LVL2 - Basement 2

LVL3 - Basement 3

LVL4 - Ground Floor

LVL5 - First Floor

LVL6 - Second Floor

LVL7 - Third Floor

LVL8 - Fourth Floor

LVL9 - Roof

You get the idea. Then the alphabetical sorting will get it right all on its own. Your Project Browser will be more organized too.

I like to use a different prefix for naming minor levels I create such as for ceilings or whatever, so that they will also sort correctly and so that they can be easily filtered out if I want to do a schedule of only the main floor levels as you are doing.

[Anonymous]

Hi Chris,

Thanks. This is the easiest option - to do and to explain.

I went with:

07_Basement 03

08_Basement 02

09_Basement 01

10_Ground Floor

11_First Floor

12_Second Floor

etc

Cheers.

[chrisplyler]

Glad it worked out!

Still, I recommend doing:

FLR07 Basement 3

FLR08 Basement 2

FLR09 Basement 1

FLR10 Ground Level

FLR11 First Floor

...etc....

...if you're going to have other levels besides main floor levels...because you'll want to easily keep them out of that schedule...

So your ceilings might be:

CLG07 Basement 3

CLG08 Basement 2

...etc...

In the future you might also have stuff like...

MEP07a Basement 3 suspended light fixture level

MEP07b Basement 3 ductwork level

MEP08a Basement 2 suspended light fixture level

MEP08b Basement 2 ductwork level

...etc...

...or similar later on too. If you devise a good methodology, you will always be able to keep your Project Browser organized and schedule things in controllable manner.