How to compare changes in updated architectural links?

[fosland1]

Wondering what processes people use to compare changes, or see what's actually changed when receiving updated models from architects, structural, etc? I know in BIM 360 there's a feature which will show the changes between the old/new models, but how about for local worksharing projects? I sometimes overlay two different colors in Bluebeam to compare changes (old=red, new=green), but it gets messy when views shift etc. Is there a better way or any addins that would help see the changes between arch link updates?

[fabiosato · Accepted solution]

Hello,

You can use Navisworks, I am sure the compare tool is available on Manage version, not sure about Simulate.

[lenavdoremire · Accepted solution]

 There is a tool 'Compare" in Navisworks Simulate. It works good.

[Mohamed-Nassar · Accepted solution]

Hello

Best Solution Navisworks

U Can use it to compare Changes in Models if you need to know what is the changes applied for the architecture model it's easier and very smooth and don't consume your time.

Best Regards,,

Mohamed nassar

[dmiller_SCE]

Besides using Navisworks you can look at a Revit add-in called Metamorphosis. I use this from time to time. 

https://github.com/mattmas/Metamorphosis

[fosland1]

Yes! I've recently discovered Metamorphosis in my research into this however I still feel it needs a LOT of work to be reliable. For example, I did a few tests with it and when comparing two models, one with a ceiling height change I made, it wouldn't highlight the ceiling I moved unless the "Parameter" box was checked. It also sometimes puts HUGE blobs of coloring when showing deleted items, and if there are a lot of items together it'll put them in one huge blob, but other than that it definitely has potential. I just wish there were more addins like this...

[fosland1]

Thank you, I am looking into this now!

[fosland1]

Thanks Mohammed. I agree, after testing out Navisworks compared to the Metamorphosis, it it significantly more reliable and doesn't take that much more time. Thank you for your quick response.

[fosland1]

Ok so now I guess now my question would be, what is the best way to convey the changed information from Navisworks to the team? Most of our team is made up of guys who don't use or know anything about Navisworks so I can't just tell them to navigate the Navisworks model....And I don't think just sending a screen shot would be helpful. Any tips on how to successfully convey what's changed?

[RobDraw]

What format would be helpful? 

Buebeam has a good PDF comparison tool.

[fosland1]

Sorry, what are you asking?

[RobDraw]

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@fosland1 wrote:

Ok so now I guess now my question would be, what is the best way to convey the changed information from Navisworks to the team?

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So far, that is all we know about your team. How would your team like to have the information given to them?

My first thought is Bluebeam. You could make PDFs of the previous drawings and the current ones and Bluebeam, will colorize the changes.

[fosland1]

Ahh I get what you're sayin...yes that would be a decent approach. Although it would take some more time to print PDF's, and colorize them in Bluebeam, however it would definitely get the job done. Thanks for the suggestion Rob👍

[RobDraw]

At this point, anything you do is going to take more time. 

[jwinklerSB4SV]

I use this method as well.  You can compare the 2D drawing set in PDF format - its less messy.  I usually print out a PDF of the Architectural set from the new Arch Model for reference anyway.  I then do a comparison and save it adding a suffix "-Red Old Green New"  You just have to make sure the old and new PDF sets have the same exact # of pages.  Also as you said before, make sure no views have shifted position on the sheet.