Avatech Solutions, Inc. today launches a beta version of Avatech Earth Connector for Autodesk Revit, a Google Earth-based plug-in. This is the second such Avatech tool linking an Autodesk design product with Google Earth; the firm released Avatech Earth Connector for AutoCAD in December 2005.
Avatech had almost completed development when Google released a new version of Google Earth earlier this month, including updates to the KML file format for importing data. Matt Mason, Avatech’s director of research and development, told me Avatech decided it was better to release the beta of Earth Connector for Revit now and to sort out what changes may be necessary after further research on the new format. Files created today with Avatech Earth Connector will work in Google Earth 4, they just won’t support the new features including Level of Detail (smart streaming) and COLLADA-based texturing.
Building information models created in Autodesk Revit and viewed using the new tool retain building information, so customers can toggle different building elements such as roofs and walls, and even view specific data such as door and window specifications. Architects, engineers, and designers will be able to display 3D BIM models—without multiple translations, in geographic context—to owners, construction managers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
“We are inviting people to download and use the beta version to give us feedback about how we can enhance Avatech Earth Connector for Autodesk Revit functionality,” said Mason.
Earth Connector for Revit is free to download from the Avatech Web site. http://www.avatech.com/web/earth
--RSN
Technorati Tags: Google Google Earth Avatech BIM 3D COLLADA geospatial Revit Autodesk KML architecture construction CAD