Dataflows are created from steps. The steps are created based on the tool or ready-made dataflows. While the different tools do very different things, many of them share the same kind of configurations.
Note that the available configurations might depend on the choices you make. Only the relevant configuration items are shown at any given time.
Setting Targets
Most of the tools and ready-made dataflows have a Target. A target is a set of objects that the step processes. Learn more about how to define targets in different ways.
Derived Properties
Many tools enrich the model by adding properties to it. For example, calculate quantities, tools calculate and add measure values to the objects. The values are set to object properties.
You can either have those properties in the model, or you can let the tool create them for you. To find the correct properties, or create them, the tool must have a minimum set of information about the properties. You must define the property set name and the property name. Most of the time, the tool already knows from the context the type of the property, in other words, whether it is, for example, text, yes/no, number, length, or volume measure. Some tools require you to define the type, too.
Derived Groups
Many tools automatically create groups. These allow you to easily find the processed or derived objects from the model afterwards. Many times, you want to process the objects further in the following dataflow steps. The derived group can then be used as an input for the next step.
Connection Property
Many of the tools and dataflows create connections between objects.
For example, the Find Overlapping Objects tool creates connections between the derived overlapping object and the overlapping objects. The Split Objects tool creates connections between location prisms and split objects. The proximity tool creates connections between objects within the defined proximity. Calculate quantities, tools create connections between the original object and the derived objects.
A common pattern in dataflows is to create the connections in one tool, and then use that connection to further process the objects and their data in the following dataflow steps. Learn more about how to connect the steps.
Derived Objects
Some of the tools create new, so-called derived, objects for the model. You can create derived objects, for example, based on the surfaces or dimensions of the object geometries.
To create derived objects, a minimum set of information is needed.
Derived Object Class
This defines the object class of the derived object. It also defines how the derived object is exported to IFC. The object class can be any of the IFC element object classes. You can check the available classes, for example, from the Objects Palette.
Connection Property Name
The derived objects are automatically connected to the objects they are based on. There are many ways to use this connection to further process the enriched objects.
The derived objects are created with the minimum set of data. Usually, you want to copy data from the parent object to the derived object. For example, if the derived object is based on a space object's surface, you probably want the surface to have a property that tells the space name and number. You can use the connection property to for example, in the Copy Property Values tool to do that.
Override Connections
If the connection property already exists in the model, this option defines whether to override it with new values or update the property? There are use cases for both. They depend on the tool and how you use them.
Layer Name
This sets the layer name for the object. It is just a convenient way to organize and find the derived objects after they have been created. This information is exported to IFC as a so-called layer assignment name.
Create Group
Defines whether you want to assign the derived objects to a group or not. If you do, then give the name and optionally the name of the parent group. Grouping allows you to find the derived objects easily from the model. More importantly, you can use the created group as a target for the next dataflow steps to further process the derived objects.
Other Settings
Tools need all sorts of settings to operate according to your needs. There are several different kinds of setting you can apply. All of them have their own control you can use. Let's next go through them.
Text
Any text, for example, a name of a property, an object group or object class.
Text options can optionally have a pre-defined list of supported values. In this case you can choose one of the pre-defined values or provide your own value.
Choice (dropdown list)
Selection from a pre-defined list of text values. Simply click on the array and choose the value from the dropdown.
Whole Number
Positive or negative whole number, i.e. a number with no decimals.
Number
This is used for setting decimal numbers. Numbers use the decimal separator of your Windows regional settings.
Measure Value
This is used for setting measure values. Usually these are tolerances or coordinates for geometric operations.
Use the decimal separator of your Windows regional settings. You can use the unit that is most convenient for you. Simply choose the units from the dropdown. If the unit is changed then the number is scaled accordingly.
On/Off (checkbox)
Turning a configuration item on or off. Check the box to turn the setting on. Many times checking an option will show you more configuration options.
File Names
Files need to be defined, for example when you merge models or data, import location prisms, or export IFC, Excel and data tables. The control defines the full path including file extension of a new file that is to be created by the tool. You can either type in the path, or browse your file system.
Formula
Expressions are used when ever there is a need to calculate something based on formulas. Learn more about the Expression Editor.
3D Point
3D points are needed when, for example, moving and rotation the model. The coordinates can be typed in, or you can pick them from the 3D, or copy from the clip board.
Use the decimal separator of your Windows regional settings.
You can select the unit that is most convenient for you from the dropdown. So you don't necessary have to use the model's units.
When copying from the coordinate separate the coordinates with tab. For example: 10,0 20,0 30,0
Related to
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.