Revit SOS feature : Be aware of object distance in elevations

[dpasa]

Instead of all these semi-useless improvements in RAC 2010, I would prefer to see Revit having the ability to make correct elevations... I don't know if any other app can do this and I don't really care... What I do know is that we need it... What I do know is that working with linework is silly and not productive...
I have big problems with some of my clients because of the quality of my elevations and the only alternative I can show them is to use shadows to make them look 3d..
But not everyone likes that... Some of them just want to have wider lines for the nearest objects and thin for some others and thinner for the ones at the back.

Most of the times I have problems because of my tight deadlines and I hate to give them something that I know it is not good enough because I didn't have time.

Please, any acceptable workaround?

[twiceroadsfool]

1. Piece together multiple elevations and override all the elements in each view based on distance. For *replicated* elevations, filter them outof plans with the new 2010 filters.

2. Put perspectives on the sheets with the elevations.

3. Some people used sheets of glass (varying layers). but i think then it needs to be a 3D view oriented to the elevation or the transparancy doesnt work.

4. New Clients.

5. AutoCAD.

The last two are being snide, because (while i do concede Revit elevations are a bit flat) in 4 years of using it directly with clients its never ONCE been an issue. I dont even show elevations unless i have to, since i can show them real perspectives instead...

[sjsl]

Currently, there is no program that can automatically do what you want. It is somewhat automatic and manual just like in Autocad. You have to use the linework tool to a degree, use object settings for walls, doors, windows etc, use "Graphic Display Options" dialogue to help out as well. In GDO dialogue Edges silohoette style select wide lines or medium lines.

You can also use Graphics Overrides and select distant areas and set to halftones. Unlike 2009, in 2010 you can actually set the range of halftones. What you are asking can be done with patience and some new clients.

I hardly ever show elevations to clients anymore becuase they cannot understand them anyway. I use them internally more often than not.

[twiceroadsfool]

Be careful with the Edges Silhouette. It doesnt work on Linked Files, which can rein heck on drawings if you use Linked Files...

[dpasa]

Thank you for your answers...
Well, AutoCAD is not an option, I like Revit very much and although I was working a lot with ACAD some years before, I can't do it now, even though I believe that Acad2010 is a great release...

Well, I can't change this client, because he is the best I have and I know him since 1996...
Also, he is not the problem... The problem is the architect working at the public service or better, her husband that doesn't do his job right (you know what I mean:lol:) and we have to listen to her...
I find elevations to be useful only for the contractors to measure misc things.., I always give them 3d views from Revit and renderings from Maxwell.... Nothing better than that I think... But since the elevations have to exist in the drawing list we give to the public service, they have to be pretty...
Well, using shadows is the best way so far and a bit of linework...
I don't use linked files because I don't do many big projects so I will have to check the halhtone and distance relation...
Thanks again...

[Scott Womack]

One other option, is in an elevation view instead of using the line work tool, select the more distant parts of the elevation, and override the areas in that view, meaning make then halftone, or in our case, I change the color of the lines, using a particular blue color that on our plotters, tones the lines down. Doing it this way maintains this color, even if the walls length changes, etc. This sort of change normally causes the linework tool info to disappear. I'll also in that view place some heavier drafting lines, and "lock" them to the major components. This also prevents the heavier lines from disappearing.

[Munkholm]

You could also just go to a 3D view, window select all the objects you wish to display as being distanced, switch back to the elevation view (where the elements is still selected) and use VG to halftone those objects...

[ruthellenwilliams]

that's good. being able to select in one view and then switch to another to edit the items which are still selected is a function i use all of the time!

[dpasa]

Well, what works best I think is to go to elevation, select a wall, right-click and override graphics of the element.... Also, add some linework to other elements...
And, for the depth, the best thing is using shadows...

[meken]

I saw a good tutorial on how to achieve this quickly .. but for life of me i can't remember the title. i'm pretty sure it was on youtube.

basic pretext was you take the 3d and orient to other view (being the elevation) then roll it over slightly so you can work with the distant objects. Select multiple objects in background and alter the graphics as a group. then re-orient to view and done - line weights like in the old days of ink & trace