U3D format data

[Chunk]

I can't find any existing threads on this so I'll start a new one...
Does anyone have any prior experience with creating U3D (Intel Universal 3D) format data from a .rvt BIM? The experiment goal is to create an interactive 3D pdf from a Revit building information model.

[cphubb]

Chuck,

I also have been looking for that procedure. From my research there is no easy way to do this. I suspect that it is because you can create a 3d dwf in all Autodesk products so from their point of view there is no need for a 3d pdf. We would still like to see on though.

If you find anything else out please let me know.

[wildcat_714]

I started looking for this after finding out microstation could do it. From what I found you need a 3rd party program to do it. Similar to Adobe writer or CutePDF. Heres one of the ones Ive found so far but havent had the time yet to actually test. Im curious if the new version of Adobe writer would do this as well.
p-

http://www.righthemisphere.com/company/links/solutions/Adobe/index.htm

[Chunk]

Thanks, I've found the same in my research. Just waiting for a response from Right Hemisphere. Hopefully Autodesk is thinking about interoperability like Bentley is and not trying to sail their own path with just DWF. I understand the value of DWF but a 3D PDF is more readily acceptable to our clients who have an existing familiarity with Acrobat. It would be a shame to see Autodesk put all their eggs in one basket and not offer the cross-platform functionality. A decision like that could be limiting.

I'll let you know how my trials with U3D and 3D PDF's work out.

[cphubb]

I looked at the software and a few others as well that can create U3D. It looks like we would need to shell out at least another $200 per workstation AND convert the Revit to 3ds or something else prior to importing to the U3D software. I agree with Chuck and hope Autodesk is looking for good interoperability instead of $$$ and will integrate PDF and 3D PDF into it's products. I would be willing to pay a little more for the product with good integration rather than extra plug-in and 3 file conversions. :screwy:

[Scott D Davis]

I read somewhere that the next version of Microsoft's OS will have a built-in PDF writer. All apps will be able to produce PDFs.

[Chunk]

Any idea whether that is generic 2D pdf's or is that inclusive of U3D content required for creating interactive 3D pdf's? From what I've read on the creation and utilization of 3D pdf's the host application, ie. Autodesk Revit, Bently Microstation, etc, need to have ability to export data in a U3D format in order to create the 3D pdf.

Seems to me the issue is more with the file format export from the primary application rather than an embedded OS function. Microsoft might be deploying Vista (aka Longhorn) with integrated pdf function but I'd be surprised if it integrates the full functionality of Adobe's capabilites.