Google Earth plugin?

[Chad Smith]

So.... where is this Google Earth plugin found? Our installation disks just arrived, and I thought it may have been found on there.

From what I can tell, at the moment Revit Architecture holds no new unique features, while Structure and MEP do. Is anyone able to identify any good unique features available for just Architecture?

Is this yet another indication that our Architecture subscription fees are being used to develop Structure and MEP more than Architecture? Don't get me wrong, a significant amount of development has gone into the base product's new features, regardless of whether you like them or not.

[iru69]

So.... where is this Google Earth plugin found? Our installation disks just arrived, and I thought it may have been found on there.

From what I can tell, at the moment Revit Architecture holds no new unique features, while Structure and MEP do. Is anyone able to identify any good unique features available for just Architecture?

Is this yet another indication that our Architecture subscription fees are being used to develop Structure and MEP more than Architecture? Don't get me wrong, a significant amount of development has gone into the base product's new features, regardless of whether you like them or not.
I kind of feel like I just got tricked into reading another rant...

[twiceroadsfool]

I kind of feel like I just got tricked into reading another rant...

That makes two of us.

[Batman]

Haha (Nelson laugh), suckers.

Perhaps you have to download it from Google?

Do they actually state that they provide the plug-in or are they just spouting the ability.

It wouldn't be the first instance that they have done it, in the New Features Workshop they show "Color Fills" in sections but after hours of looking through help and this forum I found that it has nothing to do with the color fills that can be produced on floor plans, that is very misleading. More life lost.

[Chad Smith]

...in the New Features Workshop they show "Color Fills" in sections...I've just re-read this, because I thought the same thing too when I first ran through the New Features Workshop.

I think this is more of a documentation error than anything. Whoever has written it, has got their terminology confused. By the title of Transparent Fill', I think it is referring to the ability to make a solid 'Filled Region' transparent, and have mistakingly called it a Color fill in the text's body.
A more appropriate place to put it would be under the 'Visibility and Graphic Control' heading, than under 'Improved Color Fills'.

But seriously, where's the plugin?

[jbalding48677]

FYI -

The Google Earth plugin will be available for subscription users soon.

.

[tatjana.dzambazova]

Hi all,

as explained during various press conferences, the Google Earth Plug in will be avaibale only to the subscirption customers and downloadable as a separate plug in from the Subscirption site. We plan to release it soon. Subscirption customers will be notified the moment the plug is available for download. I hope this explains the confusion
thanks

[tatjana.dzambazova]

Jim, our emails crossed :o), thanks for clarifying.

[Joef]

I missed the press conferences. Never heard about them. Is this the normal communication channel between Autodesk and its subscription customers, or should we be getting emails? Just wondering if I am completely out of the loop or if there is no loop.

[tatjana.dzambazova]

Subscription customers will recieve an official announcement. The reason that some users already know that it is coming it is because it was covered in the press.
thanks

[dfriesen]

Is "soon" over yet? Or did I miss an announcement about the Google Earth plugin?

[cliff collins]

Any word on the Google Earth plug-in
for Subscribers?

cheers....

[c-hawk]

Late to the game ... is this what you're looking for? It's not from Autodesk, but ...

http://avat.com/products/software/avatech/earthconnector/

[sbrown]

The avatech one works great. I've got some very large models that I've used it with. they are also very responsive to requests for functionality.

[Joef]

Subscription customers will recieve an official announcement. The reason that some users already know that it is coming it is because it was covered in the press.
thanksHas anyone received an announcement about this? I have not.

[adb]

Nope, not I.

Use the avatech solutions plug-in that c-hawk and scott are referring to. I have used it as well and it works great.

[cphubb]

Does it install to RAC 08? Mine will only install to 9.1

[adb]

Yep, sure does.

[Joef]

I'm still wondering if this is the "official" plug-in that was supposed to ship with the RAC 2008. Perhaps the Revit Architecture Product Manager could chime in here and let us know. If there is one. A Product Manager that is.

[Scott D Davis]

I'm not the Product Manager.....but I slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night...

(those outside of the US wont get this reference to a local TV commercial)

The Avatech plug-in was developed by Avatech. The Google Earth plug-in for Subscription customers for Revit 2008 was developed by Autodesk and is not the same as the Avatech version.

I have heard that the Google Earth plug-in from Autodesk should be available soon. (I can't say exactly when but it should be soon).

I think we have uncovered the problem with an open API, and plug-ins. Yes, its great to have the ability to program things on our own. But, the problem is, getting these things developed properly, and keeping them updated with the released cycle of the software. Seems like the Avatech plug-in doesn't work in 2008? If you go over to the ArchiCAD forums, there are a ton of unhappy customers that can't upgrade their plug-ins for ArchiCAD 11, because they aren't available yet. These are critical plug-ins to the way they work, like Maxon Form (which doesn't sound like it works that well anyways) and many others. So these users are basically forced to stay on older versions because of plug-in issues.

I like the idea of the open API for Revit....I fear issues with plug-ins (especially 3rd party plug-ins) that keep us from moving forward as Revit continues to improve.

[sbrown]

The Avatech plug in DOES work with 2008, you may need to go to the site and re download it to get the latest version.

[ford347]

I've never even heard of this plug-in until I read this thread this morning.

I downloaded the plug-in and tried to open in Google earth after exporting through Revit and this is the error that I received. Anyone? Not working for me anyway.

Josh (RAC 2008 - 20070404_1700)

[ford347]

I'm not saying that the plug-in doesnt' work because I don't know enough about it, but shortly after my post, and not having done any additional work after I opened the project file in which I was trying to export to google earth, I got a corrupt element ID warning that forced me into a save as and exit to generate a recovery file. When the recovery was opened, Revit deleted the corrupt object so I was unable to find out what that was, but I haven't had any problems prior to installing this plug-in. I will probably un-install it and wait for the Autodesk plug-in since I don't really need it at this point.

Josh

[david.kingham]

According to this guy the plugin has been released...does anyone see it in the subscrition center? Maybe I'm just not seeing it?
http://autodesk-revit.blogspot.com/2007/08/autodesk-release-revit-globe-link.html

[muttlieb]

According to this guy the plugin has been released...does anyone see it in the subscrition center? Maybe I'm just not seeing it?
From Subscription Center Home, near the bottom of the page under Product Information & Downloads, click on the link under Building Solutions: Product Modules & Add-Ons.

[david.kingham]

Thank you, that couldn't be much more confusing!

[sbrown]

Mine doesn't have the building solutions link, only revit, vault and home use?

[bgauthier]

I think he's referring to Avatech Earth Connector. I tried it myself and it works great. A little bit of workaround to understand how it works but after a while, you get used to it

[muttlieb]

I think he's referring to Avatech Earth Connector. I tried it myself and it works great. A little bit of workaround to understand how it works but after a while, you get used to it
My post refers to the link to the Autodesk Google Earth plugin available to subscription customers. The official name is 'Revit Globe Link'.

[cdetore]

Login to the Subscription home page first and then paste this link into your browser.

http://pointa.autodesk.com/getPage?action=download&id=bsdRevitGoogleEarthPlugIn

It won't work unless you login first!

Enjoy,

CD

[bgauthier]

I don't know why but I don't have access to it even if I'm a registered member.

[Matt H]

Not working for me either...

[sbrown]

I got it loaded, its about the same as avatechs, I can't get teh import from Google earth to work though I only get this error, note we have google pro.

[Joef]

I logged in to the subscription centre and could find no Google Earth Plug-in. 4 months late now. I already paid for this with my subscription fee, and think that it is a bit dishonest of Autodesk to promise this and then go all quiet and not provide it. Not a word of communication regarding this from anyone at Adesk. I wonder if they have an official policy of never communicating with their subscription customers or if it just pure negligence. I suspect the latter.

[Scott D Davis]

its available on subscription....its there. A little tough to find, but its there.

[Joef]

Hi all,

as explained during various press conferences, the Google Earth Plug in will be avaibale only to the subscirption customers and downloadable as a separate plug in from the Subscirption site. We plan to release it soon. Subscirption customers will be notified the moment the plug is available for download. I hope this explains the confusion
thanksI received no notification. Why?

[cdetore]

It is a bit buried. Here's its location on the website. Be sure to log in first.

[Joef]

Thanks, cdetore! I have found it. Though why I have to find out these things in an AUGI forum is a mystery to me.

[cdetore]

NP

HTH

CD

[vennix]

Well,
I'll show you the screen I get when I log on to the subscription page.
And there is no building solution header.
Must be a local thing

And we Dutch are not favoured by autodesk.
same thing with the communication center, no channels..
Geert

[cdetore]

I just checked the site again and in the language selection box only English is listed.

I'd fill out a support request and contact the local Autodesk representative. Maybe they can help. Sorry.

CD

[Andre Baros]

This must be a Revit problem. I hear about subscription benefits for Max right away via e-mail, usually with a download link included.

[vennix]

The dutch site revitusers.nl is hosting a link to the file in their forum.
This worked.

Geert

[Matt H]

Well,
I'll show you the screen I get when I log on to the subscription page.
And there is no building solution header.
Must be a local thing

And we Dutch are not favoured by autodesk.
same thing with the communication center, no channels..
Geert

Thanks the SAME THING I GET TOO!!!!!! Some one should just host a downloadable link...

[Scott D Davis]

I received no notification. Why?
Because Tatjana who made that promise is no longer in the position of Revit Peoduct Manager. The new manager probably doesn't even know she made that statement.

[Chad Smith]

A little tough to find, but its there.A little too tough. Users shouldn't have to go hunting for things like this. Plus, what is wrong with a notification in the Communication Center? Another example of Autodesk's inability to communicate with it's customers.

[Joef]

Because Tatjana who made that promise is no longer in the position of Revit Peoduct Manager. The new manager probably doesn't even know she made that statement.I assumed that the statement she made reflected what was a policy, not an action to be taken by an individual Autodesk employee. Notifying subscription customers when useful plug-ins are available should not be at the whim of staffing changes, but should be an automatic process via Comminication Centre. I do not see the benefit to anyone in developing a plug-in then not telling subscription customers of its existence.

[Scott D Davis]

I assumed that the statement she made reflected what was a policy, not an action to be taken by an individual Autodesk employee. Notifying subscription customers when useful plug-ins are available should not be at the whim of staffing changes, but should be an automatic process via Comminication Centre. I do not see the benefit to anyone in developing a plug-in then not telling subscription customers of its existence.
Agree with you but somehow it did not get communicated/implemented. Isn't that what communication center is for?

[Tobie]

At the bottom you have

"Product Information & Downloads
Download Subscription exclusive add-ons, tryouts, and product
previews.
Autodesk Revit
Get information about Autodesk Revit software. Click here"

Hope it is as clear as mud now.

[sbrown]

Is there any documentation on how its supposed to work. I still can't get it to import a site(or even know if its supposed to. I can export my model and see it in google, but can't get it positioned right. Avatechs product grabs you shared coordinates.

Any help files?

[dfriesen]

Any help files?They're coming "soon". ;)

[Joef]

They're coming "soon". ;)And when the help files are ready no one will know because it will never be communicated to anyone.

[vennix]

Well,
there is a help file,
you can access it once you choose export model.
It has not been too helpful though.
I can export my model but I can not see the model in Google earth.
But it positions the camera in Google earth similar to my camera angle in revit though.

Geert

[cdetore]

There are two help files, but they are not accessible through the Help menu! I found them in the install folder for the plug-in. I think the default path is;

c:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 2008 Globe Link

They are a little light on info, but the Getting Stared file has some step by step tutorials with screen shots and notes.

CD

[MRV]

its available on subscription....its there. A little tough to find, but its there.

Actually it's not there. I've been bounced back and forth between Autodesk Support, Autodesk Subscription support, and Autodesk Business support with no help. My subscription web home doesn't display the link or even the heading, and Autodesk finally told me to download the Avatech Revit link, and gave me a link to their site. Then they pointed me to Autodesk Labs, to d/l the Autocad Google link...??

Revit suppot sent me the link to d/l the file, but how do I fix the web based problem???

[Beau.Turner]

Josh,

If you are having trouble with the Avatech Google Earth Connector, drop me an e-mail so I can see what the issue might be.

-beau


I'm not saying that the plug-in doesnt' work because I don't know enough about it, but shortly after my post, and not having done any additional work after I opened the project file in which I was trying to export to google earth, I got a corrupt element ID warning that forced me into a save as and exit to generate a recovery file. When the recovery was opened, Revit deleted the corrupt object so I was unable to find out what that was, but I haven't had any problems prior to installing this plug-in. I will probably un-install it and wait for the Autodesk plug-in since I don't really need it at this point.

Josh

[Beau.Turner]

Scott,

To clarify the Avatech Google Earth Connector for Revit does support RAC 2008, please review the latest release released on May 09, 2007.

Hope all is well,
beau


I'm not the Product Manager.....but I slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night...

(those outside of the US wont get this reference to a local TV commercial)

The Avatech plug-in was developed by Avatech. The Google Earth plug-in for Subscription customers for Revit 2008 was developed by Autodesk and is not the same as the Avatech version.

I have heard that the Google Earth plug-in from Autodesk should be available soon. (I can't say exactly when but it should be soon).

I think we have uncovered the problem with an open API, and plug-ins. Yes, its great to have the ability to program things on our own. But, the problem is, getting these things developed properly, and keeping them updated with the released cycle of the software. Seems like the Avatech plug-in doesn't work in 2008? If you go over to the ArchiCAD forums, there are a ton of unhappy customers that can't upgrade their plug-ins for ArchiCAD 11, because they aren't available yet. These are critical plug-ins to the way they work, like Maxon Form (which doesn't sound like it works that well anyways) and many others. So these users are basically forced to stay on older versions because of plug-in issues.

I like the idea of the open API for Revit....I fear issues with plug-ins (especially 3rd party plug-ins) that keep us from moving forward as Revit continues to improve.

[dazza163968596]

Has anyone had any luck finding the Autoesk google earth plugin for revit on the subscription site. I still can't find it or anything useful to do with revit on the subscription site. Why do we bother paying subscriptions at all we are second class citizens when it comes to the subscription website, everything on there is available without subscription anyway. NOT GOOD ENOUGH AUTODESK.

[AP23]

Has anyone had any luck finding the Autoesk google earth plugin for revit on the subscription site. I still can't find it or anything useful to do with revit on the subscription site. .

http://knowingwhatyoudontknow.blogspot.com/2007/09/revit-and-google-earth.html

[dazza163968596]

It still dosen't show up on the Subscription Home Page in the end I had to type the address in manually as posted here pointa.autodesk.com/getPage?action=download&id=bsdRevitGoogleEarthPlugIn
This worked but there is definitely no link to it on the subscription center as accessed from the UK

[sbrown]

Well I finally got it to work but it has issues. Check this out. it morphs your building to the site so when sloped you get this.

[dfriesen]

Well I finally got it to work but it has issues. Check this out. it morphs your building to the site so when sloped you get this.
Don't you know that we're only supposed to use Revit for flat sites?? ;)

[Tobie]

Scott, how did you specify the building position in GE?

[assinck]

I have installed the plugin.

I can acquire an location.
I also can publish a model, google earth does go to the location and take the view position but doesnt show th model.
The model is listed under temporary places.

What can be the problem?

Grz

[sbrown]

All I do, is open google earth, browse to the site, zoom in. then switch to revit(leaving google open) then I use the external tools>aquire from google(this only works about 1/2 the time). Then in revit you will see the site in plan and a group in 3d. Draw your building on the site. then when done. use the external tools>publish to google. Google will zoom in and show your building(or at least it does for me. You can also in google place a pin, save that as a kmz or kml file, then use that.

One big limitation besides the slope issue is you can't publish linked models.

[Wes Macaulay]

...and I'm getting numerous errors with the Autodesk version. Funny that the Avatech version works better :screwy:. The Autodesk version can't import KMZ or KML files without the error -- see the attached PNG.

The Avatech version doesn't import some of the geometry properly into GE (lots of curves), but it WORKS.

The Globe Link tool has some ESL gems in it like -- like the title of the Globe Link help window: Getting Started of Revit 2008 Globe Link

[Beau.Turner]

Wes,

Hope all is well, we are continuing to develop the Avatech version and want to address any issues that arise. There are a few items that are more difficult to convert (ex railings) but we are not aware of any specific geometry curve issues.

Can you let us know a few more details or would you be willing to work with us via webex to identify the scenario and objects that are not being exported properly so we can make this experience (and application) even better. :)

You are welcome to take this off-line and reach us at: devfeedback [at] avat.com

Cheers,
Beau


...and I'm getting numerous errors with the Autodesk version. Funny that the Avatech version works better :screwy:. The Autodesk version can't import KMZ or KML files without the error -- see the attached PNG.

The Avatech version doesn't import some of the geometry properly into GE (lots of curves), but it WORKS.

The Globe Link tool has some ESL gems in it like -- like the title of the Globe Link help window: Getting Started of Revit 2008 Globe Link

[Chad Smith]

Beau, after unsuccessfully getting the Autodesk one working properly, I thought I would give the new Avatech one a go again. When I had been testing the earlier version a while back I could have sworn there was the ability to graphically place a snapshot of the map in Revit (like the Autodesk one) to rotate and locate the building, but it is not available in this version?

I haven't been able to get the location correct using project locations in Revit. There's a good chance I'm not using it properly though.

[Wes Macaulay]

No problem, Beau -- I'll send you the Revit file and you guys can have a look at it. I'll send you a PM later. Thanks to you guys for making this thing and making it work better than Autodesk's GE plugin, LOL

[vennix]

Me too,
I am still experiencing trhe same problems,
After publishing to Google earth the vieuw will change in google earth, but no building will appear.
I was told this has something to do with having a Dutch windows version on my computer.
It was also said there is an update of the plug inn on the autodesk site.
But until now I have not been able to get it to work.
However I was able to find the link on the subscription site now, so we are getting somewhere
slowly....;-)

Geert

[mmason.65315]

Chad,

Sorry - Avatech's Earth Connector never had the importing of images from Google Earth to Revit for placement... We thought about it - but once we knew that Autodesk's version was coming, we figured it wasn't worth investing the time in (now I'm wondering if that was a mistake).

Placement is admittedly tough in our tool - it usually takes two tries. Once to place it generally, and to see where the Model Origin turns out to be in Google Earth - then moving that origin pin to the proper place and re-saving it as KML to use in a second run.

Best Regards,
Matt

(devfeedback (at) avat.com)

[Wes Macaulay]

Thanks Matt -- but at least your version WORKS. Arggh -- I'm going to have to send a message to Adesk about their plugin :evil:

[snurresprett9]

Sooo... Does it work? Is it possible to import a terrain and image from GE and drape the image over the terrain like in SketchUp?

[sbrown]

NOPE. You can get the image in the ADSK plug in but not the terrain.

[assinck]

Me too,
I am still experiencing trhe same problems,
After publishing to Google earth the vieuw will change in google earth, but no building will appear.
I was told this has something to do with having a Dutch windows version on my computer.
It was also said there is an update of the plug inn on the autodesk site.
But until now I have not been able to get it to work.
However I was able to find the link on the subscription site now, so we are getting somewhere
slowly....

Geert

I have the same problem. The view changes, but google earth doesn't show the model.
I also work with a dutch version of Windows XP.
I'm running the latest versions of Revit and the plugin.

Just for ruling out that it has anyting to do with de dutch version of windows I am going to try using globe link on a PC with an English version of Vista (with dutch language pack).
I wil report my findings.

Grz

[assinck]

I tried the plugin with Vista Eng.

Same problem....