File Monitor Question

[colbye]

I am working on a large file using many contributors. The architect posts central files to an ftp site, I download, reload and make changes. I am wondering if there is a way to determine all of the relevant changes in the posted central files as updated versions are made available? What I want is to specify what I want to monitor (ceiling height, soffits and wall height; for example) then every time I reload an updated central file I would be notified of any changes from the previous version. Currently I have to open every central file posted to determine changes.

[eric.piotrowicz]

Use the Copy/Monitor funtion in the tools menu. Pick the linked project the elements are part of and then begin picking all the elements you want to keep tabs on. If they change the next time the model is reloaded you will get a warning to do a Coordination Review. In the dialog box is a list of all the elements thats changed and it asks if you want to accept changes or ignore for each. The Help menu has a good discription of this tools full capabilities and how to use them.

[colbye]

Use the Copy/Monitor funtion in the tools menu. Pick the linked project the elements are part of and then begin picking all the elements you want to keep tabs on. If they change the next time the model is reloaded you will get a warning to do a Coordination Review. In the dialog box is a list of all the elements thats changed and it asks if you want to accept changes or ignore for each. The Help menu has a good discription of this tools full capabilities and how to use them.

So I was looking into copy/monitor in the help command and an the Revit Architecture 2009 [no MEP book I can find]. It seems to me that this function is limited to grid, level, floor, wall, opening or column. Am I missing where I might find a ceiling or soffit monitoring function? I cannot seem to select ceilings in this function. I was able to form relationships between the aforementioned elements. As a lighting designer the ceilings are the most important, especially as I cannot see height changes unless in 3D or elevation and light fixtures and ceilings in plan view will not indicate height modifications.

[Simon.Whitbread]

Currently you cannot copy / monitor ceilings and soffits. But you could place you light fittings as 'face based elements' on the linked files ceiling.

Using this method reduces the need to check every room to see if there are changes by the Architect. It does have its downside though, you have to rely on the Architect CHANGING a ceiling, NOT deleting and replacing with new. If he does this - you'll have a whole lot of messages (one for each luminaire!) that the host no longer exists - you you want to select a new one?

Sometimes it is better to have 'level based fittings' and provide an offset. Yes, you will have to check each room (although hopefully the architect will tell you all the changes!). But if its early in the design, and things are fluctuating, the architect might even have an option for NO ceiling, at least YOU have FULL control of where the lights are. Personally I'd want to reduce my risk as much as possible.

Of course, you could always place you own ceilings and turn off the Architectural ones - the Architect might not set them out effieciently for lights etc. This can be done on an individual basis aswell.

[colbye]

Currently you cannot copy / monitor ceilings and soffits. But you could place you light fittings as 'face based elements' on the linked files ceiling.

Using this method reduces the need to check every room to see if there are changes by the Architect. It does have its downside though, you have to rely on the Architect CHANGING a ceiling, NOT deleting and replacing with new. If he does this - you'll have a whole lot of messages (one for each luminaire!) that the host no longer exists - you you want to select a new one?

Sometimes it is better to have 'level based fittings' and provide an offset. Yes, you will have to check each room (although hopefully the architect will tell you all the changes!). But if its early in the design, and things are fluctuating, the architect might even have an option for NO ceiling, at least YOU have FULL control of where the lights are. Personally I'd want to reduce my risk as much as possible.

Of course, you could always place you own ceilings and turn off the Architectural ones - the Architect might not set them out effieciently for lights etc. This can be done on an individual basis aswell. Thank you, that is quite helpful.