Create a data exchange from a federated Revit model for Power BI

00:03

In construction and architectural project management,

00:07

it is standard practice to create models that include multiple linked Revit models.

00:12

These can cover various aspects, such as architecture, furniture, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing).

00:21

In some cases, entire buildings are each contained in separate Revit files and linked into a unified file,

00:28

often referred to as a federated model.

00:31

You can create Data Exchanges from federated models that include the contents of the linked Revit files.

00:38

Begin in Revit with an open federated model that links to the original Revit models,

00:43

and with the Revit Data Exchange Connector open.

00:46

In this case, one model contains only architecture-related elements,

00:51

the second model includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing elements,

00:56

and the third model contains furniture items.

00:59

All three models are linked into this Revit file.

01:03

It is recommended to create a custom project parameter within each linked model.

01:08

This parameter will help to identify and distinguish the elements in subsequent workflows.

01:14

For example, in the linked Revit file, set a Revit Linked Model custom property to MEP for all relevant elements,

01:22

and similarly, create custom properties for architecture and furniture.

01:28

In this case, a Data Exchange is already created using the Revit connector.

01:34

From Autodesk Docs, in the Model Browser, you can filter for different categories using the project parameters,

01:41

such as architecture, MEP, and furniture-related items.

01:47

Expand one of the nodes to work on individual items independently.

01:52

Open the properties for one of the items to review both built-in and custom properties from the linked Revit model.

01:59

Here, you see the Revit Linked Model custom property created previously.

02:04

Once a Data Exchange is loaded into Power BI, you can build a detailed dashboard.

02:10

Using the custom properties, you can filter elements related to linked models by selecting the relevant checkbox, such as MEP.

02:20

Be aware that because an element can be represented by both itself and the RVT link,

02:26

there could be discrepancies in color assignment.

02:29

To mitigate this, from the ribbon, Home tab, Queries panel, select Transform data.

02:37

In the Power Query window, scroll to the right, and in the Revit Category Type Id column click Filter.

02:45

In the drop-down, deselect RVT Links, then click OK.

02:50

This will ensure smooth cross-highlighting and coloring of parts.

02:54

Here, you see the adjusted view in the Autodesk data viewer,

02:58

with elements colored by family and the slicer and charts working seamlessly.

03:03

Using Data Exchanges to view federated Revit models in Autodesk Docs and Power BI allows for end-to-end workflow creation.