CIS/2 to VRML Translator
robert...@gmail.com
available at http://cic.nist.gov/vrml/cis2.html You can download the
Windows version of the translator for free at
http://ciks.cbt.nist.gov/cgi-bin/ctv/ctv_request.cgi or if you're a
current user of the translator, then in the translator, go to the Help
menu and Check for Upgrade.
The major new feature (since version 5.x) of the translator is the
ability to generate an IFC file from a CIS/2 file. The IFC file
generation is much faster in the new version and supports different
schemas, IfcBooleanClipping, IfcPropertySet, and IfcGrid. There have
also been some minor improvements to the VRML output including new
viewpoints, transparency, grid lines, and support for tapered parts.
The mouse wheel now scrolls the status window of the translator.
CIS/2 (CIMsteel Integration Standards) is the product model and data
exchange format for structural steel project information. It has been
adopted by the AISC for their interoperability initiative and has been
implemented by many steel analysis, design, detailing, and fabrication
software packages (http://www.coa.gatech.edu/~aisc/index.php?cat1=1).
The IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) are the product data model
developed by the IAI (International Alliance for Interoperability) to
facilitate interoperability in the building industry. IFC has been
implemented in many software packages
(http://www.bauwesen.fh-muenchen.de/iai/ImplementationOverview.htm).
One of our interests is to see how a CIS/2 file converted to IFC and
imported to an IFC-aware software package can be used to coordinate the
structural steel with other parts of the building such as windows,
walls, doors, floors, and HVAC. For example, a detailed steel model
developed in SDS/2 or Tekla Structures could be exported as a CIS/2
file and translated to IFC. The resulting IFC file could be imported
to Architectural Desktop, ArchiCAD, or Bentley Architecture for model
coordination. We are very interested in getting user feedback about
this use case.
For more information about CIS/2 and IFC, example VRML structures
(including the AISC connection sculpture), and example IFC files, go to
http://cic.nist.gov/vrml/cis2.html VRML is the Virtual Reality
Modeling Language, a standard method to view 3D models on the web with
freely available plugins. http://cic.nist.gov/vrml/vbdetect.html
I would appreciate any feedback and suggestions about the CIS/2 to VRML
and IFC Translator. Please let me know if you would like to be removed
from this mailing list.
Thanks,
Robert Lipman
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
Computer Integrated Building Processes Group
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8630
Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20899-8630
(301) 975-3829 robert...@nist.gov http://cic.nist.gov/lipman/
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