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What model types are supported?
GAMMA AR supports .ifc, .nwc/.nwd and .rvt file format.
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What is the maximum model size?
Limitation is mainly related to the size of the file that can be stored on the phone or tablet used for GAMMA AR as well as the performance of the device. The adjustable dynamic loading range allows to work with models of any size (and in case of a complex large model can be reduced to a smaller radius, e.g. 5m).
Tipp: reducing the loading range also improves the performance on less powerful or older devices.
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Is the model size the same in the source file and within the app?
While the source file size is correlated with the size of the file that will be loaded into GAMMA AR after reprocessing for display in augmented reality, it is the way that a model is constructed that will in the end be driving the AR-ready file size. Furthermore, it should be noted that while IFC files remain roughly the same size, Revit files will typically expand 3-5x while Navisworks files could increase more than 10x.
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What can I do to reduce the model size?
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Splitting the model: Instead of uploading one federated model, individual models could be uploaded and be subsequently superimposed on-site. A large model can be split up in several files by area, phase or trade (e.g. with Navisworks).
Best practice: only upload data that is needed.
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Cleaning the model: certain elements (e.g. large, detailed and less useful) can be hidden before publishing and uploading to GAMMA AR (e.g. decorative elements or areas of the construction site that are not relevant for the ongoing construction, rebars in slabs, fences etc.)
Best practice is to avoid loading objects not relevant for the (current) construction.
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Reducing LOD: Typically, this should be done for very detailed elements that add little information on site despite their complexity (e.g. fences and walls with a specific structure instead of “simple” plains).
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Should I rather upload a Navisworks file over several IFC or Revit files as the latter are usually lighter?
The size of the initial file is not the same as the size of the final file prepared for visualization in AR (which usually is larger for Navisworks files compared to other file types). As a best practice, it is recommended to include several smaller files over one federated file (as long as the references are aligned) so as to allow for easier download, a smoother display experience and easier choice of visualized elements.
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Do I need walls to position the model on-site?
No, you can use any vertical object that is standing horizontally the floor. in addition, GAMMA AR supports three positioning methods:
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Positioning with two pins based on any element (existing or not)
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Positioning on gridlines
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Positioning based on QR codes
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Do I need to set levels?
It is recommended to define levels or floor elements for every position where GAMMA AR is expected to be used.
- Why do I not see correct levels when positioning the model?
Chances are that the correct level was not set. If using Revit, the “building storey” property can be used to define floors. Alternatively, levels can also be set by creating a view through the GAMMA BIM Portal. - What kind of units are supported?
Metric (mm, cm, m) and imperial (feet, feet & inches) - How to export an IFC from AutoCAD Architecture/MEP with floors?
See here. - What happens if I upload a new version of the model?
If a new version of the same model is uploaded, the version counter will be updated and the users will receive a notification that a new model was uploaded to the platform and is ready for download. If the model is uploaded on portal, the model name should be the same. Only the latest version will be visible in the platform and in the app.
Good to know: If a new model is uploaded into one of the integrations (e.g. ACC or BIM360), a notification within the project list of the GAMMA BIM portal will suggest to update the current model to the latest version. - What is the difference between revoke and force revoke?
When the license manager/organizer wants to reassigns a license to a different user, the license needs to be “revoked”. The user receives a notification that he/she needs to confirm. Only then can the license be activated for a different user. In case of force revoke, the user does not have to confirm, but will not be able to receive access again. The force revoked license is immediately reassignable.
Good to know: force revoke should only be used when the normal revoke might not work (e.g. in cases of device loss or resignation of employees). - I force-revoked a seat and cannot reactivate it.
Access to GAMMA AR can be granted again after a month to users whose access was force-revoked. - I have registered already but am now asked to register again.
Make sure that you chose the right region (Global vs EU)