Mike Engel
Attributing data outside of a model environment
The increasing complexity and scale of information required for modern AECO projects presents significant challenges. Traditional methods of consolidating data within a single BIM model, particularly in a solitary Revit file, are becoming increasingly inadequate.
Last year, we made significant strides by unlocking element-level data from Revit, making it accessible outside the BIM model. This year, we are advancing further by delivering capabilities to extend this data directly and apply custom properties through multiple experiences, delivered both via API and within our Autodesk Construction Cloud product interface.
This enables users to contribute project data on elements without the need to edit or copy the data directly into the Revit file. As such, more project stakeholders – not just those with expertise using Revit – can engage with model data and leverage it to inform the decisions they’re making daily on each project and design. The Autodesk AEC data model supports the collaborative definition of model data that is native to the cloud.
We are taking the first step to decoupling authoring applications such as Revit from remaining the sole tools available for contributors to access project models’ information. With the delivery of GraphQL extensibility our AEC Data Model API beta unlocks the ability to extend your projects’ data, allowing users to add custom properties to models via direct, API-enabled integration.
This extensibility capability can unlock significant changes to how properties across modeling authoring tools like Revit are created and populated. Stakeholders can append information to a model element or property without that information residing in the model and increasing the file size.
For example, a construction firm could append cost information from their costing database externally to the Revit model. This data no longer must reside within the Revit file, subsequently reducing model bloat and protecting your intellectual property while your models are shared with stakeholders.
In the following video, we show how non-Revit users can use this type of functionality to update important project information without opening Revit.
Users can currently report on properties and property values with the API. Now, the API will expand beyond a read-only approach, allowing users to write data back into the model as well. This robust capability for AECO professionals will enable substantial enhancements to model data management processes, supporting increasingly data-driven digital project delivery requirements.
Gain early access to test and share feedback our latest capabilities
Customer input is a vital aspect of helping us create solutions that work for you and your team. Our beta process provides early access to test and provide feedback on our newest capabilities before they are released.
Our AEC data model public roadmap further highlights our strategic product focus areas along with where we are headed. Explore our upcoming plans and vote on the new functionality that is most important to you.
Learn more: AEC Data Model API Beta // Content Catalog Beta // ACC Experiences
How to access the AEC Data Model API
Since its launch in 2024, the Autodesk AEC data model has democratized access to model data across project teams and been activated on over 40,000 projects, helping project stakeholders make more informed decisions based on trusted data. And the power of this information model is constantly expanding.
The AEC data model is available to all Autodesk Docs subscribers and expands Autodesk Docs capabilities as a common data environment by extending powerful permissions, management, and collaboration capabilities beyond files to granular data. Your organization can now benefit from these new capabilities where you work today, in Docs, rather than adopting a new tool. Learn how to activate the AEC data model on your hub here.
Please click here to sign up and join the Extensibility Public BETA.