scale is messed up when import revit models

[nelpiper]

Hi guys.

When I import REVIT models into MAX via FBX, the scale is completely wrong which is a pain for applying UVW maps. The way I found arround it is to group the geometry. It works but it seems a little stupid to me. Does anyone know a better method to fix this?

Thanks

[RevitGary]

I have had very bad experiences when grouping Revit objects in max. I do not recommend it. I dont know what to do about your scale problem. make sure max scale is set up correctly before import.

[Tim Fairbanks]

Gary (oops - Nelson, I mean),

 

You might want to try AutoCAD .DWG format. I've had much better results working with imported Revit files by cleaning them up in AutoCAD before importing into 3dsmax.

 

If you have AutoCAD, and you're not transferring materials from Revit into Max, or going back to Revit from 3dsmax, I'd suggest giving it a try.

 

 

TimF

Edited June 16, 2009 by TimF

[Bruce Hart]

Hi,

If you have gone ahead and worked on the geometry already - so that re-importing is not an option, try making a box in Max and then attach it to the geometry that has the wrong scale. Then delete the box at the sub object level, and you will find the remaining geometry will have its scale reset and the UV mapping size should apply correctly.

 

Hope this helps

[RevitGary]

I use the revit recommended "linking" with max and revit. It works pretty well. I havent used it with revit 2010 and max 2010 yet. Apparently it should work better. I think I will stick with the fbx export then xref into max.

 

thanks

[nelpiper]

That's great Bruce.

Thank you.

[dpcaltdcah]

I actually talked to people at Autodesk about this very problem which occurrs because Revit's default system units are feet and max's default system units are inches. If you don't remember to change your system units to feet before creating a file that you will be importing fbx stuff into, this problem happens. you'll have trouble with scale and with mapping and I found all kind of other related problems including problems with the amount things move or extrude in subobject mode. there are plenty of workarounds, sure, but they're all an extra step and a pain in the neck. basically it's a nightmare that we discovered mid project when it was too late to go back and fix it. Autodesk's answer was basically, sorry, tough. why they can't coordinate between their OWN programs, I don't know...

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

I actually talked to people at Autodesk about this very problem which occurrs because Revit's default system units are feet and max's default system units are inches. If you don't remember to change your system units to feet before creating a file that you will be importing fbx stuff into, this problem happens. you'll have trouble with scale and with mapping and I found all kind of other related problems including problems with the amount things move or extrude in subobject mode. there are plenty of workarounds, sure, but they're all an extra step and a pain in the neck. basically it's a nightmare that we discovered mid project when it was too late to go back and fix it. Autodesk's answer was basically, sorry, tough. why they can't coordinate between their OWN programs, I don't know...

 

 

Correct, when importing a FBX file, it is important to make sure all of the units are set the same. In my attached image, you can see that the file units are set to feet, the system units are set to feet, the scale factor is 1, and the file conversion is to feet.