The FBX import/link or 3ds Max does not create layers based on the file content.

Run this script on freshly imported Revit models via FBX.  It will move all objects on a Layer that corresponds to the Category and Family as illustrated:

It will also restore original Meta data into Parts which are imported without Categories Names, Family Names and Family Types Names.

This script is not a plugin and does not save data in the scene.  You only need to run it on demand.  Note that some entities imported via FBX do not contain meta data from Revit (this is a bug on the Revit side).  Those entities, typically railing posts, lights and parts will remain untouched and left on their original layer.

Note: this assumes that the meta data is available after the FBX import or link. In other words, using Combine by Material will get rid of the Meta information about families (because objects get combined togheter).

Click here to download the script

1. Fine-Tune Your Autodesk® Revit® Models for Autodesk 3ds Max®

• • Class handout here

1. Stump the Autodesk® 3ds Max® Champions

The first one will be on the topic of Daylight Simulation  with 3ds Max Design 2010. The second one will be about strategies to estimate optical characteristics of surface finishes for accurate renderings.

Daylight and Lighting Analysis with Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2010:

• How to predict lighting levels in a scene lit with daylight or electric light
• Finding correct values of reflectance and transmittance for the building materials you create and using these values in a lighting render of an existing building
• Importing and using the correct photometric information for a particular manufacturer’s light fitting
• Creating animated daylight simulation studies and experiencing your building in a dynamic way
• Limitations of lighting analysis programs
• Using MAXScript to perform advanced lighting analysis tasks

Capture and Acquire Appearances of Real World Materials for Improved Accuracy in Renderings:

• Rendering engines and color
• Gamma Correction and Linear Workflow
• Color acquisition devices comparison
• Measuring optical characteristics of materials in an affordable way
• Using this data correctly in Physically Based rendering engines

 
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