A BIMcollab space is a platform that offers an array of online model viewing features, allowing users to navigate through models, analyze properties, and address issues. In this article, we will look into the three available model viewing options: BIMcollab Model WebViewer, Forma Data Management integration, and Trimble Connect integration.
BIMcollab Model WebViewer
The BIMcollab Model WebViewer is a powerful tool for viewing IFC models, exploring their properties, and addressing related issues. Project leaders can directly upload models through the Navigation tab, allowing team members to view and interact with them using various issue and document management features.
The following file types are supported in this workflow:
Workflow | IFC |
BIMcollab Model WebViewer (direct upload) | ✓ |
Forma Data Management Integration
The integration with Forma Data Management opens up additional possibilities for users, allowing them to view models directly from an Forma Data Management folder, create new issues, and evaluate existing issues within the BIMcollab web application. This integration is available in certain plans, and it can be tested by Trial for 30 days.
In addition to viewing models directly from Forma Data Management, documents and models can also be added to the BIMcollab project through Document Management using BIMcollab Document Sync. In this workflow, files from Autodesk Forma are uploaded to the Documents tab and can be managed and used within BIMcollab alongside other project data.
Two ways to set up the Forma Data Management integration
a. InUse Forma Data Management as your Common Data Environment (CDE) and view models in BIMcollab with the integrated BIMcollab Model WebViewer (recommended). Find more about it here.
b. Use Forma Data Management as your CDE and view models in BIMcollab using a mirror from the Forma Data Management viewer (Forge viewer).
However, it is important to note that the Forma Data Management viewer does not currently support element selection for issues through this integration.
The following file types are supported in this workflow:
Workflow | IFC | RVT | NWD |
Autodesk Forma → BIMcollab WebViewer | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
Forge Viewer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Trimble Connect Integration
The Trimble Connect integration enables users to view models from the Trimble Connect platform and to create and assess issues directly within the BIMcollab web application. Supported file formats are determined by the capabilities and limitations of the Trimble Connect platform. Similar to Forma Data Management integration, this integration is available in certain plans, and it can be tested on Trial for 30 days.
Set up an integration for the Model tab
To set up a model viewing integration in the Model tab, follow these steps:
Navigate to the project's Settings tab
Select the General menu
Click on Integration
Set up your preferred viewer (BIMcollab WebViewer, Forma Data Management, or Trimble Connect).
