Google Mobile Maps

During a meeting with Mike the other day, he mentioned traffic may be an issue going to the airport that afternoon and mentioned a good way to check using my blackberry. Introducing Google Mobile Maps. Logging on to the site www.google.com/gmm from my phone, it recognized the device instantly and then proceeded to download the software. Less than 5 minutes later everything was up and running. Pretty cool, oh and I made the flight with little traffic. :)

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Combining directions, maps, and satellite imagery, Google Maps for mobile is a free download that lets you find local hangouts and businesses across town or across the country - right from your BlackBerry.

To download, visit www.google.com/gmm on your BlackBerry browser. (US, France, Italy, Germany, Spain) Detailed directions: Whether you plan to walk or drive, your route is displayed on the map itself, together with step-by-step directions. Integrated search results: Local business locations and contact information appear all in one place, integrated on your map. Easily movable maps: Interactive, draggable maps let you zoom in or out, and move in all directions so you can orient yourself visually. Satellite imagery: Get a bird's eye view of your desired location. Real-time traffic:New! See where the congestion is, and estimate delays in over 30 major US metropolitan areas.

Working With Rooms & Green Building Studio

Rooms play an integral role in any gbXML export for use with Green Building Studio. If the room is not set correctly the geometry attached to the room will not export, thus will not be calculated in GBS. This could also lead to GBS not being able to complete any calculations of your design. The two main complications that can occur are the room's upper limit being incorrect and the calculate room volume box left unchecked. To check the room's upper limit settings you must first select the room object in question, and then browse to the properties.

In the Upper Limit setting you can choose the level which the room extends up to. The Limit Offset allows you to adjust a specified height above or below that level. You can also look at a graphical representation of the room by cutting a section through the room and adjusting the Visibility Graphics of that view. Once you cut your section, go to that view, and enter VV on your keyboard to jump to the Visibility Graphics Override. Once there, browse down to the Room Category on the Models Category tab. Select the + sign next to the room to expand all subcategories and check the box next to Room. Also check the box next to the Interior Fill subcategory under Rooms. This will make the room visible in that section allowing you to graphically ensure that it meets the design intent.

As seen in the rough example above, the room does not extend upwards to meet the roof. This would result in conflicts with the gbXML export. To correct this I need to adjust the Upper Limit and Offset settings. You want to ensure that the roof is completely encompassed by the room.

To ensure that the room volume is calculated prior to a gbXML export you need to browse to the Settings --> Room and Area Settings menu. In the dialog make sure that the Compute room volumes box is checked.

Correctly defining your room heights and calculating it's volume will assist you in producing an accurate gbXML export and in turn will produce an accurate energy model of your design.

New gbXML Information in Revit Building 9.1

Revit 9.1 has added two important settings to be included in a gbXML export. These settings include Building Type and Zip Code of the project. To access these new settings browse to the Settings menu and select Project Information.

Now in the Construction group select Edit in the GBxml Settings value.

Input the appropriate information for your project and you are all set. This information will now be included in any gbXML file you export. Many programs use this information for things such as energy estimates, utility cost, etc.