Autodesk has been working towards realizing its vision of providing a leading platform for better Design & Make data management across the different industries we serve using Autodesk Data Models. After running exclusive private beta programs with select AEC customers and incorporating their valuable feedback, our newest Data Model for the Architecture, Engineering & Construction industry, the AEC Data Model, is now available in Public Beta!
What is the AEC Data Model?
In short, the AEC Data Model breaks up monolithic AEC files, like .rvts and .dwgs, into valuable bits of granular data that are managed on a secured cloud. That granular, object-level data is then made accessible via easy-to-use APIs.
Through the AEC Data Model, we look to deliver a platform that prioritizes a transparent and common language of describing AEC data, allowing for real time access to this data and ensuring that the right data is available to the right people at the right time.
The AEC Data Model APIs will allow developers to read, write, and extend subsets of models through cloud-based workflows through a single interface without the need to write custom plug-ins for desktop authoring applications like Civil 3D, Revit, Plant3D and other civil architectural design applications. Our mission with the AEC Data Model is to support iterative and distributed customer workflows, spanning multiple experiences and capabilities, to support delivery of the complex requirements of projects in today's growing industry. Making AEC data more accessible and interoperable starts with structuring it so that it can be mapped and connected across systems, which is a key capability that our AEC Data Model APIs enable.
What can you do with the AEC Data Model API today?
Today, the APIs are read-only for querying elements and their properties data from your published Revit 2024 models. Moving forward, we are committed to unlocking more data and value as we progress through our journey, so check back often for new data and new capabilities.
The AEC Data Model API exposes these capabilities through a user-friendly GraphQL interface tailored to the AEC industry. You can programmatically:
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Navigate to your ACC (Autodesk Construction Cloud) account(s)/hub(s), project(s), and design(s) to retrieve granular data such as elements, parameters, and their values.
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Retrieve the different versions of a design and query for elements at specific design version.
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Search for elements within a design or across designs within a project or hub using specified search criteria.
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List all available property definitions in a design or project.
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Query elements based on their properties such as Categories (doors, windows, pipes, etc.) OR Parameter Name + Value (Area, Volume, etc.).
The first instalment of the AEC Data API enables:
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Automation of workflows like identifying anomalies within design files for better quality control, locating null/missing data.
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Generation of quantity takeoffs, schedules, procurement dashboards, reports and so on.
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Web apps to visualize and engage with granular elements - properties and compare changes between different versions of a design.
How can you get involved?
If anything, you have read so far interests you, then request to join our public beta program here.
We will provide you with extensive documentation and code samples on this new feature through Autodesk Platform Services. We also have a Data Explorer application that can be useful to test out the queries against your data, understand the syntax and the schema.
Your feedback is critical in shaping the future of AEC Data, dramatically improving how we interoperate across apps and share data across teams in this industry. So engage with us on our Roadmap and stay tuned for more updates, new capabilities, and expanded features!
We are excited for you to take part and evaluate how these APIs can help improve your unique workflows, build Proof of Concepts with them, and provide feedback!