Automation in Revit: Advanced Techniques

Creating a Dynamo script that uses Dynamo Player

You need a user interface to run scripts quicker and let non-dynamo users run your scripts. A user interface gives you the ability to change script inputs without opening the script itself. This project investigates how to give your users more choices and customizability in running your scripts.

Output data for user review

Not only can you have input in Dynamo player, but you can also give your user information by running the script. This is something we look at in this project. We also go into depth about other types of output, like CSV and DWG.

Creating a Parametric Family for Automation

We create a family that is ready for automation purposes, with parameters connected to the resulting shape of the family so that Dynamo can interact not only with parameter data and the position of the object but also with the shape of it.

Automating a Complex Task Using Dynamo

To try out our new family, we create a Dynamo script that chooses a size of a family instance depending on external factors and elements. Our script checks parameters depending on external values and looks at the placement of the resulting family instances.

Integrating Multiple External Data Sources with Revit

This project focuses on communicating with multiple sources and Revit, creating a complex script that makes Revit a focal point of data from different parts of our project and business.

Debugging a Complex Automation Script

We have, at this point, gone through many different scripts. It’s time to look at what can go wrong and how we can fix it. You already have some ideas from the Essentials training, but this time we dig a bit deeper and look at more complex issues. Including:

• Investigate error messages
• Identify the first occurrence of error
• Run script step-by-step
• Check outcomes of nodes
• Check data types of outputs compared to expected inputs
• Examine list depth and indices
• Isolate custom code and test it independently
• Revit and Dynamo versions

Implementing an Automation Project Based on a Case Study

We look at how one might take inspiration from a case study and implement it in your own project. This is to connect to your real-life scenario of not knowing where to start but knowing the goal. Together we walk through a project where you have been tasked with automating a critical and time-consuming step.  

Automated High-rise building core layout and services design

For the final project, we combine our learned skills from the previous days and the Essential training to script:

• Starting up a Revit project
• Scope box creation
• View template creation
• Sheet creation
• Element creation
• Element modification
• Data import and export
• Reviewing the revit file
• Documenting the workflow and presenting the project

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