AECbytes,a trusted name in the construction industry, has reviewed the newly launched BIMx Docs from GRAPHISOFT, the new interactive BIM viewer. This is the next gen app to follow BIMx, which was launched in 2011. It combines 2D drawings and a 3D model into one file, which makes iteasy to use for situations where it is not practical to use a full BIM program. This makes it more efficient than GRAPHISOFT’s earlier BIMx app.
According to AECbytes, BIMx Docs is “the most impressive model-viewing app” they have tested, “with a slick interface and intuitive controls to navigate the model.” This app is incredibly easy to use and works well on devices like the iPad. It offers comprehensive understanding of the contexts of a BIM project by integrating the 2D and 3D components of the project in innovative ways, such as using hyperlinks, which provide smooth and seamless transitions.
However, BIM is much more than viewing 2D drawing and 3D models, it also provides useful information for any project. BIMx Docs has the ability to display a subset of the object’s characteristics, such as the types of object layers, ID and size, depending on the object in question.
Looking at the shortcomings of this app, AECbytes says that for now BIMx Docs is limited to only ArchiCAD models. Also, the more advanced files can only be opened on iOS at present. An Android version of BIMx Docs would be most welcome and GRAPHISOFThas stated that this might be imminent.
On the whole, AECbytes says, “BIMx Docs provides so much more than just viewing 3D models; it provides a way to get a comprehensive understanding of the entire project by exploring not only the 3D aspects of it but the supporting sheets and documentation as well. The navigation between all the related content is so seamless and intuitive that it is almost absurdly easy to jump from one view to another and quickly explore all of the published content.”
Some of the features that AECbytes would like to see in BIMx Docs are mark-up capabilities, a search option and the facility to control the visibility of various elements, among others. This paid app is a bold move in a world that is still using mostly free ones. However, if this app succeeds, it will pave the way for more professional apps being created for the AEC industry.