CC1705

EVENT focus
3D Repo - a montage of London’s skyline
3D Repo - the Navisworks plug-in
issues and to interact with other project
members.
Although there is considerable freedom
in the way the model is accumulated,
when members are engaged in project
review processes, a system of
administration and authority levels can be
established for designated roles,
ensuring only concluded actions can be
closed by those with the correct authority.
Issues created can be tracked and
measured in order to give insight into
how the project is performing and what
risks may be ahead.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Storing data in the NoSQL database
means that multiple models can be
uploaded and enriched with data from
other sources such as asset registers or
ERP systems as required. Storing data in
this way and optimising the models
means 3D Repo can federate models on
a large scale in the web browser for easy
collaboration, with no need to install
expensive software packages.
In the case of asset management, the
amount of information that can be
uploaded can be substantial, ranging
from equipment and maintenance
manuals, supplier information, and even
operation videos and training material.
Whilst not provided as an integrated
asset management application, any
company wishing to use the data stored
in the cloud for such purposes will be
assisted by 3D Repo to set up the
required links and processes, using the
company's App manager.
MAINTAINING ASSETS IN 3D REPO
One of the biggest issues discussed at
the COBie seminar was the need to
maintain all of the data assets in a large
3D visualisation model when they come
from many different sources, and from
authors with different skills and tools,
whilst retaining consistency of the
model. In the largest projects, it is also
inevitable that a number of people will
be working concurrently on the same
part of a 3D scene.
Faced with this issue Dr Jozef Dobos,
founder and CEO of 3D Repo, described
in a whitepaper how the company
developed a unified and integrated
framework that supports collaborative
editing and the distribution of 3D assets,
and which tracks multiple revisions of 3D
assets for integration at a later date. As it
is based around the NoSQL database, it
also avoids the constraints of a filebased
system.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
3D Repo can be used in the performance
monitoring of structures, either during
construction or in operation. This can
involve the installation of cameras on
building sites to provide sequential
records of construction, and
environmental or pressure sensors to
record any external conditions that affect
the integrity of comfort in the building.
This is possible due to the structure of 3D
Repo, making it a perfect tool to receive
real time data and act as an integration
point and visualisation engine for any
type of IoT device needing a big data
repository for all project information.
Once data is stored in the system, it
becomes accessible to various querying
opportunities for analysis. The simplest of
these is an easy to use command line
utility to query projects and allow for
model checking and data validation.
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
Despite the somewhat complex sounding
technology behind the 3D Repo solution,
Andrew Norrie was keen to emphasise
the simplicity of use. The support of
formats familiar to the user, made
accessible through the platform, reduces
the need to learn new software or
techniques. The use of common
browsers to view data makes it
accessible regardless of discipline or
location, and the inclusion of version
control, system administration and
authority levels allow for management
and retrospective reporting.
Finally, the integration with advancing
technologies such as VR, AR and gaming
make it instantly engaging and
accessible while enabling information to
be shared with a wider audience.
www.3drepo.org
May/June 2017 15