Manage Sources: Upload and Update Models, and Run Model Iterations

1) What is a source?

A source is a data container for a file or an external link, such as an IFC model, a drawing (PDF/DWG), an Excel file, or a point cloud. Sources are sorted by discipline and display the date of the last upload.

2) Find and filter sources

In the “Sources” menu, you can search for sources in the header and use filters to narrow down the list (for example, by discipline or type).

3) Create a new source

1. Click “Add Source.”

2. Select the discipline.

3. Enter a name. This is usually the same as the file name, including the file extension.

4. Select the type (for example, Excel, model, plan, or point cloud).

5. Optional: Add a description.

6. Upload a file directly or link to an external file.

7. Optional: Enable “Default View” and decide whether the model run should be executed automatically.

Advanced settings are not necessary in most cases. These include, for example, scaling, pivot (model placement), model run settings, default color, conversion method, material mode, and plan-related settings such as floor, GUID path, or layer path.

Note (Plancal): In some older versions of Plancal, a model may appear rotated in the viewer. In this case, enter the value 26.69 in the Pivot Rotation field.

4) Create or update sources in bulk

To update multiple files, use “Update Sources”:

1. Start the Source Wizard

   

2. Drag and drop files into the window.

3. Existing sources are recognized by their filenames and automatically assigned.

4. For new sources, enter the discipline manually or assign default disciplines to multiple files at once.

   

5. Before uploading, decide whether you want the model run to be executed after the upload is complete.

6. Click “Upload.”

After uploading, you will usually receive an automatic email as soon as the process is complete. You do not need to wait in the wizard window.

5) Supported File Formats (Excerpt)

1. Common BIM formats are supported natively, for example:

2. IFC, NWD, RVT

3. DWG, DWF

4. PDF

5. ZIP

6. Excel (XLS, XLSM, XLSX)

7. Point clouds: LAS, LAZ, E57

6) Upload a Single File

You can also upload files one at a time:

1. Click the “Upload File” icon next to the source.

2. For individual uploads, the file name does not necessarily have to be identical. However, it is recommended that you keep the source name and file name the same.

3. Optionally, you can enable “Update source name” so that the source name is updated to match the file name.

7) Download Files

1. Click the Download button to download the latest version of a source.

2. You can select multiple sources and download them together as a ZIP file.

8) Understanding Source Status

• In Progress: The file is currently being processed.

• Success: Processing was successful.

• Failed: Processing failed. The reason is listed in the source's detailed description.

9) Load Metadata (GUID Linking)

The “Load Metadata” function attempts to link existing model GUIDs to the GUIDs in the database. This allows content to be retrieved and linked correctly during the model run. This is typically done automatically when the model is uploaded.

10) Delete: Delete Model vs. Delete Source

Delete Model

When you delete a model, only the geometry or drawing is removed. The source remains intact. You can choose whether to delete or retain instances.

Delete Source

When you delete a source, the source is removed. You will be asked whether the instances should also be deleted. In most cases, the instances should be deleted as well.

Important: If you do not remove instances when deleting them, they will remain in the database as “ghost” instances. They will not be updated or deleted during subsequent model runs.

11) Frequently Asked Question

Why do I sometimes see “Material (Pset XYZ)” instead of just “Material” in IFC properties?

Check the source’s conversion method. This behavior often occurs with Method v3. Switching to v4 or, alternatively, Legacy usually resolves the issue.