Today we explain in detail, the workflow to create 3D conceptual buildings and site topography from real-world map data using Dynamaps as a driving tool to achieve the goal.

#Dynamaps is a dynamo package that was developed by Mostafa El Ayoubi El Idrissi who also developed the Data Shapes package in Dynamo. It has been made accessible for download in the dynamo package manager. Its essence is to bring into your Revit model, a 3D schematic representation of your project’s real-world environment. This is usually useful when carrying out processes like environmental studies, route analysis, energy modeling, generative design, and also schematic renders. Information about the workflow involved in using this package has already been provided in the DynamoBim webpage https://dynamobim.org/dynamaps/, however, we would bring to you a snippet of how we use it on our end.

#STEP 1: Obtain your project’s real-world coordinates from map sources such as google maps, google earth, and open street maps. This can be done by simply right-clicking on your project’s specific location in google maps (for example) and then copying it out. These coordinates in N/S would be inputted into Dynamaps to locate your project site inside of dynamo.

#STEP 2: Paste the coordinates inside the Address toolbar inside the Dynamaps map locator/preview; this can be opened up in the dynamo view tab. When this is done, set the Topography density to the level you prefer (preferably the maximum at 40). This creates 40 points per axis of your site topography. When this is all done, hit the PUSH TO DYNAMO button. This generates the 3D buildings and topography data and sends it to dynamo ready for use. Ensure your units are set to meters to reduce computation time and geometric scaling set to LARGE.

#STEP 3: Build up the script based on your requirements. There are three major groups in the Dynamaps package namely; LIVE, REVIT, and UTILS. Each group performs specific functions. Each group contains other groups that help build up the workflow to create 3D Buildings, roads, and topography. Follow the script image below.

#STEP 4: After successfully connecting all required nodes, hit the run button to visualize what your environment would look like inside of Revit; this is the obvious 3D background preview inside of Dynamo.

#STEP 5: You can distinguish each geometry category (Buildings, Topo, Roads, and Trees) by adding a geometry color preview node which gives each geometry a different color for easy identification.

This whole geometry build-up can be sent to Revit as an Import category or families. The buildings appear in Revit as families within a specific category which you specify whilst the Topo comes into Revit as Revit’s topography. The #Dynamaps package is flexible and can be utilized in creative ways to achieve specific project goals. Many thanks to Mostafa El Ayoubi El Idrissi for coming up with this awesome package!!!