Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
switch associated with that light fixture in parentheses, in the System
Selector drop-down on the System Tools panel of the tab.
Creating switch systems is independent of any circuiting of the lighting
fixtures and switches. You still need to include the switches in the power
circuit for the lighting fixtures if you want to remove them from the
Unassigned category in the System Browser. Having as many elements as
possible assigned to systems helps improve the overall performance of your
model.
Site Lighting
Although you cannot do lighting analysis on site lighting within Revit MEP,
a site lighting design can be useful to coordinate loads within panels and
create a realistic view of the model from the exterior. Locations of poles,
bollards, and other site lighting fixtures can be coordinated with other
utilities within the project site. You can also create renderings to get an idea
of the coverage of your lighting fixtures on the site.
The Site Plan
If you are working with a civil engineering consultant, it is likely that the
engineer is developing the site plan with some sort of CAD software. When
the engineer uses a BIM solution, the 3D information (such as elevation
points and contours) can be shared with Revit. This is necessary only if you
are interested in creating topography within Revit to match the information
in the site file. Otherwise, what you require from your civil engineering
consultant is just linework that represents the layout of the site. Knowing
the layout of parking lots, sidewalks, and major site elements should be
enough for you to generate a site lighting design. In one sense, you are
working with the site plan in the same manner that you would if you were
using a typical 2D CAD system for your design. The difference is that,
with Revit MEP, you can use the data within your design to help make
decisions and to coordinate with other disciplines and project systems. Ask
your consultant for a flat CAD file that you can use throughout the
project—in other words, a file that the consultant will update as changes are
made to the project site.
The civil engineering and architectural consultants on your project may be
sharing files also. At a minimum, the architect would share the building
