Working with IFC Data

In the Tags and Categories panel of Element Settings, you can assign and view IFC Attributes, standard and custom IFC Properties, and IFC Classification References. In addition, use Element Settings to carry out element classification (by IFC Element Type (Element Classification), Structural Function, Position and/or Renovation Status).

Use the IFC Manager to get an overview of the IFC hierarchy of the current ArchiCAD project; to navigate between that IFC model and ArchiCAD elements; to manage IFC data from a global perspective; and to create and manage IFC Assignments and IFC Type Products (this function is not available anywhere else). Unlike the Element Settings, you can use the IFC Manager to assign new IFC data not just to building elements and Zones, but to any other spatial elements including Stories, Site, Building and Project.

Note: Naturally, the Attributes, Properties and Classification References defined in the IFC Manager are immediately reflected in the relevant Element Settings dialogs, and vice versa.

	Element Settings dialog	IFC Manager
management level	element-level only	project level
IFC data type	- building elements	- building elements
	- Zone (IfcSpace)	- spatial elements:
		-- IfcProject
		-- IfcSite
		-- IfcBuilding
		-- Story (IfcBuildingStorey)
		-- Zone (IfcSpace)
		- IFC Assignments
		- IFC Type Products
		- IFC Containers
functions	- collects and lists IFC data	- collects and lists IFC data
	- enables to create, edit and delete IFC data	- enables you to create, edit and delete IFC data
	- enables to use predefined rules	- enables you to use predefined rules
	- filters scheme properties	- filters scheme properties
	- filters only IFC data having values	- filters only IFC data having values
		- navigates between the ArchiCAD model and the IFC model
		- displays Zone (IfcSpace) containment
		- enables you to assign elements directly to the IfcSite or IfcBuilding

The IFC model’s data structure can be scheme-driven (see image below). This means that you assign a scheme to a project. Use the scheme-based workflow:

1.to store or create IFC data (Attributes, standard and custom IFC Properties, Classification Reference) which are important to this project

3.to filter the property views of the IFC Manager and Element Settings dialog boxes so that they contain just the scheme data

In sum, the use of a scheme enables you to tailor IFC data management and export at the project level, rather than always having to use the entire IFC standard property database. Specifically, the scheme-based workflow supports the following goals:

•data-specified interoperability with other disciplines using common data mapping

•compliance with strict export requirements of IFC or other documentation standards (see Model View Definitions).

The first two functions of the scheme based workflow (listed above), and management of the scheme’s xml file, are available through the IFC Scheme Setup.

IFC Options settings can have an effect at the project level, with respect to the visualization of the IFC hierarchy and data in the IFC Manager and in data storage.

Use the Find & Select command to search for any elements by their IFC Attribute, IFC Property, or Classification Reference values.

Use the Interactive Element Schedule to list any elements by their IFC Attribute, IFC Property, or Classification Reference values.

Use the Label tool to place Tags and Categories data (including IFC data) assigned to building elements on Floor Plan views, Sections, Elevations, Worksheets, Details, 3D Documents and their exported drawing formats (for example PDF). Add IFC data to Labels in the Custom Settings panel of Label Settings.

Use the Zone Stamp to place Tags and Categories data (including IFC data) assigned to ArchiCAD Zones (IfcSpace) on 2D views and documentation. Add IFC data to Zone Stamps in the Zone Stamp Panel of Zone Settings.