Hi Ben,
I'm using Trimble Access on a TSC5 controller, and I've encountered a few recurring issues when working with BIM models, particularly when trying to get them into a usable format on the controller or exported to IFC format.
Here's the breakdown:
- Revit files cannot be imported into Trimble Connect. I've tried multiple times over the past two years without success.
- The same BIM model, when exported in Navisworks format, can be imported into Trimble Connect.
- Trimble Connect doesn't support exporting to IFC or even DXF format.
- The desktop version of Trimble Connect won't function without an active internet connection.
In short, unless you have both an active internet connection and your own copy of Revit, it's extremely difficult to convert the BIM model into IFC format.
Once I manage to import the Navisworks file into Trimble Connect, it gets saved as a TRB file. I can then break this file into smaller areas of interest. However, anything over 10 MB causes performance issues in Trimble Access-it slows down to the point where even basic tasks like resections become problematic.
That said, once these smaller TRB files are uploaded to the controller, I'm able to perform setting-out tasks effectively and bring the BIM model to life in the field.
Kind Regards
Andrew
Original Message:
Sent: 4/7/2025 12:33:00 AM
From: Ben Broad
Subject: RE: [Bug] Trimble Connect plugin v2.0.6 creates random 3D views (Revit 2023)
Hi Andrew,
I would second Bart's recommend to utilize IFC, which is designed as an opensource exchange format and is widely supported. If size is a concern there is an IFCZIP format that utilises a higher level of compression to bring the file size down closer to Navisworks. Trimble Connect supports both IFC and IFCZIP and can handle models of that size fairly comfortably. I'm not sure what survey controller software you are running but if it is Trimble Access or FieldLink then either of these can load a model from Trimble Connect and you can pick points straight off the model for stakeout in the field.
But if you are doing a lot of setting out jobs and you really want to invest in BIM to streamline creation of setout points you might want to look at our Trimble Field Points product. This is a plugin for Revit that has a range of smart point creation workflows: https://www.trimble.com/en/products/building-construction-field-systems/field-points
FieldPoints is more aimed at construction setout where you might have 400 hanger penetrations you need to set out on a deck - so it lets you easily create these points in bulk. But nothing stopping you for using it for more traditional survey applications.
I'd recommend getting in touch with your local Trimble reseller - they should be able to help you figure out the right approach.
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Ben Broad
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2025 07:10
From: Andrew Newmarch
Subject: [Bug] Trimble Connect plugin v2.0.6 creates random 3D views (Revit 2023)
Hi Bart,
I need the BIM model so I can export specific areas to the Trimble survey controller for setting out and building everything contained in the model.
From what I understand, Revit can export to IFC, but the file sizes are extremely large. The current Revit model is 1.4 GB, and I doubt anyone has attempted an IFC export of this size. In contrast, the Navisworks file is around 500 MB and imports into Trimble Connect Desktop without any issues.
Trimble Connect does not support exporting to IFC format or even DXF
One of the most critical aspects of the BIM model is the ability to click on points and extract their coordinates. Unfortunately, most free BIM viewers seem reluctant to provide this functionality. Even Trimble Connect does not allow users to export coordinates or setting-out points.
Another frustration is that Trimble Connect Desktop requires an internet connection to function.
In the past, things were much simpler with conventional drawings that included setting-out points (SOPs). You could just use those to build the project. Even better was receiving a DXF file, which could be imported into any CAD system or survey instrument.
Now, BIM models are often locked into specific software platforms that are prohibitively expensive. The costs have risen so much that these platforms are now only available as rentals. Software vendors go to great lengths to restrict access to BIM models, ensuring that only their proprietary software can be used.
Original Message:
Sent: 4/2/2025 9:21:00 AM
From: Bart van Es
Subject: RE: [Bug] Trimble Connect plugin v2.0.6 creates random 3D views (Revit 2023)
Hi Andrew,
In that case, the following 2 solutions might work for you:
- Ask your client for an IFC, which can be loaded in Connect without Revit.
- Use Revit in Viewer Mode, which does not require a license. It will allow you to use most functionality, with the limitation that you can't save the model, nor export it after making changes.
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Bart van Es
Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2025 05:48
From: Andrew Newmarch
Subject: [Bug] Trimble Connect plugin v2.0.6 creates random 3D views (Revit 2023)
Thanks Bart,
I don't think the client would install plugins just for me. They publish the Revit and Navisworks models and expect people to use them.
Original Message:
Sent: 4/2/2025 8:07:00 AM
From: Bart van Es
Subject: RE: [Bug] Trimble Connect plugin v2.0.6 creates random 3D views (Revit 2023)
Hi Andrew,
The ability to upload Revit files with Trimble Connect Desktop is a beta feature, which does not support all Revit versions. We recommend using the Trimble Connect for Revit add-in, as this supports the latest Revit versions and provides the best quality.
To upload models with the add-in, one indeed has to run it from within the Revit environment. You could do this yourself, or instruct your client to publish directly to your project.
------------------------------
Bart van Es
Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2025 03:34
From: Andrew Newmarch
Subject: [Bug] Trimble Connect plugin v2.0.6 creates random 3D views (Revit 2023)
Hi Bart,
Just checking.
I can get my hands on the Revit BIM model but have never been able to import into Trimble Connect desktop version.
It looks like it's importing but after a few days , I pull the plug.
If I get this same BIM model but in Navisworks format then it imports into Trimble Connect with no problems.
Are you saying that the only way to get Revit BIM models into Trimble Connect is to install plugin software to Revit and then export from Revit.
So am I correct in thinking that Trimble Connect is not able to import Revit BIM models if my client publishes the Revit model.
Original Message:
Sent: 4/2/2025 4:05:00 AM
From: Bart van Es
Subject: RE: [Bug] Trimble Connect plugin v2.0.6 creates random 3D views (Revit 2023)
Hi Syl,
This issue has been resolved with the latest release: Trimble Connect for Revit 2.00.7 | Release Notes | April 1, 2025
In the future, we recommend contacting your Trimble Customer Support representative when you run into issues like this. Doing so will improve our ability to resolve the issue and keep you informed on the progress.
------------------------------
Bart van Es
Original Message:
Sent: 02-21-2025 04:09
From: Syl S.
Subject: [Bug] Trimble Connect plugin v2.0.6 creates random 3D views (Revit 2023)
Hello,
I recently updated my Trimble Connect plugin for Revit (2023) and it immediatly introduced a bug which made the program crash on several occasion upon the first day of use.
Whenever changing views, Trimble Connect appears to create new 3D views. It can clearly be seen in the Undo history, see below.
Also the Trimble Connect tab also does not show at all sometimes, unclear why.
It leads to the creation of dozens, potentially an infinite number of 3D views if you're not careful, see second picture.
This wouldn't be so much of a problem if I could easily roll back to the previous version, but installers for previous versions are unavailable.
As an engineer I like that things 1) do not get changed for no reason, 2) work. This update violates both these principles and I'm not sure how it ever got approved in the first place.
Best regards,
S.
