Tobe Builder allows users to create automations using Rhino Grasshopper. An automation is a script that enables users to create custom tools within the Tobe Builder platform. These tools can be used to create complex geometry based on simple user inputs.

Citizen developers with Grasshopper skills are welcome to create new tools and upload and share them with other users. Finished instances of automated objects can be managed like BIM/Prefabs/Resources. Finished objects can be downloaded as a coordinated IFCs file, which can be used downstream in other BIM applications such as Revit, Navisworks or Asta Powerproject.

Contact EIC Activities for assistance and training in parametric modelling.

Artem Uzdaykin - artem.uzdyakin@eicactiv.com

Parametric Lead – EIC Activities

Any user can use a automation once it has been registered within Tobe Builder. To create a new automation instance, select the automation thumbnail from the automation menu, all inputs will be controlled via the Inspector. This will populate the instance parameter window in the inspector, by completing each required field, and inputting a line, or polygon shape within the model window, users can trace out the key inputs for the parametric automation to run.

Once all fields are complete, users trigger the automation via the apply button. This will trigger a remote cloud server running Rhino Grasshopper to create the geometry and BIM properties and return a coordinated IFC to virtual builder.

Automations by default are set to ‘cut terrain’, so trenches and pits will cut out any GIS terrain or scene layers above the generated geometry. If you don’t wish for this to occur you can select the resulting IFC file from the BIM hierarchy, and turn off terrain cutting via the ‘scissor’ icon.

Once the automation is complete, a thumbnail will appear for each automation instance within the ‘Automation Instances’ window, users can select the resulting automations by clicking on the thumbnail, selecting the IFC file from the BIM hierarchy, or via selecting the object directly in the model window.

Users can edit input geometry and re-run the automation at any time by selecting edit on the instance parameters panel, changing the inputs, and then hitting apply. Coordinated IFC files can also be downloaded from this panel via the cloud icon.

The line tool has two draw modes, that can be switched by CTRL+SPACE. One mode allows the user to add extra points to the end of the line, while the other allows user to edit the position of existing points, and also add points between by intersecting the line.

Advanced users can download existing automations (as .ghx grasshopper format) and edit or create new automations to perform new and difference actions using Rhino grasshopper. Once the grasshopper model is complete, the resulting ghx file is uploaded to virtual builder, and the correct automation instance parameters are mapped to the GH model input names.

Automations are powerful tools within the GIS platform that can help you easily manipulate the datasets of the ground layers, both standard elevation layers and 3D mesh scene layers created from drones or LIDAR survey. This powerful capability helps save you time and effort when you're trying to get your ground layers correctly set up and ready for further analysis.

The GIS platform offers a wide selection of Automations that can be used. The selection of Automations includes the Pit, Batter, Bench and elevated pad tool for editing over large areas, and the trench, benched trench, and embankment tools for linear earthworks.

The Pit tool allows you to quickly create a pit, or a depression, over a large area. You specify a depth and width, and the tool automatically creates the pit, redesigning the surface to fit the specifications with minimal effort.

The Batter tool is similar to the pit tool, but instead of creating a pit, it creates a ramped surface similar to a shelf. With this tool, you specify the depth, width, and length of the batter, and then the tool automatically creates the angled surface.

The Bench tool creates long, thin ridges at fixed intervals. The parameters you control with this tool include the length, depth, and width of the bench as well as the interval between benches. The Bench tool offers a way to quickly create even terraces over a wide area.

The Elevated Pad tool creates depressions of uniform depth around a raised center, much like the raised center of a doughnut. You specify the dimensions of the center part of the pad as well as the size of the depression around it.

If you need to create a linear shape in the ground layers, the Trench tool is the one to use. You specify the length, depth, and width of the trench, and the tool creates the trench shape.

The Benched Trench tool is also for creating linear shapes, but instead of a battered trench wall, it creates a series of benches down to depth.

Finally, there is the Embankment tool, which is used to create a elevated surface over any length. You specify the length, depth, and angle of the embankment, and the tool automatically creates the elevated embankment, this tool can also be used to make ramps from an area of elevation, down to a lower elevation.

Using these Automations you can quickly and easily create complex shapes in your ground layers, or edit existing layers, saving you time and effort.