Managing IFC Data Mapping

In a BIM project, you may wish to control whether specific objects and symbol definitions are exported to IFC. The property sets of specific objects can also be controlled prior to export, so export filtering can occur at the object or property set level. In addition, external data attached to objects may need to be mapped to their IFC equivalent prior to export. These settings can be saved with the file as a mapping configuration, allowing you to define, save, and restore multiple custom mapping configurations. Selected IFC object instances can use or not use the mapping.

Here are some examples of when IFC data mapping is useful.

●    You need to add data to an object’s default IFC assignment.

Many Vectorworks objects contain user-defined data that is not included as part of the default IFC assignment. For example, a type designation or acoustic rating for a door will be user-defined data within the door object. These parameters can be mapped to the corresponding IFC parameter values. Mapping allows you to attach property and data set information to objects in addition to the default IFC data.

●    You need to map data from a custom record format to an IFC property set.

In Vectorworks, custom data is attached to objects (default objects, plug-in objects, and custom modeled objects) using record formats. The parameters of a custom record format can be mapped to the correct, corresponding IFC property set. For example, a local code or specification system may be attached to an object through a custom record. The parameters for these records can be mapped to the identified, IFC Classification data set to ensure that the data is transferred during an IFC model exchange.

●    You need to attach a default IFC assignment and property sets to custom modeled objects or symbols.

IFC assignments and property sets can be defined for all custom-made objects, ensuring that each time the custom object is placed in the file, it will receive the appropriate IFC tag assignment.

To manage IFC data mapping:

1. Select the IFC Data Mapping command from the appropriate menu:

●    Architect workspace: AEC > IFC Data Mapping

●    Landmark workspace: Landmark > Architectural > IFC Data Mapping 

●    Spotlight workspace: Spotlight > Architectural > IFC Data Mapping 

The IFC Data Mapping dialog box opens.

►    Click to show/hide the parameters.

Parameter	Description
Settings	Select <Active Settings> to use the mapping configuration set currently selected in the dialog box. To load a saved configuration set from the user folder, select one from the list. The default Vectorworks configuration is also available (all objects are selected for export), in addition to a default COBie configuration. To select a saved set from a local or network drive, click Open to browse to the location and select the file. When selecting a saved configuration: ●    If the saved configuration includes a complete set of objects, the mapping of all the objects changes to the saved configuration. ●    If the saved configuration only contains mapping for a single object, only that object’s mapping changes. ●    <COBie Defaults> contains data mapping for all objects that are currently mapped with IFC data mapping. All field values have at least default empty values (n/a or 0) or have an ELSE clause with default empty values, to fulfill COBie requirements for non-empty worksheet values. ●    <Vectorworks Defaults> restores the default mapping configuration.
Save	Opens the Save Mapping dialog box to name and save the current mapping configuration so that it can quickly be selected as a set
Manage	Opens the Manage Saved Mapping dialog box to rename or delete mapping configuration sets
IFC version	Mapping is dependent upon the IFC version; if changing the version, all current mapping assignments are restored to the default mapping
Objects
Search	Enter one or more search terms in the search box and press Enter to execute the search
Objects list	Lists the drawing’s Vectorworks objects, styled objects (wall, slab, and roof), and IFC entities
Use	Indicates the IFC mapping and IFC export status of the object. ●    No icon: No IFC data or mapping exists for this object; click Change Mapping to assign IFC data for mapping ●    : Mapping is specified for the object, and the object will be exported to IFC; the mapping displays in the IFC Entities/Data sets for this object list ●    : Mapping is specified for this object, but the object is excluded from export by the Export IFC Project command Click in the column to toggle the status of assigned objects and IFC entities between mapped and export, and mapped and do not export.
Object Names/IFC Entities	Provides the name of the Vectorworks object, styled object, or IFC entity
Add New	Adds a custom object to the list of objects. Select the name of the non-standard/third-party object or symbol name to add.
Delete	Removes the selected object or IFC entity from the list
Change Mapping	Assigns IFC data to an object that currently has none, or changes the IFC data assignment of an object. The Select IFC Object dialog box opens, for Assigning IFC Data to Objects. Once an object has IFC data assigned, it can be mapped.
IFC Entities/Data sets for this object	Lists properties and data sets for the selected object
Search	Enter one or more search terms in the search box and press Enter to execute the search
Disclosure arrow	The property sets display hierarchically; click the disclosure arrow to expand the list of Pset properties for the selected item
Use	Indicates whether the property set is currently mapped in the configuration. ●    : The property set, as defined by its mapping formula, is included in the IFC export ●    : The property set is excluded from IFC export
IFC Entities/Psets	Lists IFC entities and their fields from both standard and custom property sets
Type	Displays the type of IFC entity
Add	Opens the Add Mapping dialog box, to map IFC entities to the selected item in the object list, for complex cases such as when defining data mapping to export additional instances. Click Manage Custom Property Sets to enable a record format for use as a custom Pset, making it available for mapping in the Add Mapping dialog box.
Delete	Removes the selected property or data set from the list
Mapping for field	Displays the mapping formula for the selected IFC property
Define Mapping	Creates a mapping formula as described in Creating or Editing a Data Mapping Formula

2. Assign IFC data to any objects or symbol definitions that do not have any, set objects and property sets that should not export to IFC, and/or define mapping formulas.

3. Click OK.

The mapping configuration applies to the active settings.

►    Click here for a video tip about this topic (internet access required).

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Managing IFC Data Mapping Configuration Sets

Creating or Editing a Data Mapping Formula

Using Custom IFC Property Sets

IFC Data Mapping Expressions

IFC Data Mapping Examples

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