Convert Contextual Data

After acquiring contextual data for a Forma scenario, you can convert the data to Revit elements. You can then modify those elements to incorporate them into your overall design.

Note: As a Forma Connected Client, Revit offers Forma capabilities that are part of a technology preview (tech preview), which means that it's new and continuously improving. Learn more.

Examples:

• After ordering terrain, you want to excavate some areas to prepare the site. When you convert the terrain, it becomes one Revit toposolid. Use standard Revit tools and workflows to make changes to the toposolid.
• After ordering buildings for the region surrounding your model, you want to adjust some buildings to reflect recent real-world changes. When you convert the data set, each building is converted to a Revit Site element (a DirectShape). You can move, rotate, or delete each building separately.

Currently, only terrain and contextual buildings are supported for conversion to Revit. Additional support for data type conversion may expand over time.

Tip: If you plan to convert terrain to toposolids, use this sequence: 1. Order terrain. 2. Order buildings. 3. Convert terrain. This approach ensures that the models display in the scenario correctly.

The following instructions assume you have already performed the steps to order contextual data.

To convert contextual data

1. Open the model in Revit.
2. Click Collaborate tab > Manage Models panel > (Manage Scenarios).

   The Manage Scenarios panel lists the models that are available for the scenario. Contextual data sets are listed under Other models.

3. To ensure that you have the most recent updates for the scenario, click Refresh.
4. Under Other models, for the contextual data set to convert, click the More menu to the right of its name, and click Convert to Revit.

   A message provides detailed information about the conversion process.

5. Click Convert.

   When the conversion process is complete, a success message displays.

6. Click Close.

With the contextual data converted to elements in the current Revit model, its listing under Other models disappears from the Manage Scenarios panel. You can now edit the elements as desired. You can also adjust their Visibility/Graphics settings to help distinguish them from other elements.

When you select one of these elements in a view, the Properties palette displays information about the origins of the element under Identity Data: This data came from, Attribution License, and Attribution URL. These properties help to preserve details of its source.