In terms of multi-user functionality, Revit 3.0 introduces worksets, which enable team members to work simultaneously on separate sections of a building model. Although all team members can view an entire model at any time, they can edit only those workset components of the building model that they have checked out, (and which can only be checked out by one person at a time). Any changes made to a component will be updated throughout the model when it is checked back in to the system.
Since architectural teams can work simultaneously on different aspects of the model, and since all changes are made parametrically throughout the life of a project-all the way to the generation of construction documents at the end-Revit 3.0 should greatly reduce design cycles, according to its manufacturer.
The product's new 4D capability allows model components to be associated with construction phases and related to each other over time intervals. Multiple generations of phased construction documents can be generated from a single parametric model, and, for an existing structure, multiple generations of renovations can be recorded sequentially in the one model.
Version 3.0 of Revit also comes with additional enhancements, including compound floors and roofs, radiosity, bitmap image support, and dynamic walk-through tools.
Revit most recently introduced Version 3.1 of the software, which offers menus and help text in UK or International (rather than American) English, and in metric format. Version 3.1 also includes a variety of performance upgrades, including audit tracking of design changes for multi-user teams, custom keyboard shortcuts, and 360-degree panoramic renderings of building interiors.
Version 3.1 represents the software's eighth update since it launched in April 2000.
Revit runs on Windows 98/2000/NT/ME systems with at least 128mb of RAM and 250mb of disk space. The product is available on a subscription basis for $199 per seat per month. (Revit Technology Corp.; www.revit.com) -Jenny Donelan