General Points

• The SEMA data store has been divided into subject areas for a clear presentation of all master data folders. The tab "Fasteners" displays all master data folders of the fastener manufacturers, the tab "Roof tiles" displays all master folders of the roof tile manufacturers and the tab "Others" displays all other master folders. <Feature Film New features master folder and SEMA data store>
• Master data folders in the SEMA program can now include an image/logo, file attachments and information. Consequently, the master data folders properties/information have/has been enhanced.
  An image/logo for the master data folder can be defined in the master data manager under properties. Image files in the format "*.svg", "*.ico" and "*.png" can be assigned after opening the import dialog under "Image/Logo". The file selected can be seen in the preview directly after confirmation. The image can be removed via the delete icon. If no Image/Logo has been assigned, the SEMA standard symbol for master data folders will be used.
  Any type of attachment, such as SEMA projects, SEMA settings, Office documents, PDF documents and much more, can be appended to the master data folder under "File attachments". These can be opened/loaded with one click if required.
  More information can be written in the "Information" field. Exemplarily, a comment by the creator, a history, various changes, etc. It is also possible to use hyperlinks (Internet) in this field, for example, to refer to a Web page.
  The Image/Logo is now displayed in front of the folder name in the menu "Change master folder" (=>Master data manager), and in the creation command under "Select the master data folders whose contents are provided". This Image/Logo can be set to "Standard" and "Big" or "No" in the master data under "Master folder" => "Display logo when changing". By selecting the latter, only the name of the folder will be displayed. <Feature Film New features master folder and SEMA data store>
• Many more features and input options have been integrated into Version 19-2 to further enhance working with user information. The option "Note" has been added to the existing four options (information, warning, highlight and task) on the first tab of the user information, under "Event". A free text can be defined in the event status after selecting such a note. The various types of user information are represented in the project as blue circles with an exclamation mark so that notes can be identified at once. The field "Creator" is another new field. The name of the creator of the user information can be stored here. Underneath is the next new option "Due date". A calendar opens by clicking on the empty field or the three points. The arrows at the top serve to switch back and forth between the months. When one clicks on the current month/year (at the top), the selection of all months opens for faster navigation. Another click on the year enables users to jump quickly to any year desired. After selecting the respective year and month, users can adopt the due date into the user information by a double-click on the day desired. Furthermore, the field "Priority" has been incorporated – a free text can be stored here.
  The second tab of the master data was also significantly enhanced. The history was divided into two areas. Creating a comment at the bottom and adopting it via the arrow on the bottom right, will cause the comment to be displayed at the top. The user name of the creator and the date and the time will be documented automatically along with the text. The management of the history entries can be opened via the gear wheel on the bottom left. The user name and the colour of the user name can be changed there. In addition, the user’s own entries can be inserted and entries from other users can be displayed automatically in colour. If another user opens the user information and replenishes the history, all the comments created will be displayed under his/her user name. As a result, exactly which comments a specific user has written at which time in the history can be traced.
  As of now, a so-called user view can be defined in the 3D view if any user information was created in a project. Consequently, any perspectives of a project can be assigned to specific user information and called up again at any time. Existing user information must be selected in the Control Center in order to define such a view. A user view can be created via a right click on the user information. The perspective generated is then created in the Control Center below the user information selected. When such a view is selected, the 3D view will be displayed in the bottom area of the Control Center, under "Additional information" on the tab "Snapshot". In addition, the name can be changed by right-clicking on the user view. The program moves automatically to the 3D view and displays the perspective in which the view has been defined precisely by double clicking on a user view.
  
• Users can make sure that the zoom area is maintained after a storey change by pressing the key combination Ctrl + Page up/Page down. Similarly, this behaviour can be achieved by holding down the Ctrl key and scrolling through the storeys by using the icons.
• User information can now be imported/exported as a BCF file. Consequently, the Control Center has been expanded in the top toolbar to include the BCF import/export. What is more, the export is available by right-clicking on existing user information. Currently, BCF files in the format 2.0 and 2.1 can be exported. As of version 2.1, for example, the due date specified in the user information can also be exported. Collisions, tasks or notes/information can be exchanged via the BCF format if different programs and trades communicate together on a project via IFC.
  

3D View Visualisation

• Several new wood textures have been integrated into Version 19-2 to further enhance the visualisation in the SEMA program. The following textures have been added to the master data under visualisation/3D objects, textures, in the folder "Timber":
  Planed spruce components are drawn perfectly with the textures "Spruce 01 SEMA" and "Spruce 01 BW SEMA". Different textures are applied for the top and bottom side, as well as the left and right side, to guarantee the most realistic representation possible. Repetitive wood grain is avoided to the greatest possible extent so that no component actually looks like the others. BW means Black/White. Painted components can be perfectly visualised with these textures by setting the colour desired. In addition, the textures "Spruce 02 SEMA" and "Spruce 02 BW SEMA" have been integrated to enable the display of roughly sawn, unplaned spruce timbers.
  Solid wood walls and solid wood floors are drawn in the best possible way with the textures "Solid wood 01 SEMA" and "Solid wood 02 SEMA".
  The textures "LMT 01 SEMA" and "LMT 01 BW SEMA" are realistic textures for glued laminated timber. The front and side texture have been adjusted so that the grain direction of the glued timbers matches perfectly.
  The textures "GrooveTongue 01 SEMA" and "GrooveTongue 01 BW SEMA" have been integrated for the display of tongued and grooved boards in the folder "Boarding". The texture "Roughly sawn/Unplaned 01 SEMA" has been incorporated in order to also achieve the most realistic roughly sawn boarding possible.
  The master data and colour settings provided by SEMA have been adjusted so that the new wood textures are used at every point. Textures in the colour settings can be adopted easily via the button "Default", therefore, working with the new textures is also possible in existing building projects. Thanks to the new textures, timber components are more realistic even in the textured 3D view. The project can then be perfectly visualised with the photorealistic representation. <Feature Film New features master folder and SEMA data store>

GRD, CAD, DIM, MCAD

• The auto-dimensioning for the wall view and roof and floor elements has been enhanced for the timbers. So far, users have been able to decide whether horizontal components are to be dimensioned on the first tab of the auto-dimensioning, under components/timbers, or not. There is now an additional option in version 19-2: users can select whether only vertical timbers or vertical and horizontal timbers are automatically dimensioned.

Rafter System

• The edit command "Punch" has been fundamentally optimised and extended for all timber components of the Rafter system, wall and floor members, and 3CAD timbers.
  All timber components can now be punched in each drawing plane, the sectional view or the view. As usual, the options "Box", "Freeform" and "Object" are available with the various forms of input.
  A punching creates processing on the timber component – the processing can be displayed in the object details mode and, if necessary, be marked and deleted.
  These new processings always have an effect on all components marked and completely punch them in the punching direction. Thus, several selected components can be punched at once.
  If the components' depth is changed subsequently, the processings also adapt in the punching direction. Since the processings are component-related, they are also subject to the various position, copy and mirror commands.
  Processings which do not hit the component outline are deleted automatically to avoid the creation of unnecessary processings in the project.
  Cuts, scarf joints, bird's mouths, cut-outs, contours and drillings are automatically created using the "new" punching method and are transferred into the Single member ready for machining.
  The previous punching method can be changed by using the options switch "Punch with processings / Punch with contour (ALT +2)". Here, components can only be punched at right angles to the creation plane. An exterior contour is created – this contour is converted into a bird's mouth or scarf joint during the machine export if possible. Furthermore, the option "Cut out form(ALT +1)" is available. In addition, the usual offset input can be activated.
  The new punch command can be used, as an alternative to 3CAD processings, for the convenient creation of punching forms from components for the generation of a processing ready for machining, depending on their form. Thus, additional penetrations, notches, bird's mouths, drillings or ornamental forms of timber components can be created easily and intuitively. <Feature Film Components, punching in all planes>

Floor Wall

• A so-called electrical combination has been developed to further simplify the electrical design in the SEMA program. A wide variety of electrical inserts, such as sockets, light switches or thermostats, can be inserted very quickly and easily and combined in any form by means of this new command. Electrical inserts of various design are provided in the master data. They are perfectly prepared for display on plans and visualisation in 3D.
  The electrical combination consists of the two new pieces of master data => electrical insert and electric container:
  The electrical insert is responsible for the drilling, the symbols in the top view and view, and the 3D view of the individual socket.
  The first tab of the electrical insert defines the MCAD processing for the insert. Consequently, ten references are available, which can be combined. The advanced options for the MCAD processing can be opened, as usual, via a switch. It is now also possible here to define any reference points for MCAD macros. The top and bottom level of the upper and lower boom, and 9 points for the electrical insert itself are available. The centre point of the electrical insert should be chosen for the MCAD drilling, for example, when placing the drilling for a socket. A name and parameters for the behaviour of the macros can be selected on the right-hand side as usual. The new setting "Supply-dependent" determines whether the MCAD processing is created at the top or bottom, mirrored or true-sided in the electrical combination, depending on the setting. An example of this would be a network socket, which creates a milling in the top boom or, after switching the electrical combination, in the bottom boom. In addition, as before, settings for optical control are available to control the behaviour of the MCAD macros. The control of the behaviour of the supply line at the top and bottom line is also new here.
  It is possible to allocate up to ten symbols for the top view symbols on the second tab. Due to the 15 different reference points, it is possible to define a switch icon flexibly so that this is always placed on the inner or the outer layer of a wall.
  There are ten references for the view symbols of an electrical insert available on the third tab. Analogue to the first tab processings, there are 21 different reference points available.
  There are references to ten different 3D objects in the fourth tab "3D". Consequently, the program always places the 3D objects at the centre of the electrical insert and always on the innermost or outermost layer of a wall. There are predefined objects already available in the master data under "Visualisation/3D objects" in the folder "Other 3D objects" and "Electric" in the subfolder "Inserts". The folder contains switches, motion detectors, various sockets, a thermostat and many more 3D objects.
  The preview wall for the electrical insert is determined in the fifth tab "Optics". This preview wall facilitates the placing of the processings and the setting of reference points for the view and top view symbols.
  Data relevant to the material list can be stored in the last tab "ML".
  The electric container is responsible for the processing of the entire electrical combination and the representation of the frame in which the electrical inserts are placed automatically. Of course, view and top view symbols can be assigned to the electric container. The first three tabs of the electric container have the same structure as those of the electrical insert. Exemplarily, if a combination of sockets and light switches create a milling processing, this should be defined in the first tab. Users can allocate symbols for the view and top view in the second and third tab.
  Up to 24 MCAD processings can be combined in the fourth tab. The difference to the first tab is that no free reference points can be selected; the MCAD processings, however, take part in the layer projection of the electrical combination. Here, for example, users could define a locked area for the entire electrical combination on a machine.
  Ten 3D objects can again be combined on the fifth tab "3D". Here, the 3D object is provided for the frame, where the 3D objects of the electrical insert will be automatically placed later on. Of course, here too, 3D frames have already been made available in the master data => "Visualisation/3D objects" => folder "Other 3D objects", and "Electric" in the subfolder "Frame".
  Similar to the electrical insert, the preview wall for the container is defined on the last tab "Optics".
  The third new master data is the electrical combination, which can be called up in the Program Selection under walls and wall outline. The predefined electrical inserts and containers are merged in an electrical combination and can, thus, be created in a wall shape.
  The number of the inserts (1-5) and their arrangement (horizontal or vertical) must be defined initially in the first tab of the electrical combination. These two values then determine which inserts are combined in the second tab and which electric container in the third tab.
  In the second tab, the distance of the electrical inserts, measured from axis to axis, must be entered first. Then there are five references for electrical inserts available. Exemplarily, electrical inserts for a dimmer, a light switch and three sockets can be stored here. If a number of three inserts is selected in the first tab, the electrical inserts of references one, two and three are used. Thus, there is a combination of dimmer, light switch and a socket. If the number of inserts is increased to 4 in the first tab, the combination will consist of a dimmer, a light switch and two sockets. If the number is 2, the combination will consist of a dimmer and a light switch.
  In the third tab, the corresponding reference is also addressed, corresponding to the number of inserts. Consequently, in addition to the number of inserts, a distinction is made between a horizontal and vertical arrangement. This distinction has the advantage that the processings stored in vertically arranged electrical combinations or horizontally arranged electrical combinations can differ. An example would be that a horizontal combination consisting of four inserts would create a different processing on the bottom boom compared to a vertical combination of two inserts. In a "1-part combination", however, there is no distinction between horizontal and vertical. The first reference (1-part combination) is used in both cases.
  In addition, the settings "Insert height", "Height reference" and "Height offset" on the first tab determine the position of the electrical combination. The height refers to the centre of the axis of the electrical insert selected. Users can determine the electrical insert to be used for the height input with the setting "Input reference". Thus, it is possible in a vertical combination, for example, that the height is always applied to the second insert from the top. The input reference selected will always be highlighted with a red dot in the screen image for visual control. The determination of the "position" defines whether the electrical combination is created on the left or right side of a wall. The option "Supply" serves to determine the position of the MCAD processings at the top boom, bottom boom or both. In addition, whether the electrical combination should also be created automatically in partial walls or not can be determined. The last setting "Type" defines the allocation for the auto-dimensioning in the wall view. Instead of only four types (A, B, C and D), there are now four more types (E, F, G and H) for better distinction. Of course, the auto-dimensioning feature has also been correspondingly expanded with these four references.
  The layer projections in the respective layer for the electrical combination in the fourth tab can be allocated as usual. It is new, however, that the MCAD processings from the tab "MC" are created in the electric container, even if the selection "No" has been made in the column "Create".
  A preview wall for the electrical combination can be entered in the master data => tab "Optics". Users can store relevant data for the list on the additional tab (=> any comments desired) and on the last tab "Material list". The electrical combinations or its inserts or 3D objects will naturally be given the corresponding roof-wall-floor number (ANO) and the appropriate room name during their transfer to the material list.
  Only the insertion wall, the reference point and a distance must be defined when inserting an electrical combination. If users want to swap the position of the combination, they can do this via the option (Change top view symbols and effect (Alt1)) on the bottom right.
  Of course, the display settings (F7) for "Walls" have also been expanded by adding the group "Electric". The component values and the display for the top view and the view can be switched here.
  The option "Electric" has also been added to the auto-dimensioning for the wall top view and the wall view. Users can determine here whether the width, the centre, the input references or all axes of the electrical combination will be dimensioned. The component selection menu of the dimension line has been extended by the component "Electric", so that electrical combinations can also be quickly dimensioned manually by a point of intersection or area dimensioning.
  These new features make sure that electrical installations can be created quickly and their structure adapted easily. What is more, the amount of master data can be reduced considerably and perfect control in the 3D view has been enabled. <Feature Film Electric combinations constructive and visual>
• As of now, the hint will display the layer in which the MCAD is created => macro and electric container => tab "MC" directly. This means that the advanced options no longer need to be opened separately. (Company Lutter)

Coverings Floor Wall

• From now on, details for the production can be predefined on the "Others" tab of walls, roof and floor elements, and coverings. Consequently, whether the outer contour of the respective layer in the single member should be processed or not can be determined. (Company Gumpp & Maier)
• From now on, the front and side symbols of members can be moved via the command "Move values", regardless of the top view and view. (Company PCL)
• The copying and pasting of a wall top view with side symbols into an image has been improved. (Company PCL)

Sheet Metal

• The Edit command "Abut" has been made possible for all sheet metal components. Sheet metal components can be abutted in the 2D and 3D view with this new feature. When marking a sheet metal component and performing the Edit command "Abut" (Ctrl + T), there are four variants of the command available in the input line. The variants can be selected via a drop-down menu. The first variant is "Abutting length". A length can be typed directly into the number field or any point in the drawing can be chosen with the mouse. The abutting length always starts from the beginning of the sheet metal component.
  The component is divided into the maximum number of identical components without exceeding the value defined (maximum length) by means of the second variant "Maximum length".
  The component is divided and fixed with the entered value by using variant 3 "Fixed length". A component with the remaining length is created at the end of the component.
  The last variant "Number of parts" correspondingly divides the component into many identical components.
  Another Edit command for sheet metal components has been made possible with the command "Abut".  <Feature Film New Features Sheet Metal>
• Sheet metal components can now be stored and defined as a macro. Be marking several sheet metal components in a drawing plane, they can be stored using the Edit command "Macro" – "Define" as a macro. If a macro is restored into the master data, the macro can be used any number of times, no matter in which project, via "Macro" – "Insert". Macros can also behave variably regarding width and length, depending on how they have been defined. The usual types of input are available when placing and inserting macros. Components covering areas and folding profiles can be stored together in one macro. Furthermore, it is possible to pack a division/separation into a macro. Consequently, not the components of the separation, but the separation gripper must be marked. Macros can be defined in wall layers, roof layers and construction planes. Window facings or mantelpieces are examples of macros with sheet metal components. At first, the required sheet metal components, for example, around a window, must be created, including all intersections, projections and offsets. All components that belong to this window macro are then marked and the Edit command "Macro" – "Define" is carried out. The outline of the window (width and height) is now clicked with 3 points and confirmed with "OK" with the input form "Hash". The master data of the group "Coverings" – "Sheet metal component macros" is open now. The macro can be stored under any name. The macro can now be created for different windows. The lengths adjust automatically. Intersections and projections remain constant.
  Note: Sheet metal macros can be used exclusively in the layer, in which they have been defined. If a macro is, for example, defined in a construction plane, this macro can only be used in a construction plane. If a multilayer macro is defined in a wall, for example, in the layers R3, R4 and R5, this macro can only be used in a wall with layers R3, R4 and R5. If the target layer is not available, a message will appear.
  With the adding of this proven technique to sheet metal components, it is, for example, easy to store various sheet metal macros for openings for convenient later use when needed. <Feature Film New Features Sheet Metal>
• The Edit commands "Auto number" and "Sequential number" have been added to sheet metal components for the numbering of sheet metal components, for example, to create a layout drawing. Firstly, a sheet metal component has to be marked, then the new function can be selected. The new function can then be called up via "Others" – "Auto number" or "Sequential number" to start the command in the bottom entry line.
  With the option "Auto number", the starting number is set in the input line. The component number (F7, Roof/Wall/Floor, Coverings, General, Component number) is generated with the "Auto number" feature. This number can also contain text elements. It is important that the last text element is a number. The increment/unit steps have to be defined in the next field. The increment will then be added to the value defined previously. The last field serves to define the starting point. Users can choose between "left" and "right" in the drop-down menu. Depending on the settings made, the numbering starts on the left or right. The sheet metal components of the current layer are numbered automatically and across divisions by confirming the input with "Enter".
  When selecting "Serial number", users must first determine what exactly should be numbered manually in the input line under "Selection". In addition to "Component number", the points "Designation", "Annotation", "Description", "Article number", "Component package", "Free 1-15", "Type1" and "Type2" are available. Therefore, ML tab fields can also be filled serially, in addition to the "Component number". If, for example, the "Component number" is selected, a value can be defined in the next field. This can be a number or even a text element with number. Here, too, it is important that the last figure is a number. The last field serves to define the increment. The increment will then be added to the value defined previously. The components are then clicked with the mouse in the order desired. The new name is always displayed in the component hint of the mouse. Users, thus, can see immediately which number is to be assigned next. <Feature Film New Features Sheet Metal>
• The settings "Open" and "Closed" form have been added to the double fold in the Profile editor. If the form "Open" is selected in the Profile editor, an opening can be determined. The input of the opening is the clear distance between the sheet metal thicknesses.
• The reference field for fillings in the view has been activated for sheet metal components in the "Optics" tab under "Filling / Filling pattern". Hatchings / fillings can now be assigned to this reference field. By default, this filling/hatching is displayed in the Developed view. The setting for this can be found in the display settings (F7) under "Roof/Wall/Floor" – "Coverings" – "Sheet metal coverings" and "Sheet metal folding profiles". The new option "Hatch sheet metal components" has been introduced in the field "Representation/Display". Users can determine with the drop-down menu whether the filling/hatching should be drawn only in the Developed view, in the construction or in both the Developed view and the construction. Users can decide individually how the filling/hatching is employed for day-to-day work by means of these setting options. All sheet metal components are supplied with the reference to a filling/hatching in the working master data of the Version 19-2. <Feature Film New Features Sheet Metal>
• Since the sheet metal thickness must be greater than the bending radius, which results from the settings (bend shortening and material strength), a hint has been implemented. If this condition is not fulfilled, the bend radius will be temporarily corrected for internal calculation and the sheet metal thickness is automatically coloured red in the master data.

Stair Design

• Right-angled connections for "Edges left" and "Edges right" have been added to the risers. The production of risers is now easier, since users no longer have to produce mitre cuts but only right-angled cuts. Therefore, a riser can be easily cut to length with a saw.
  In addition to the familiar riser designs "Acute" and "Cut-out", the new connections "Right-ang. min", "Right-ang. axis" and "Right-ang. max" are available under the tab "Ris" (general data about the riser). If the riser is mortised into a counterpart component, such as a string, the value entered under "Mortise depth risers" will determine the mortise depth for the respective component. The value in each case is measured at right angles to the counter component.
  The riser is mortised by the value value entered – the options "Right-ang. min" (minimum mortise) and "Right-ang. max" (maximum mortise) are available.
  Option "Right-ang. axis" means that the depth refers to the axis of the riser.
  The behaviour is the same if a shortening is entered for the riser itself; however, in this case, the risers are calculated back from the counter component or flight element. <Feature Film Connection details>
• Due to the possibility of assigning an end type to a riser, there are now many possibilities available to connect treads and risers. There are now the options "End type top", "End type bottom" and "End type total" available in the data record of the riser under the tab "Con" (types of connection of risers). The "End type top" and "End type bottom" always refer to the connecting area of the respective type of connection between the tread and riser. The "End type total" is intended for connecting systems which depend on the height and the thickness of the treads, as required for folding stairs. <Feature Film Connection details>
• In the overall developed view of the stair, the new option "Change board course of the curve" is now available in addition to the well-known option "Change board spline", which can be accessed via the position command. This function serves to straighten sections of a board component or to create a component bend with two adjacent lines.
  As usual, users can then enter "From" which point "To" which point the curve should be adapted. The mouse pointer indicates whether one is on the top or the bottom side of the component. The first click ("From") determines the beginning, the second click ("To") determines the end of the desired area to be adapted. If the beginning or end of a component is within the area selected, users can determine whether the "Center", the "Beginning" or the "End" should be adapted. This can either be determined and confirmed in the entry line or the position to be changed can be selected via a mouse click. The line is now attached to the mouse pointer and can be positioned anew. <Feature Film Connection details>
  Two further options are available for the transfer of the changed curve to the same or other components.
  The option "Parallel calculation of counter edge" transfers the spline adaption to the opposite component edge. The parallelism in the area changed will be adhered to.
  The curve can be transferred to other components (handrail, rail) by means of the option "Adapt dependent components / curves". Note: The correct "Reference edge", such as "Strings top edge", must be defined for the curve calculation in the component data record of the respective components. If the "Reference edge", for example, is set to "Treads front edge", this option will have no effect.
  The options "Reset bottom edge to original" and "Reset top edge to original" are available in the entry line, serving to reset a changed curve back to the spline originally calculated. The component desired must be marked and the respective option selected via mouse click to carry out a reset.
• The Edit command "Punch" can now be applied to all stair components.
  The stair components can be punched in the developed view, in the section or in the view. As usual, the options "Box", "Freeform" and "Object" are available with the various forms of input. In addition, the options "Cut out form (Alt +1)" and the offset input can be employed.
  A punching creates processing on the timber component – the processing can be displayed in the object details mode and, if necessary, be marked and deleted.
  These new processings always have an effect on all components marked and completely punch them in the punching direction. It is thus also possible to punch several marked components at once. If the thickness of the components is subsequently changed, the processing will also adapt in the punching direction.
  If a punching hits the exterior contour of a component, the system will try to integrate the processing into the exterior contour during the machine export. If punching is produced within a component, the punching will be exported to the machine as a cutout or drilling. <Feature Film Stair components, punching in all planes>

Master Data Macros Program

• The master data in the field of steel constructions has been expanded by UPE profiles. Consequently, the master data of U-profiles on the "Cmp" tab has been extended by the option "Type". Here, users can set whether a UPN profile with inclined flange surfaces or a UPE profile with parallel flange surfaces is used. The U-steel has been divided into the two subgroups UPE profiles and UPN profiles in the master data. The master data can be picked from the original master data.

Single Member

• The export to a WALL-Master (WAM) from Hundegger is now available in the menu "Export to joinery machine". Individual "General settings" have been made available for the machine.

IFC Import and Export

• The IFC Import dialog has been extended to include a preview, an extended coordinate system, component-type-linked colouring and an IFC link. If an IFC file is imported or dragged & dropped into the SEMA program, the import dialog opens. A preview of the IFC file is generated immediately. A progress bar at the bottom of the dialog displays the status of the preview generation. The 3D model can, thus, be controlled even before the import by using the usual zoom functions. The preview image shows the origin (letter O) and the project zero point (letter P). The project extent is visible via a dimensioned, light blue surface. The right side of the import menu lists the storeys of the IFC model. All IFC component types of the project are listed with the respective number in the "Component type" section. If a check mark is removed in these sections, the preview will update automatically, and the corresponding storeys or component types will be hidden and excluded from the import. IFC component-type groups have been given a colour in order to make the preview clearer. All member components (IfcBeam, IfcColumn, IfcMember), for example, are displayed in a light brown, roofs (IfcSlapRoof, IfcRoof) are drawn in red, all elements of a ventilation system (IfcDistributionElement, IfcFlowFitting, IfcEnergyConversionDevice, etc.) are displayed in blue. After an import, the elements retain their given colour, unless they are directly converted into SEMA components.
  The bottom part of the import dialog displays the coordinate systems. There are three basic systems: "Project co-ordinates" (P), "Terrain co-ordinates (T)" and "Building co-ordinates (B)". Depending on which co-ordinate system has been defined, they become active and selectable. If none of the three basic systems is appropriate, a self-defined zero point can be set via "free co-ordinates". A point of origin must be defined in the preview with a mouse click if the free co-ordinate system is selected. An area must be clicked when selecting the reference plane. The direction (from left to right or from right to left) is then determined and confirmed with Enter. The result is a new reference point (F) in the drawing. If there are several reference points in the preview, the reference point currently selected will be displayed in magenta. The inactive reference points are drawn in white. The origin and the reference plane can each be offset regarding the angle and length as well as X and Y values by pressing the "space bar". If this file is exported from the SEMA program, the freely defined reference point calculates back to the reference point of the project. This makes it possible to adapt the reference point optimally for working in the SEMA program.
  As in the previous version, users can use the "Properties" button (at the bottom of the dialog) to assign global IFC Properties to the corresponding ML tab fields. The import is started with the button "Import objects". Again, the status of the import is displayed in the progress bar at the bottom of the dialog. The import protocol can be called up via this button after the import. The" Create link" button creates an IFC link in the project. With this function, an IFC file is not imported as such, but created as a 3D object. The IFC link is divided into storeys and can, therefore, also be shown and hidden storey by storey. Once an IFC link has been created in the SEMA program, it will be displayed in the Display settings (F7) under "3CAD" – "IFC Links". The list of IFC links in the F7 is variable and adapts to the number of links. As usual, these can be switched separately either for the Top view, the View or the 3D View.
  The tab "IFC" has been added to the Drawing manager. This tab displays both imported IFC files and created IFC links. The first column distinguishes between imported files and links by means of a "link icon". The project name of the file is in the "Name" column. The "File name" column contains the path and file name. The columns "Date" and "Modified/Changed" show the date and time of the import and update. The "Update" button becomes active for links. If this button is executed, the file path of the currently selected link with the IFC import dialog is called up and the link can be updated. The "Modified/Changed" date now adapts automatically. An IFC file or a link can be deleted via "Delete". All storeys and components of an imported file remain unchanged. If a link is deleted, all the 3D objects associated will be removed. Storeys remain unchanged since the user might have already created components in them. Furthermore, users can employ the "Import" and "Export" buttons to start an IFC import/export directly from the Drawing manager. <Feature Film BIM with SEMA>

Quantity Systems

• SEMA sets a new standard in the processing of digital 3D data and its further processing in CAD software with the import of point clouds and their handling. The advantages of point clouds, namely the minimal errors of measurement, quantity survey true-to-deformation, area calculation and distance measurements, creation of as-built plans, visualisation of objects and their virtual walk-through, can be used ideally for planning and construction.
  At a time when land use is being debated and the redevelopment or expansion of existing buildings is becoming increasingly crucial, SEMA offers an attractive tool for anyone who wants to participate in this development.
  The common point cloud formats (e57, 3d, csv, pts, ptx, xyz) can be imported via the icon "Import point cloud" in the toolbar "Quantity systems". The menu for the point cloud conversion opens after selecting the point cloud file.
  Since the amount of data in point clouds is usually very high, SEMA applies the method of dynamic point density. Consequently, the point cloud has to be converted into a SEMA point cloud (*.spw). This can be done with all necessary information either in the foreground or the background (the SEMA program will be closed during the conversion). The decision is made in the point cloud conversion menu under the conversion options. Furthermore, users can determine the path of the original file with "Select point cloud file". Users can select where the conversion process is performed with "Determine temporary directory". Here, SEMA recommends the use of a directory on a high-performance local drive (SSD). The storage directory is selected with "Determine target file and path". SEMA accesses this directory during operation and retrieves the information currently required from the SPW file. The paths existing in the conversion menu can be predefined in the general program options (Alt+F7), under point "Data Import/Export", tab "Point cloud".
  The "Storage space information" displays the storage space required and the available after selecting the directories. If there is not enough space, the conversion process cannot be performed. Once the conversion is started, the preparation of the original file and the creation of the SPW file is displayed with a progress bar. A message appears when the conversion is complete.
  The point cloud in the 2D Top view is drawn with a point density of 1 % and a 3D object frame. The point cloud is displayed in the object frame when switching into the 3D view. The point cloud density depends on the free graphics memory and the display settings in the project (F7). Detailed information about the point cloud can be found in the status bar. The user information of the "Point cloud information" delivers data on the point density, the total points to be displayed, the percentage of the point visibility and the graphics memory usage.
  The category "3D point clouds" is in the display settings of the project (F7), under "General", "3CAD". The visibility of the point clouds can be switched separately for the Top view, sectional view and 3D view. It is also possible to preset the point cloud density. If the density is set to "Low", a maximum of 10 million points are displayed, unless the graphics memory does not allow this. If the graphics memory is too small for these 10 million points, the SEMA program recognizes this automatically and only displays the highest possible number of points. The same behaviour applies to the setting "Normal", with 40 million points, and setting "High", with 100 million points. The maximum number of points that can be processed by the graphics memory are displayed with the option "Maximum".
  The point size predefines the number of pixels with which a point of the point cloud is drawn. One pixel per point is drawn with the setting "1", four pixels with "2", eight pixels with "3" and 16 pixels per point are drawn with "4".
  Further information about the point cloud opens by marking the point cloud and selecting the "Change" command. The tab "CMP" displays the storage location of the point cloud.
  The point cloud is not automatically included in the building project when sending a building project to a partner for further processing or control. It is possible to send the point cloud to a partner separately in the *.SPW format. The partner can then save the SPW point cloud in any directory and use the file selection dialog to reassign the SPW file under the tab "CMP". The "Inf" tab shows the name of the point cloud, the length, width and height of the 3D object covered and the total number of points in the cloud.
  If the stored point cloud is not on the Z coordinate desired, it is possible to change the height position of the point cloud. To do this, you switch to the 3D view or a section. The height position of the point cloud can then be changed by marking the point cloud and the command "Change height position of the point cloud" (toolbar "Quantity systems"). The query "Height position of the reference plane" opens in the input line. Firstly, the reference point desired in the point cloud can be selected and the new "Height" of the reference point can then be entered. The entire point cloud is moved to the new height position after confirming the value.
  Another new feature in the toolbar of the Quantity systems is the command "Change height position of existing floors or create new storeys". This command can be executed in either the 3D view or a sectional view. The input line opens with the query for the storey name, for example, when a user is in a section and selects this command. All available storeys or the option "Create new storey" can be selected. The height can be entered manually or the mouse can be used to position the level to the position desired by selecting and confirming an existing storey. The storey height and name are displayed at the mouse pointer.
  If the option "Create new storey" is selected, a storey name must be entered and confirmed. A storey abbreviation is suggested and a usage must be defined and confirmed. The height can then be entered manually or the level can be moved to the position desired with the mouse. In this way, storeys can be changed intuitively and very conveniently or created anew.
  Now, by activating the option "Top view Horizontal section" (General, Pictures + 3D, Auto-cut, General) in the display settings (F7) and deactivating the Top view (General, 3CAD, 3D point clouds), only the points which are present in the respective plane with the 3D intersection parameters will be displayed. The relevant points can be conveniently hidden and shown in conjunction with the representation of the storeys. The 3D intersection parameters (icon in the standard toolbar) can be used to set at what height, based on the respective storey, the auto-cut is and with what section thickness it is displayed.
  On that basis, design work in the SEMA program can now begin. <Feature Film Point clouds in the SEMA program>