Create a Relationship

The Relationships feature in Anker allows you to seamlessly connect external datasets, like Excel spreadsheets, with your Revit or IFC data. Learn how to enrich your IFC data using information from an Excel file.

Preparing Your Excel Data

  1. Unique Values in Column A: Ensure column "A" contains unique values for the integration to work correctly.
  2. Consistency Across Datasets: All values in column "A" should be present in your IFC or Revit dataset to establish a connection.
  3. Populating Data: Fill subsequent columns with the data you wish to integrate. To assign data to a specific Pset, use "::" to separate the Pset name and property name. For instance, "Anker::Category", "Anker::WorkPackage".‍

In Anker: Customizing Property Sets

  • If you haven’t differentiated between Pset and property names in Excel, you can do this in Anker.
  • In the example where "::" is used, "IFC Pset Name" and "IFC Property Name" are automatically filled. If these fields are blank in Anker, you can manually enter the details. This can be altered later if necessary.‍

Uploading and Configuring Data in Anker:

  1. Save and Upload: Convert your Excel file into a .CSV format and upload it in Anker under the “Files” section. Choose the appropriate delimiter (commonly a comma “,” or semicolon “;”).
  2. Creating a New Relationship:
  3. Select Source File: Choose the uploaded .CSV file.
  4. Target File Selection: Select the IFC file to be populated.
  5. Source Property Specification: Indicate the header name in column "A" of your Excel sheet.
  6. Matching IFC Property: Choose the corresponding property in your IFC file that aligns with the Excel values in column "A".
  7. Link Data: Hit the "Link" button to combine your datasets.‍

Finalizing the Integration:

  • Export a new IFC file from the "Files" section to view the integrated data in your elements.