2008

There are a few way to make sure your 3ds Max objects are using real-world
scale.
■ If you're working with a primitive object, like a box or cylinder, make sure
Real-World Map Size is active.
■ For more complex objects, apply a UVW Map modifier on page 1849 and
make sure Real-World Map Size is active.
■ Assign the object a
MapScaler modifier on page 1443 .
Instanced Objects, Elements, Blocks and Styles
The primary structural entities you will find in a model or project that is
linked/imported to 3ds Max from AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, or Revit
are
style-based objects on page 6850 (in ADT models), family elements (in Revit
projects) or
blocks on page 6844 (in both ADT and AutoCAD files). Each
style-based object, family element, or block will most likely have many
instances on page 6843 in the 3ds Max scene.
■ Instances are multiple occurrences of objects such as style-based objects or
blocks that are clone instances. When you link a model or drawing that
contains instanced objects to 3ds Max, those objects remain instances of
one another.
■ Family Elements in a Revit project represent different items of a building
and are separated into two general categories; Model and Annotation. The
Model category includes such elements as walls, doors, windows and stairs
while the Annotation category includes dimensions, text notes and section
tags. When a DWG is exported from Revit and linked to 3ds Max, elements
appear in the Modifier panel as
Block/Style Parents on page 7732 , meaning
you've selected the element at its topmost level, or as
Linked Geometry
on page 7828 , meaning one of the element's subcomponents.
■ Blocks are reusable objects made in AutoCAD or Architectural Desktop.
Blocks are made of one or more objects that can be inserted into a scene
at different locations, scales and orientations. Blocks can also be an
amalgam of other blocks. A block that is made of other blocks is referred
to as a nested block. Once linked to 3ds Max, blocks appear in the Modifier
panel as VIZBlocks, meaning you've selected the block at its topmost level,
or as Linked Geometry, meaning one of the block's subcomponents.
6842 | Chapter 21 Managing Scenes and Projects