Archicad Objects

GDL Object Technology

GDL (Geometric Description Language) - contains all the information necessary to completely describe building elements as 2D CAD symbols, 3D models and text specifications for use in drawings, presentations and quantity calculations. ArchiCAD users have long enjoyed the benefits of GDL, with tens of thousands of intelligent objects available and in use around the world.

GDL intelligent object technology offers a new and efficient way for building component manufacturers to market their products on the Internet or CD-ROM. The selection of building components during the design phase benefits both the architect, who can design using real-world objects, and the component manufacturers, who can provide product information to support the design process.

As the infrastructure for digital communication grows rapidly, higher demands are raised upon intelligent 3D formats and catalogs for describing building components. In order to make full use of this tremendous opportunity Graphisoft developed a range of software tools that enable the use of GDL Objects in internet browser and other CAD environments.

Highlights of GDL

Optimized for the Internet - Thanks to its parametric nature, GDL creates objects that are easy to access and easy to manage on the Internet. GDL-based electronic product libraries require little effort for their maintenance, which means it is easy to keep information on the website up-to-date.

Flexibility and Control - GDL objects can be used on both the Macintosh and Windows, and are able to export product data in the common CAD file formats including DXF and DWG and the emerging industry standard IFC.

Integration with Building Design - The selection of building components during the design phase benefits both the designer, who can design using real-life objects, and the component manufacturers, who can successfully market their product at an earlier stage in the design process.

Product placement - Manufacturer's information is included in the GDL object information, which means product-specific information is available not only to the designer, but the facilities manager and all other building professionals who need access to such information throughout the building's life cycle.

Cost savings - GDL is an open standard and easy to learn and use, so the initial development and maintenance costs are low. Additionally, data conversion is automatic, so there is no need to recreate information in different formats such as DXF and DWG.

Requirements (Please read instructions before launching object library)

1 - PC w/ Internet Explorer 6, or Mac w/ Safari.

How to...

2 - Install the ActiveX GDL Web Control/Plug-in [ FlashPaper ] [ PDF ].

3 - Watch: adding objects from your new ActiveX Internet Explorer browser into ArchiCAD®.