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section with shadow
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Sun study time lapse
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Sheet with multiple views
The reading spoke a lot about 'Views' and their properties (such as detail level and underlay).  There are five sub-exercises within Unit 5.  
- Exercise 5A explored more with section views and detail callouts.  I also learned how to create a sheet with multiple views and how to add shadows to a view (see pictures).
- In Exercise 5B, I duplicated the roof type in order to create a new type.  Then I assigned different materials to the layer components of the roof.  It's becoming easier to maneuver the type properties.  Finally I learned the difference between a model pattern (which fits to the model) and a drafting pattern (that changes according to the scale of the model).
- Exercise 5C was about wall cleanup and display.  I used the 'visibility/graphics overrides menu' to change the thickness and color of walls and wall components, both globally and within a specific view.  I also learned how to change wall joints.  While this exercise seemed very architectural based, it is very useful to know where the edits are located and how they operate.
- Exercise 5D, was a bit tricky due to the fact that the sun settings, tools and windows have changed since the workbook was written.  Took some searching but finally figured out sun and shadow options are located under the graphic display options.  I really like that you can replicate sun movement for different cities and times of the year.  This is a very useful tool and one I will continue to use.  The exercise showed how to export the sun study to an AVI file  (screen shot below). 
- Finally Exercise 5E showed me how to import a model created in Revit to 3ds Max.  While this was a great introduction, I am thankful AutoDesk also has a curriculum focused on just 3ds Max visualization.  I plan to work more with 3ds Max in the future.
 
Unit 4 focused a lot on editing parameters, specifically the difference between editing type parameters and instance parameters.  I am becoming more comfortable with loading families, adding objects, and changing types.  This unit also covered dimensions and how to create an explicit relationship, which I did between a door and the adjacent wall.  I also changed the window inset (a type parameter) of two case windows on the 2nd level and then the sill height (an instant parameter) of one of the windows.
 
I completed the final Beginner tutorial on SketchUp today!  Learned how to make my own piece of furniture using groups and components.  I think from here I will start to explore on my own with SketchUp.  Perhaps use it to create different furniture pieces or to rearrange a room.  Once I become more comfortable, I will try some of the more advanced tutorials Google has to offer.
 
Unit 3 focused on the differences between 'Families' and 'Types' along with how to edit/modify 'Families.'  Through the readings and the exercise I am starting to see Revit demands much more technical knowledge to create a successful project than CAD does.  There are a lot more things you can 'fake' in CAD that in Revit require detailed examination and explanation.  Revit forces you to think and design in a more professional manner.The exercise also taught me how to create a wall sweep and reveal, along with splitting the exterior wall to create a new wall component.  The purpose of this was to learn how to modify a wall that belongs to a system family.  I then learned how to modify and save a window type that is part of an external (or hosted) family.