Data Linking

Link BIM elements directly with cost positions to automatically determine quantities.

Linking Elements

Method 1: Drag & Drop

Link BIM elements with cost positions via drag & drop:

1. Select: Choose elements in the 3D viewer
   • Click on individual elements
   • Use Ctrl/Cmd to select multiple elements
   • Use the rectangle tool for multi-selection
2. Drag: Click and hold on a selected element
3. Drop: Drag it onto a cost position in the table
4. The position is highlighted when hovering over it
5. Release: The link is automatically saved

Multiple Linking

You can drag multiple elements onto a position at once. All selected elements will be linked.

Method 2: From Properties Panel

Link by double-clicking on the count:

1. Select a position in the cost table
2. Select multiple BIM elements in the viewer
3. The Properties Panel shows the count of selected elements
4. Double-click on the count (e.g. "5 Objects")
5. The elements are automatically linked with the selected position

Green Underline:

• The quantity is displayed with a green underline
• The Sum symbol appears next to the quantity
• Indicates that the quantity was summed from multiple linked elements

Example:

• 5 windows linked, 2 m2 each - Quantity: 10 m2

Quick Multiple Linking

This method is ideal for linking many similar elements (e.g. all windows of a type) at once.

Summed Hierarchy Quantities

For nested positions (groups with sub-positions):

Yellow Sum Symbol:

• The Sum symbol appears in yellow for groups
• Indicates that the quantity was summed from all nested sub-positions
• Enables quick overview of total quantities per group

Quantities from BIM

When linking, quantities can be automatically determined:

• Area - For walls, ceilings (m2)
• Volume - For concrete, masonry (m3)
• Length - For pipes, conduits (m)
• Count - For windows, doors (pcs)

Quantity Update

When the model changes, you can update the quantities with one click.

Viewer Sync & Visibility

The Chain icon in the costing panel offers several functions for controlling linked elements in the 3D viewer:

Functions

Click on the chain icon next to a position to perform the following actions:

Action	Icon	Description
Select		Select all linked elements in the viewer (highlighted in orange)
Isolate		Show only the linked elements, hide all others
Hide		Hide linked elements in the viewer
Enable Sync		Automatic synchronization between costing panel and viewer

Automatic Sync (Bidirectional)

When sync is enabled, the icon changes to and bidirectional linking is active:

1. Click on position → Linked elements are highlighted and selected in the viewer
2. Click on element in viewer → Associated position is automatically highlighted in the costing panel and scrolled into view
3. Real-time synchronization - Both directions work instantly

Quick Navigation

Use the sync mode to quickly navigate between cost positions and the 3D model. Ideal when checking links.

Multiple Positions at Once

You can select multiple positions (with Ctrl/Cmd + Click) and then:

• Isolate all linked elements together
• Hide all together
• Enable sync for all

Removing Links

In the Details Panel

1. Click on a position with links
2. In the Details Panel you can see all linked elements
3. Click on the X next to an element
4. The link is removed

Via Right-Click

1. Right-click on a linked position
2. Select "Remove Link"
3. All links of the position are removed

See Also

• Creating Positions - Create groups and positions
• Details Panel - Manage linked elements and calculate quantities
• Magic Wand - Automatic linking by IFC type
• 3D Viewer - Element selection and multi-selection
• Advanced Filters - Filter elements by properties