While building information modeling software has the ability to streamline a jobsite’s workflow in a big way, a number of compatability and access issues can arise due to the several file types currently floating around.
Digital Project, Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino and SketchUp are all industry-standard 3D model authoring tools and each has its own file format. But if a project team needs to gather around a specific model, and one or two of them doesn’t have the necessary software to open one of these file types, collaboration is hampered.
That’s where GTeam comes in. GTeam is a cloud-based platform where project teams can store, share and collaborate on 3D models authored by all of the software mentioned earlier and more. And until Sept. 30, the company behind GTeam, Gehry Technologies, is offeirng a free preview of the platform.
Because GTeam is cloud-based, 3D models stored on the service can be viewed from any Web browser on any device, including smartphones and tablets. And you don’t need to install any software. GTeam converts file formats on the fly too, meaning that team members won’t need to download files to view them. Rather, they can view and demonstrate 3D models from the GTeam website.
It’s important to note that GTeam is not an authoring tool for 3D models. As Gehry Technologies explains on its website, GTeam is a collaboration platform whose aim is to allow each team member to view any uploaded project file on any Web-connected device and then discuss those files. You’ll still author and update the models on your software of choice, and then sync updates to the GTeam service.
