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Axis Camera Families for Autodesk® Revit®

Interactive 3D CAD security camera models
Table of contents
1. Introduction 3
2. Loading Axis Camera Families 3
3. Using the camera families 4
3.1 Mounting options 4
3.2 Instance Properties 5
3.3 Adjusting the field of view visualization 6
3.3.1 Tilt, Pan and Focal Length 6
3.3.2 Size and visibility of field of view visualization 6
3.3.3 Resolution guide 7

3.4 Views 7
3.4.1 Floor Plan Cut Plane 7

3.5 Axis Security Device Schedule 8

4. Axis Camera View Add-In for Autodesk® Revit® 9
4.1 Installing the Axis Camera View Add-In 9
4.2 Using the Axis Camera View Add-In 9
1. Introduction
Axis Camera Families are interactive 3D CAD security camera models for use with Autodesk® Revit® for
Building Information Modeling, BIM. With these para-metric Revit families, you can place cameras in
your building layouts, visualize camera coverage, and integrate surveillance system planning into your
Revit projects.

Important
All use of the Axis Camera Families’ CAD Objects is subject to the conditions and the disclaimer
included in Appendix B.

Important
This guide assumes that you are familiar with Autodesk Revit. For help on using Revit, we refer to
Revit documentation and trainings from Autodesk and other third parties.

2. Loading Axis Camera Families

There is, with some exceptions, one Revit family per Axis camera series. The family includes all camera
models and mounting options for that series. Camera series that include both indoor and outdoor mod-
els are split into two separate families. See also appendix A for available camera models and correspond-
ing Revit families.

Each camera family is available in a metric version and in a version using imperial units.

Axis Camera Families make use of type catalogs. This means that each family consists of a Revit RFA file
and a corresponding type catalog TXT file. These files must be stored in the same folder when loading
the family into a project. For convenience, the RFA and TXT files are bundled into a ZIP archive that
needs to be extracted before loading the family.

Important
Families that use type catalogs cannot be imported by dragging the RFA file into the project. Always
use the Load Family function.

When loading one of the Revit families, the Specify Types dialog opens. In this you can select the cam-
era models and mounting options that you wish to load into your project.

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 Once loaded, the Axis cameras are found under Security Devices in the project browser.

3. Using the camera families

The key features of Axis’ parametric camera families are:
>> Support for different mounting options
>> Interactive visualization of camera field of view in floor plans, sections and 3D views.
>> Detailed AXIS Security Device Schedule listing all cameras and mounting options
>> Product data for BIM

3.1 Mounting options

Each camera family supports the mounting options supported by the camera out of the box, or using
optional AXIS T91A-series accessories. The available mounting options depend on which versions were
selected when loading the family.

Some mounting options using the indoor models from the P33-series are shown below:

Ceiling mount Surface ceiling mount Recessed ceiling mount Wall mount

Surface wall mount Corner mount Pole mount Parapet mount

Use the type selector in the Revit properties palette to switch between mounting options and camera
models.

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3.2 Instance Properties
Once a camera has been placed into a Revit project, the instance properties listed below are available.
See also Adjusting the field of view visualization below.

Constraints
Controls the camera tilt or, for dome cameras,
FOV Tilt
the field of view
Rotates the camera or, for dome cameras, the
FOV Pan
field of view
FOV Distance to Horizontal cut off distance for the field of
object view visualization
The field of view visualization is cut off at
FOV Upper limit
this distance above the top of the camera
The field of view visualization is cut off at this
FOV Bottom limit
distance below the camera insertion point

Offset Offset from floor level

Graphics
Target resolution Unit for FOV Target Resolution setting. Pixels
units per meter or foot.
FOV Target Resolution in pixels per meter or foot for
resolution resolution guide.
FOV Desired focal
The focal length chosen for the camera
length
FOV Actual focal The focal length used – limited to the focal
lenght length range supported by the camera
Text

Target area Camera target area

Dimensions
Pendant status For pendant mounts this message shows if
message the pendant length is within limits

Pendant lenght For pendant mounts, the pendant length

Identity data

Network port Network Port Information

Comments Comments

Visibility

Show field of view Turns the field of view visualization on or off

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 3.3 Adjusting the field of view visualization
Axis Camera Families feature adjustable field of view visualization. This makes it possible to get an
overview of the camera coverage in floor plans, sections and 3D views.

Important
The field of view visualization is provided for guidance. Individual variations of the field of view could
exist between cameras, e.g. due to back focus adjustment and lens distortion. Plan with margins.

3.3.1 Tilt, Pan and Focal Length

The camera tilt and rotation are controlled by the FOV Tilt and FOV Pan properties. For dome cameras,
only the field of view visualization is tilted and rotated. For other cameras the camera housing is also
tilted and rotated.

Important
The field of view visualization can be tilted or rotated outside the range supported by the camera or
the environment where the camera is mounted. You must ensure that it is possible to achieve the
desired tilt and rotation in your particular situation.

The focal length is adjusted using the FOV Desired Focal Length property. The field of view visualization
is limited to the focal range supported by the camera. The actual focal range used is shown as FOV
Actual Focal Length. If this value is not the same as the FOV Desired Focal Length, the selected focal
length is outside the camera’s range.

3.3.2 Size and visibility of field of view visualization

The extent of the field of view visualization is controlled by the FOV Distance to Object, FOV Upper
Limit and FOV Bottom Limit properties. The field of view visualization will extend horizontally from the
camera to a distance set by FOV Distance to Object. The top of the field of view visualization will be cut
off at a distance from the camera insertion point set by FOV Upper Limit, and the bottom will be cut
off at the distance set by FOV Bottom Limit. To cut the field of view visualization at floor level, set FOV
Bottom Limit to the same value as Offset.

FOV Upper Limit

Resolution Guide
FOV Lower Limit

FOV Distance to Object

Use the Show Field of View checkbox to turn the field of view visualization on or off.

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3.3.3 Resolution guide
The field of view visualization provides a resolution guide. The resolution guide shows a line or plane
through the field of view visualization at the distance from the camera where the resolution set by FOV
Target Resolution, is met.

3.4 Views
The cameras and the field of view visualization can be viewed in floor plans, sections and 3D views.

Floor plan Section

3C view

3.4.1 Floor Plan Cut Plane

The floor plan view will show the part of the filed of view visualization that is located below the level
defined by the Cut Plane setting. This means that the floor plan view shows the area where an object at
least as tall as the Cut Plane level will be fully or partially visible. To adjust the Cut Plane level:

>> Select the floor plan view

>> Open the View Range dialog by clicking the Edit… button for the View Range property below the
Extents divider

>> Enter the new cut plane offset value

>> Click OK

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3.5 Axis Security Device Schedule
The Axis’ Revit families include a number of useful schedulable properties, such as Axis model, mounting
accessories, PoE class, etc.

For convenience, we have created an Axis Security Device Schedule, which delivers a comprehensive
list of all Axis cameras included in a project, as well as all mounting accessories needed. To make use of
this schedule in a project, the schedule must first be copied from the Axis Revit Families Example
Project.

>> Open the Axis Camera Families Example Project-Metric.rvt or Axis Camera Families Example
Project-Imperial.rvt project file
>> Locate the AXIS Security Device Schedule in the project browser

>> Select the AXIS Security Device Schedule and copy it by pressing CTRL-C or right-click and
select Copy
>> Open the project where you would like to use the schedule
>> Go to the Modify tab and select Paste. Note that pressing CTRL-V will not work.

Axis Security Device Schedule

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4. Axis Camera View Add-In for Autodesk® Revit®
Axis Camera View Add-In for Autodesk® Revit® provides a quick way to generate a 3D view from the
perspective of any Axis Camera Families camera model.

4.1 Installing the Axis Camera View Add-In

Before installing any versions of the Axis Camera View Add-In, make sure you have uninstalled earlier
versions of the add-in. If the add-in is installed, you will find an uninstaller in the Start menu, under Axis
Camera View for Revit 2013 or Axis Camera View for Revit 2014.

There are separate installers supporting Autodesk Revit 2013 and Autodesk Revit 2014. To install the
add-in, first close Autodesk Revit and then run the appropriate installer for your version of Revit.

4.2 Using the Axis Camera View Add-In

To use the Axis Camera View add-in, select an Axis camera. Go to the AXIS tab and click the Camera 3D
View button. A new 3D view is created in the project and the view opens. The view is named after the
camera model and the Target Area parameter. If the Target Area parameter is blank, the view will instead
be named after the camera model and the Revit object ID.

Floor plan view with Axis camera selected Corresponding 3D view

Important
The view will not automatically update if the camera is moved, or settings changed. To update the
view, select the camera in the floor plan and click the Camera 3D View button.

Important
The Axis Camera View add-in does not take lens distortion into account when producing the 3D
view. This means that the 3D view will be different from the actual camera view. This difference is
often more pronounced at shorter focal lengths.

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Appendix A: Available Axis Revit Families

Series Axis Revit family Mounting options

AXIS M10-series

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-M10 Wall mount, Ceiling Mount

AXIS M11-series

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-M11-Indoor Wall Mount, Ceiling Mount

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-M11-L Wall Wall Mount, Ceiling Mount

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-M11-Outdoor Wall Mount

AXIS P13-series

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-P13-Indoor Wall Mount, Ceiling Mount

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-P13-Outdoor Wall Mount

AXIS Q16-series

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-Q16-Indoor Wall Mount, Ceiling Mount

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-Q16-Outdoor Wall Mount

AXIS Q17-series

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-Q17-Indoor Wall Mount, Ceiling Mount

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-Q17-Outdoor Wall Mount

AXIS M31-series

Surface Wall Mount, Surface

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-M31-Indoor
Ceiling Mount

Surface Wall Mount, Surface

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-M31-Outdoor
Ceiling Mount

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AXIS M32-series

Wall Mount, Surface Wall Mount, Corner

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-M32 Mount, Ceiling Mount, Surface Ceiling Mount,
Parapet Mount, Pole Mount

AXIS P33-series

Wall Mount, Surface Wall Mount, Corner

Mount, Ceiling Mount, Surface Ceiling Mount,
Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-P33-Indoor
Recessed Ceiling Mount, Parapet Mount,
Pole Mount

Wall Mount, Surface Wall Mount, Corner

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-P33-Outdoor Mount, Ceiling Mount, Surface Ceiling Mount,
Parapet Mount, Pole Mount

AXIS M50-series

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-M50 Wall Mount, Surface Ceiling Mount

AXIS P55-series

Wall Mount, Corner Mount, Ceiling Mount,

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-P55-Indoor Surface Ceiling Mount, Recessed Ceiling
Mount, Parapet Mount, Pole Mount

Wall Mount, Corner Mount, Ceiling Mount,

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-P55-Outdoor
Parapet Mount, Pole Mount

AXIS Q60-series

Wall Mount, Corner Mount, Ceiling Mount,

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-Q60-Indoor Surface Ceiling Mount, Recessed Ceiling
Mount, Parapet Mount, Pole Mount

Wall Mount, Corner Mount, Ceiling Mount,

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-Q60-Outdoor
Parapet Mount, Pole Mount

AXIS Q19-series

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-Q19-Indoor Wall Mount, Ceiling Mount

Surveillance-Camera-AXIS-Q19-Outdoor Wall Mount

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Appendix B: Instruction and Disclaimer
INSTRUCTION
The CAD OBJECTS contain copyright protected material, trade secrets and other proprietary information
and material of Axis Communications AB (“Axis”) and/or its licensor(s), if any, and is protected by
copyright laws, international copyright treaties and trade secret laws, as well as other intellectual
property laws and treaties. The CAD OBJECTS are made available for download from Axis’ Web site and
are intended for use with the Autodesk® Revit® software only. The CAD OBJECTS may not be reproduced,
republished, uploaded, posted, publicly displayed, encoded, translated, transmitted or distributed in any
way to any other computer, server, Web site or other medium for the purpose of commercially exploiting
the CAD OBJECTS, without Axis’ express prior written consent.

Note: All use of the CAD OBJECTS is subject to the above conditions and the disclaimer included in
the downloadable file and/or the pertaining manual.

DISCLAIMER
THE CAD OBJECTS ARE DELIVERED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. YOU EXPRESSLY
ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE USE, RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF
THE CAD OBJECTS ARE ASSUMED SOLELY BY YOU. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, AXIS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR ANY WARRANTY ARISING OUT OF ANY PROPOSAL,
SPECIFICATION OR SAMPLE WITH RESPECT TO THE CAD OBJECTS. AXIS DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE
OPERATION OF THE CAD OBJECTS WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR THAT THE OPERATION OF THE
CAD OBJECTS WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR FREE. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR
ADVICE GIVEN BY AXIS OR AN AXIS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY OR IN
ANY WAY INCREASE THE SCOPE OF THIS WARRANTY.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL AXIS OR ITS LICENSOR(S) BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, ECONOMIC, EXEMPLARY, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR
NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE),
STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE CAD
OBJECTS, INCLUDING THE DELIVERY, USE OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THE CAD OBJECTS, EVEN IF AXIS
HAS BEEN ADVISED ON THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE OR IF SUCH DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN
REASONABLY FORESEEN, AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED. SUCH LIMITATION OF DAMAGES INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO,
DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF GOODWILL, LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR SOFTWARE, WORK STOPPAGE,
COMPUTER FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OR IMPAIRMENT OF OTHER GOODS. AXIS TOTAL LIABILITY
WITH THE SALE, PURCHASE, DELIVERY AND USE OF THE CAD OBJECTS SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PRICE
PAID FOR THE CAD OBJECTS. IN NO EVENT WILL AXIS BE LIABLE FOR THE COSTS OF PROCUREMENT OF
SUBSTITUTE SOFTWARE OR SERVICES.

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www.axis.com

51224/EN/R2/1309
About Axis Communications
As the market leader in network video, Axis is leading the
way to a smarter, safer, more secure world — driving the
shift from analog to digital video surveillance. Offering
network video solutions for professional installations,
Axis’ products and solutions are based on an innovative,
open technology platform.
Axis has more than 1,400 dedicated employees in 40
locations around the world and cooperates with partners
covering 179 countries. Founded in 1984, Axis is a Swe-
den-based IT company listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm
under the ticker AXIS. For more information about Axis,
please visit our website www.axis.com.

©2013 Axis Communications AB. AXIS COMMUNICATIONS, AXIS, ETRAX, ARTPEC and VAPIX are registered trademarks or trademark applications of Axis AB
in various jurisdictions. All other company names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. We reserve the right
to introduce modifications without notice.