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.

GDL Objects In Detail

GDL objects offer the optimal way of describing building components for use in construction design and facility management applications. A GDL object is an information container that carries 2D and 3D geometry, product logic and behavior, parameters, material definitions and an object-specific user interface.

Key features

2D, 3D and property data are kept in one file
Parametric; one object may represent many products
Object-specific user interface
Integrated links to web based product data
Offers the logic and behavior of the real product
Compatible with common CAD formats and IFC
Efficient maintenance
Small file size

Materials Complete definitions of surface colors and materials are embedded and carried.
User Interface The object's own user interface makes it easier to set parameters and values when using objects describing real products.
Preview Image The product’s preview image is used for faster access, e.g. when viewing a large catalog.
Product Info URLs GDL stores URL links to a manufacturer's web site. Dynamic product data (i.e. specifications and data sheets) can easily be located via GDL objects.
Parameters Parameters contain the definitions, values, properties and variations of a product. They are used to control the 2D, 3D and the user interface parts of the object.
3D Geometry and Behavior The 3D script creates the 3D model and may also control the object's behavior. 3D data can be exported to other applications in DXF, DWG, 3DS, OBJ or IFC formats.
2D Geometry and Product Logic The 2D script defines how the object looks and behaves on the plan drawing. Note how the door symbol changes its level of detail according to the scale of the drawing.