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Acoustic Ray Analysis

Create and align heat-map layers

2.2 interface · Open Early Access

Create a heat-map layer, then draw and align a complex assessment surface when needed.

On this page

Create a heat-map layer#

A heat-map layer sets where values are sampled. Create one before running if you want a spatial heat map.

Choose a layer method#

Open Setup → Heat map.
Click Add layer.
Choose Draw outline, Select surface or Use Rooms.

Add layer menu offering Draw outline, Select surface and Use Rooms. — Three ways to define the area a layer covers. Select the image to enlarge it.

Create a simple layer#

Follow the Revit prompt to pick the outline, surface or rooms.
Name the layer and check its position.
Check its level, height, direction and offset against the model.
Check the sample spacing and preparation message.
Click Add layer (or Save changes when editing).

Lecture theatre with translucent assessment layers covering the seating and floor areas. — Layers mark where values will be sampled — they aren’t results yet. Select the image to enlarge it.

A drawn spatial layer preview within a modelled room. — The layer’s extent and position shown in Revit. Select the image to enlarge it.

Review spacing#

Spacing sets how many sample points the layer has. More points don’t by themselves make the prediction more reliable.

Check the saved layer#

The layer is listed and covers the area you want. After running, view it in Experience → Spatial Heat Map.

Draw and align a complex layer#

Draw a shaped or tilted layer, such as one following raked seating.

You’ll need: A suitable Revit view, and the surface you want to assess. If you’re new to this, start with a simple layer.

Draw the outline#

Open Setup → Heat map → Add layer → Draw outline.
Place the outline points in the current view.
Use Undo last point, Continue drawing or Close outline to finish the shape.

Set position and orientation#

Layer editor showing reference level, height, measurement point and outline-editing controls. — Height is measured at the selected point, so equal heights don’t always line up adjoining edges. Select the image to enlarge it.

Choose the Reference Level, height and Measured at point.
Set Direction, and any Tilt or Roll.
Use the model preview to check the layer plane.
To change the shape, click Edit outline or Draw replacement outline.

Layer orientation editor with a minus 10.5 degree tilt and the assessment surface aligned to raked seating. — Here the layer is tilted to follow the seating rake. Select the image to enlarge it.

Review the sample layout#

Sample spacing control and prepared-location message for heat-map layers. — Sample spacing and the preparation message, before saving. Select the image to enlarge it.

Check the sample spacing and which layers it applies to.
Click Save changes or Add layer.

Check the aligned layer#

In the model preview, the layer sits on the surface you meant to assess. Rerun the analysis after changing it.

Continue learning

Review, run and save Acoustic Ray results