RVM (AVEVA Review Model)

GISBox is a one-stop 3D GIS data editing, conversion and publishing platform that supports editing in multiple GIS formats such as OSGB/GEOTIFF/RVT, converting to 3DTiles/Terrain and publishing.

Introduction

RVM is a 3D model data storage format developed by the British company AVEVA for the Plant Design Management System (PDMS). It is mainly used to store 3D model information such as pipelines, equipment, and structures of factory facilities (such as petrochemical plants and power stations). It supports both text (TextRVM) and binary (BinaryRVM) formats, the latter of which is more common and has higher storage efficiency.

Data Format Overview

RVM is the project file format of Revit software (extension .rvt), which is used to store all the element data of the building model, including:

3D geometric model, material parameters, view layout, drawing annotation, etc.
Hierarchical structure management: Category → Family → Type → Instance, supporting parametric design

Pros

Parametric intelligent linkage: When modifying the wall thickness or door and window size, the associated components (beams, columns, etc.) are automatically updated to ensure model consistency and reduce repeated operations.
Real-time high-quality processing: Realize ‌60fps real-time matting‌ on the mobile terminal and support live broadcast applications.
**Text/binary dual mode: **ASCII format is easy to debug, and binary format optimizes the storage of large factory models.
Flexible cross-platform deployment: Supports integration of the NCNN framework on the Android terminal, and combines OpenCV to achieve real-time background replacement.

Cons

Difficulty in lightweighting models: Deleting texture details will cause abnormal model display (such as mosaic), but retaining details will cause rendering jams, which is a dilemma.
High collaboration threshold: Special tools (such as RvmTranslator) are required to convert to CAD format, and it is difficult for non-professional users to edit directly.
Algorithm limitations: Edge flickering or residue is prone to occur under fast motion or complex backgrounds (such as fluttering hair).

Application Scenario

The RVM format is mainly used in digital twin scenarios and for dynamic mirroring of factory equipment in industrial design. It is also used for exporting engineering properties to JSON and real-time cutouts of video streams in automated output scenarios. It is also used for text format debugging models and ONNX/TensorRT deployment in lightweight collaboration scenarios.