Lighting #1 - Inspired Search (14:45)

1. Introduction to Inspired Search

Objective: Understand how Inspired Search aids in lighting takeoff by locating and labeling fixtures and symbols on your project sheets.
Purpose: Enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the takeoff process by utilizing search features and managing labels.

2. Setting Up Inspired Search

Step 1: Upload Project and Sheets
- Ensure your project and all relevant sheets are uploaded into AEC Inspired.
- Navigate to the main interface to access Inspired Search.

3. Using Inspired Search

Step 2: Open Inspired Search
- Locate and click the "Inspired Search" button within the software interface.
- This tool allows you to search for various elements such as fixtures, labels, and symbology.

4. Enhanced Crop vs. Manual Crop

Step 3: Choose Crop Method
- Enhanced Crop: Optimizes for symbol search by identifying and separating symbols.
- Manual Crop: Best for text searches; manually selects pixels to include text labels.
- Example: For a D1 fixture, use manual crop to grab and search the label.

5. Performing a Search

Step 4: Initiate Search
- Manual Crop: Highlight the area containing the label or symbol you wish to search.
- Enhanced Crop: Select symbols directly.
- Enter relevant search terms (e.g., "D1 E" for emergency fixtures).
- Click "Search" to begin the process.

6. Managing and Refining Search Results

Step 5: Review Search Results
- Check Results: Use the preview pane to see where symbols are found.
- QA/QC: Validate search results by zooming in and verifying each symbol.
- Accuracy Levels: Adjust search accuracy if results are too broad or too narrow. Choose from very low, low, medium (default), high, and very high.

7. QA/QC Process

Step 6: Verify Symbols
- Preview Pane: Click on symbol previews to navigate to their locations on the sheet.
- Filter Symbols: Uncheck inaccurate or irrelevant symbols.
- Confidence Indicators: Focus on yellow-marked symbols for lower confidence matches.

8. Handling Missed Symbols

Step 7: Retake Search or Manually Add
- Retake Search: Highlight and re-search missed symbols for better results.
- Manual Addition: Click the plus icon to manually add any symbols the search missed.
- Save Results: Ensure all symbols are correctly identified and counted.

9. Finalizing the Search

Step 8: Save and Place Counters
- Save the completed search results.
- Inspired Search will automatically place counter symbols over each identified fixture or symbol.
- Review the counters to ensure they correctly represent the items found.

10. Next Steps

Step 9: Proceed to Counter Management
- In the next training session, learn how to manage counters, including copying, pasting, and manual placement.
- Prepare for detailed counter management to enhance your lighting takeoff workflow.